A Study in Contrasts

Beethoven was under the influence of Mozart when he wrote his Piano Concerto No. 4. Strauss wrote his Symphonia domestica while he was under a different sort of influence, namely that of his wife, Pauline. Written at the same time as his Fifth Symphony, Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto is lyrical and elegant while Strauss’s Symphonia domestica provides a light-hearted look at domestic life. You can hear the Cleveland Orchestra perform both pieces tonight at 7 at Severance Hall, in the first of three 2015 “Summers@Severance” concerts. Tickets start at $25. (Niesel)