b'Program NotescontinuedFrom the composer:Using the beautifully fluid harmonic structure of the second movement of Beethovens 7th symphony, I have composed musical gestures that are representative of the unpredictable ways of fate. Jolting stabs, coupled with an agitated groove with every persona. Frenzied arpeggios in the strings that morph into an ambiguous cloud of free-flowing running passages depict the uncertainty of life that hovers over us.We know that Beethoven strived to overcome many obstacles in his life and documented his aspirations to prevail, despite his ailments. Whatever the specific reason for including this particularly profound passage from the Iliad, in the end, it seems that Beethoven relinquished to fate. Fate now conquers.Instrumentationtwo flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, and strings Duration5 minutesJohannes Brahms (1833-1897) Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 83Composed 1878-81Robert Schumann\'s endorsement of the young Johannes Brahms as Beethoven\'s heir was a double-edged sword. Brahms was greatly intimidated by the expectation to create new works worthy of Beethoven\'s legacy, despite the fact that he was considered the savior of German music. Brahms was in his forties before he was able to finish a symphony "after Beethoven," as he phrased it, and even then, he was concerned that it would not be good enough. In the interim, however, he had created a number of other orchestral works, many of which were symphonic in design if not in name, and many of which were unquestionably popular.'