Jon Batiste Releases New Single “5th Symphony in Congo Square”

Later this month, Jon Batiste will release a new album of solo piano compositions, Beethoven Blues, via Verve/Interscope. The Grammy and Oscar-winning musician’s new single, “5th Symphony in Congo Square,” is out today, and it’s another instance of Batiste’s mission to inject Beethoven’s long-cherished work with the timeless energy and influence of the blues. According to a press release, “5th Symphony in Congo Square” “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 New Orleans.”

“5th Symphony in Congo Square” follows Jon Batiste’s previous single, Beethoven’s Bagatelle No. 24 in “Für Elise-Batiste,” which he debuted in 2023 during a CNN interview with Chris Wallace. Beethoven Blues marks Batiste’s first classical and blues record, a product of his “Perspectives” series curation at Carnegie Hall in 2021-22, a multi-concert event capped by the world premiere of American Symphony.

Read our interview with Batiste from 2023 here and listen to “5th Symphony in Congo Square” below.

Keep scrolling for more great stories.