Beethoven's Coriolan Overture is based on the tragedy Coriolan by Austrian playwright Heinrich Joseph von Collin, not Shakespeare's dramatization of the same Ancient Roman legend.
Composition History
Beethoven initially intended to dedicate the Eroica Symphony to Napoleon, but in a fit of rage, he scratched Napoleon's name off the frontispiece after Napoleon crowned himself Emperor.
Performer Biography
Ensemble Cristofori, founded by Arthur Schoonderwoerd in 1995, performs on period instruments, exploring repertoire from the 18th to the 21st century.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven was considered the first 'democratic' composer in music history, with his complex, transparent, and innovative voice-leading ensuring all instruments play on an equal level.
Historical Context
The Eroica Symphony was premiered in Prince Lobkowitz's Viennese palace, a private hall of about 115 square meters, typically accommodating only twenty-four musicians and the same number of audience members.
Instruments
In Beethoven's music, the kettledrum (timpani) gains autonomy, becoming a melodic and bass instrument, unlike its earlier role limited to rhythm in military music.
Interpretation
Arthur Schoonderwoerd's interpretation concept for Classical orchestra music uses an unusually small orchestra, with the string section barely larger than a string quartet.
