Five-time Grammy and Oscar winner Jon Batiste returns with a pure piano album, Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1). This album reinterprets the works of Ludwig van Beethoven alongside original compositions inspired by Batiste's youth. He competed in local piano competitions and performances throughout the heart of New Orleans, expanding upon timeless classics across the genre spectrum. It's a way to pay tribute to Beethoven's artistry and bring it to a unique moment in a true creative collaboration with Batiste's artistic work and journey.
"Beethoven was extraordinarily productive and innovative. Hundreds of years later, his music remains profoundly relevant and relatable; many of his greatest works are indispensable, transcending age, race, and era, and tapping into the divine nature of being," says Batiste. "I'm deeply inspired to reimagine his work."
The 11-track collection features arrangements of some of Beethoven's greatest works, including "Für Elise," "Ode to Joy," and "Symphony No. 5," as well as new music composed by Batiste, such as "Dusklight Movement" and "American Symphony Theme."
