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.