Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 4 / Overture to Egmont

Featuring

Kazimierz Kord
Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra
Ludwig van Beethoven

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Composer Biography

Beethoven was a fervent admirer of the German Romantic poet Goethe and actively sought his friendship, willingly composing music for Goethe's 'Egmont'.

Historical Context

Beethoven's First Symphony was composed during a time when Austria was at war with France, and Vienna craved entertainment despite hardships like soaring prices and food shortages.

Composition History

Beethoven's First Symphony was influenced by Joseph Haydn's new 'London' symphonies, which Haydn brought back from London in 1795.

Composition History

Beethoven's Fourth Symphony was composed in 1806, interrupting his work on the C minor symphony that would later become his Fifth Symphony.

Performer Biography

The Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra has undertaken over 100 tours across five continents, performing in major concert halls worldwide.

Critical Reception

The premiere of Beethoven's First Symphony was criticized for its 'excessive use of wind instruments' and poor orchestral playing, but was still considered 'the most interesting for some time'.

Performer Biography

Kazimierz Kord, the conductor on this album, was the youngest musician in the world to become the Director and conductor of an Opera House in 1962, at the Cracow Musical Theatre.