Video-podcast walking concert || Available early 2021
Our first 2020 Festival Project seeks to reveal the political backdrop to Beethoven’s life, and in particular the heroic acts of the 1st Bashkir Regiment who played such an important role for the liberation of the Netherlands under Napoleonic rule.
At the height of Beethoven’s career, a political storm was unfolding across Europe. In 1813, French Emperor Napoleon launched his ferocious German Campaign in a bid to expand his empire across Europe. As a coalition of Eastern European states was formed, in a little-known town in the middle of the Netherlands a remarkable act of bravery would take place in this battle for freedom. The mighty 1st Regiment of the Bashkirs and their Ship Bridge over the River Ijssel (Veessen, the Netherlands), tells a story of untold ingenuity and strength in the face of Napoleonic adversity.
The German Campaign would eventually lead to the downfall of Napoleon and the First French Empire, and the Bashkier’s Ship Bridge formed an essential part of the colossal effort in the Netherlands.
This fascinating story will be told through a series of talks and concerts, including video-podcasts on location where the Bashkir’s crossed the Ijssel nearly 200 years ago.
In this episode, Irene Kuiper and Marc Krone will set this walking tour in motion with the background to this story: what was happening up to 1813 which led to this miraculous bridge? Who were these Bashkir’s? What has this got to do with the Netherlands and Europe today?
We will also hear powerful music by pianist Kaoru Iwamura and Guy Sonnen to evoke the turbulence of this period in history!
In this episode, Marc and Irene will visit numerous important sites in the village of Wijhe, including the old Windmill, which all played a role in the Bashkir’s journey across the river.
We will also hear from Kaoru Iwamura and Guy Sonnen with more exciting music on instruments of the period!
Cold winds rush over the River IJssel as the Bashkir’s consider how to cross.. In this episode, Marc and Irene will take us through the secrets of Napoleon’s success and we will get up close and personal with a special weapon from the period found on the banks of the river!
With dramatic music from the Hammertime Duo!
Today we are en-route to a rather special tree, the Kozakken Linde and a castle which saw the arrival of the Bashkirs.
With music from the Hammertime Duo!
In this final episode, our dynamic duo, Irene and Marc, will bring us back into the 21st Century and reflect on how this long-lost tale has changed the face of Europe as we know it.
For the musical segment of this episode, we are delighted to share with you a special musical performance courtesy of the Republic of Bashkortostan. This was put together especially for our festival, and the Geelvinck team are sincerely grateful to be able to share this music as part of our Early Piano Festival.
