Both Beethoven symphonies on this album were recorded live in January 2022 at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven's Third Symphony, 'Eroica', represents a 'quantum leap' in music history, revolutionizing musical technique and expression by conveying the idea of struggle with unprecedented intensity.
Composer Biography
Count Waldstein, a patron of Beethoven, was the first person to mention Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven in the same breath, prophesying Beethoven would receive 'Mozart's spirit from Haydn's hands'.
Compositional Technique
In his First Symphony, Beethoven's originality is evident from the very first chord, which destabilizes the home key instead of establishing it, setting the stage for musical surprises.
Composition History
Beethoven's First Symphony was premiered on April 2, 1800, on a program that also featured works by Haydn and Mozart, marking the first time these three composers appeared together on a concert bill.
Composition History
Beethoven initially planned to dedicate his Third Symphony, 'Eroica', to Napoleon Bonaparte but tore up the title page in a rage when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor, feeling the revolution had been betrayed.
Compositional Technique
The third movement of Beethoven's First Symphony, though titled 'Menuetto', is too fast to be a dance and functions more like a 'Scherzo' (joke), featuring witty, humorous, and surprising musical gestures.
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Beethoven: Symphony No. 1 in C major, op21; Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major. op. 55 "Eroica"
Simon Rattle in Verbier
Weyse: Symphonies Nos. 6 and 7
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 5
Beethoven : Symphonies 1 & 3
Beethoven Symphonies 1, 2 & 3 'Eroica'
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-3 (Arr. by Ries & Ebers)
