“Detroit Symphony Orchestra Music Director Jader Bignamini returns from Italy to conduct a program on Friday that will highlight works by Jessie Montgomery and Richard Strauss, and feature Beethoven’s Third Symphony,” writes Michael Hodges in Wednesday’s (12/9) Detroit News. “Q: You’ve been back home in Italy since September. When did you return to Detroit? Bignamini: I arrived back here two weeks ago. Q: Did you have to quarantine? Bignamini: Yes. It was probably my fourth or fifth quarantine. Q: Initially plans for Friday’s concert were to perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, not the Third. Why the switch? Bignamini: I suggested the Third because I think it’s perfect for this time. It’s a strong piece with a lot of power, and the light inside this piece communicates freedom and love for life. It’s a symphony full of very positive energy, and I think we need this…. And we have to point out that it was Beethoven’s favorite symphony…. Before Beethoven’s Third, the function of music was just entertainment… But with the Third that changes. This symphony’s music wasn’t entertainment but communication for large audiences. Beethoven, I think, with this symphony started a new musical language.”
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