Beethoven: Symphonies Nos 4 & 5

Featuring

Gianandrea Noseda
National Symphony Orchestra (Washington, D.C.)
Ludwig van Beethoven

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Compositional Technique

In the finale of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, piccolo, contrabassoon, and three trombones join the orchestra for the first time in his symphonies, contributing to an exuberant celebration.

Critical Reception

E.T.A. Hoffmann, a writer and composer, wrote a highly sensitive and insightful review of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony in 1810, recognizing its significance.

Composer Biography

The year 1806 was one of Beethoven's most prolific, during which he completed his three Razumovsky quartets, the Fourth Piano Concerto, the Fourth Symphony, and the Violin Concerto.

Recording & Production

Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 and Symphony No. 5 were recorded live in January 2022 at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Performer Biography

Gianandrea Noseda, the conductor, is the Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra and also serves as General Music Director of the Zurich Opera House.

Compositional Technique

The Fourth Symphony's third movement, though not titled 'scherzo' by Beethoven, expands the standard scherzo form by including a second appearance of the Trio and a third Scherzo statement.

Compositional Technique

Beethoven's Fourth Symphony features a slow introduction to its first movement that begins with a B-flat-major symphony with a slow-moving unison theme in B-flat minor, creating a sense of mystery.