ALL BEETHOVEN SYMPHONIES
Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony № 7 in A major, op. 92 (1811-1812)
1. Poco sostenuto - Vivace
2. Allegretto
3. Presto
4. Allegro con brio
The symphony is dedicated to Count Moritz von Fries, a philanthropist from Vienna, in whose place Beethoven used to play as a pianist. It was premiered on 8 December 1813, Beethoven conducting himself. This relatively small symphony, now so popular with the audience, being transparent, bright and light-hearted, met with misapprehension of Beethoven’s contemporaries. M. Glinka though considered it “inconceivably beautiful”, and the best researcher of Beethoven’s creative work – Romain Rolland – said that “Symphony in A major is pure candour, liberty, and might. It is an insane wastefulness of the mighty and inhumane powers – a wastefulness without any intent, but for the sake of joy – a joy of the outgoing river that burst its banks, washing all over”.
Symphony No. 8 in F Major, op. 93 (1811-1812)
1. Allegro vivace e con brio
2. Allegretto scherzando
3. Tempo di Menuetto
4. Allegro vivace
In comparison with the Seventh symphony, this one is more classical in its form and spirit. It is filled with humour and dance rhythms, and directly echoes with Beethoven’s teacher, kind “Papa Haydn”. Completed in October 1812, it had its first performance in Vienna in the concert at the “academy” on 27 February 1814, and instantly gained recognition.
Ernst Theis Conductor (Austria)
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