Beethoven’s Pastoral

Tonight's Cleveland Orchestra concert that takes place at 7:30 at Severance Hall features two symphonies inspired by the countryside and nature. Beethoven's "Pastoral," features rolling thunder, a lively country dance and the sound of a shepherd's pipes. Scotland's rugged beauty inspired Mendelssohn's "Scottish" symphony, a piece characterized by moody, atmospheric melodies. Herbert Blomsted conducts, and Timothy Cutler, a Cleveland Institute of Music professor of music theory, gives the pre-concert talk an hour before the concert. Performances continue through Saturday. Check the orchestra website for more info. (Niesel)