Jon Batiste today released “5th Symphony in Congo Square”, the second single from his forthcoming studio album, Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1), due November 15th via Verve Records / Interscope. Following the release of lead single “Für Elise-Batiste”, the new track continues to showcase Batiste’s unique approach to blending Beethoven’s classical compositions with the spirit of the blues to produce a sound that’s at once familiar and innovative.
As with the other tracks on the album, “5th Symphony in Congo Square” offers a reimagining of Ludwig van Beethoven‘s work that’s steeped in the spirit and creativity of New Orleans, where Batiste cut his teeth as a young player. The latest single is part of a broader musical journey that honors Beethoven’s artistry while also drawing inspiration from Batiste’s own classical roots and the rich musical heritage of Congo Square, a historic meeting place of African, Caribbean, and European music traditions in the city.
The release of “5th Symphony in Congo Square” follows the overwhelming response to Batiste’s reinterpretation of Beethoven’s Bagatelle No. 25 in “Für Elise-Batiste”. First demonstrated during a 2023 interview with CNN’s Chris Wallace, which has since garnered more than 20 million views. The profound response from fans laid the groundwork for Beethoven Blues, Batiste’s first full-length exploration of the intersection between classical and blues music.
Born into a long line of Louisiana musicians, Batiste trained as a classical pianist and received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano from New York’s Juilliard School. He now works with students and faculty as an inaugural Juilliard Creative Associate, as well as serving on the Juilliard board. Additionally, Batiste is on the Board of Trustees at Carnegie Hall as an Artist Trustee.
He returned to his classical roots in the 2021-22 season when he curated a multi-concert “Perspectives” series at New York’s Carnegie Hall. This was crowned by the world premiere of his “American Symphony” (2022), a Carnegie Hall commission, on the venue’s main stage. A critically acclaimed documentary of the same name chronicling Batiste’s life during his composition of “American Symphony” was released on Netflix in 2023.
Beethoven Blues follows the success of Batiste’s two most recent studio albums, 2021’s Album of the Year Grammy-winning WE ARE and 2023’s Album of the Year Grammy-nominated World Music Radio, both of which showcase the breadth of his musicianship. Most recently, Jon Batiste contributed the innovative score for Jason Reitman’s film Saturday Night, which depicts the chaotic 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live in 1975. Batiste composed and produced the music live on the soundstage in front of the cast and crew to capture the intensity and unpredictability of the iconic show’s debut episode.
Below, watch the official music videos for “Für Elise – Batiste” and “5th Symphony In Congo Square” from the forthcoming Jon Batiste album, Beethoven Blues. Pre-save or pre-order Beethoven Blues by Jon Batiste on the platform of your choice here.
Jon Batiste – “5th Symphony In Congo Square” (Official Music Video)
Jon Batiste – “Für Elise – Batiste” (Official Music Video)
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