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Beethoven symphonies: no composer revolutionised the symphony like Beethoven. Here's a guide to his nine symphonies and their best recordings.
- Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21
- Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36
- Symphony No. 3 in Eb Major, Op. 55 – “Eroica”
- Symphony No. 4 in Bb Major, Op. 60
- Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 – The Fate Symphony
- Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 – The Pastoral Symphony
- Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92
- Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93
- Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 – The Choral Symphony
- Conclusion
First performed in the spring of 1800, this symphony is very classical in style, similar to works by Haydn or Mozart. The first movement starts with a subtle joke, leading the audience through a series of chords that stray from the key before bringing the listener to a lush, playful Adagio molto and a vibrant and exciting Allegro con brio. Andante,...
Premiered in 1803, this symphony exhibits Beethoven’s early Romantic innovations, though it largely adheres to classical style. The first movement, Adagio molto- Allegro con brio, has a dramatically alluring introduction that leads into a bombastic Allegro con brio. The second movement, Larghetto, follows a classical structure, featuring warm, lush...
A pillar of symphonic literature, Beethoven’s Third Symphony marks the beginning of Beethoven’s middle period, and the development of his romantic style. Originally, Beethoven dedicated the symphony to Napoleon Bonaparte, believing the leader to be a force of democracy in France. Once Napoleon declared himself Emperor of France, Beethoven retitled ...
Premiered in 1807, Beethoven’s Fourth symphony is a cheerful throwback to the classical era. The first movement consists of two parts: a slow and mysterious Adagio introduction, and a joyful Allegro Vivacethat sends the orchestra flying. Another Adagio, the second movement is a slow, tranquil rondo which harkens back to a simpler time. Beethoven th...
One of the most iconic pieces of Classical Music, Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, first performed in 1808, is a testament to the composer’s genius. The first movement, Allegro con brio, begins with four of the most recognized notes in all of music. The movement as a whole sticks to a traditional, classical sonata form, with a structure that centers on th...
Unlike Beethoven’s other Symphonies, the Sixth, which premiered in 1808, is an exploration of programmatic music; throughout the piece, the composer creates musical images depicting the countryside. Beginning with a peaceful Allegro ma non-troppo, Beethoven invites the listener on a walk through the countryside with an air of excitement. The second...
Beethoven composed his Seventh Symphony while resting at a spa town from 1811-1812. The piece begins with a Poco sostenuto introduction characterized by ascending scales and prominent staccato chords, before transitioning into a rapid and playful Vivacereminiscent of folk dances. The second movement, Allegrettois likely the most memorable movement ...
A rather cheerful piece, the Eighth Symphony was premiered in 1814, only four months into its composition. The first movement, Allegro Vivace e con brio, uses a typical sonata form, and sounds more classical than his other compositions of this era. Imitating a metronome, the second movement, Allegretto scherzando, has a staccato texture that ticks ...
Possibly Beethoven’s greatest composition, this piece has captivated both audiences and musicians alike. The symphony, premiered in Berlin in 1824, was the first symphony to use voices, and inspired generations of composers to challenge the symphonic form. The first movement, Allegro ma non troppo, in poco maestoso, begins dramatically with huge co...
Anyway, that’s it for our quick guide through the 9 Beethoven symphonies, we hope it helps and helps you listen to them knowing a bit more about each one. Each of these symphonies gleams with their own unique power and charm, testaments to Beethoven’s compositional genius. Listen through and see which symphony captivates, awes or inspires you!
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- Haydn—Beethoven’s mentor—thought the younger composer had a bit of an attitude, notoriously referring to his student as “the grand mogul” or “big shot.”
- The Haydn–Mozart–Beethoven connection climaxes in the Symphony No. 2. While the early masters codified the four-movement Classical symphony, Beethoven expanded their visions in this work.
- “Eroica” Beethoven admired Napoleon and dedicated his Symphony No. 3 to the French general. However, he furiously withdrew his dedication when Napoleon declared himself emperor, violently scratching Napoleon’s name from the dedication page with such vigor that he tore through the paper.
- Explore the nine symphonies and you’ll hear that the odd-numbered works are tempestuous while the even-numbered ones are more sedate. Consider Symphony No. 4.
The Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, is a choral symphony, the final complete symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven, composed between 1822 and 1824. It was first performed in Vienna on 7 May 1824.
- 1822–1824
- Four
- German
We choose the very best sets of Beethoven symphonies. Discover the wonderful world of classical music, its composers, performers and more, with BBC Music
Jan 6, 2022 · Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is generally famed for its opening motif, which many have come to refer to as ‘fate knocking at the door’. It begins with an overarching theme of the inevitability of loss in life. At the time of its composition, Beethoven had come to accept his hearing impairment.
