Each Beethoven symphony has innovations that changed the course of symphonic music. In his fifth symphony Beethoven took the idea of developing a simple musical idea or motif to a whole new level. The entire symphony is filled with variations of those famous first four notes. Never before has so much fantastic music come from such simple material! |
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But perhaps the most astonishing innovation is the transition from the third to the fourth movement. When the heroic sounds of the last movement exploded from the rumblings of the end of the third, the audiences of Beethoven’s day must have been shocked! The opening chords add three trombones, a contrabassoon and piccolo to the orchestra. These five players have been quietly waiting for this moment to make their first appearance. Listen for this. It’s one of my favorite moments in all the Beethoven symphonies.
Beethoven’s Fifth was premiered 200 years ago. That concert also included the premiere of his fourth piano concerto (Beethoven was the soloist) and the sixth symphony. Concerts were much longer back then! They had only one rehearsal, and the hall was unheated. I’m so grateful concert conditions have improved since Beethoven’s time. We need a week of rehearsals to bring you a performance we’re proud to present!
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