Igor Levit

It was a fateful encounter when Igor Levit heard the piano cycle "The People United Will Never Be Defeated" for the first time as a student. Frederic Rzewski had composed the work for the pianist Ursula Oppens in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. To this day, these variations have a special place in Levit's repertoire - just like another Mount Everest of piano literature, the 32 Beethoven piano sonatas. As a grandiose entrée, the "Appassionata" paves the way for Rzewski's cycle, which, on the occasion of this year's 250th anniversary of the USA, may once again inspire us to reflect on what freedom and independence mean to us today.

The concert is part of the USA Day, with which the Heidelberger Frühling, together with the German-American Institute Heidelberg, which will be celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2026, is taking a reflective look at the United States - on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of its founding. Anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. Under the title "The Other 50 %", words and sounds complement each other in an exciting reflection on the ideals and realities of a country whose politics and culture have always been an indispensable point of reference since 1945, especially when viewed from Germany.

At Musical Sunday on March 22, music enthusiasts Marcus Imbsweiler and Timo Jouko Herrmann will take the audience on a profound and lively journey through Rzewski's work "The People United Will Never Be Defeated" and its history - with audio samples and a look at the musical text.

Also bookable in the USA Pass (valid for all four events on this day)