The renowned period ensemble Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin and concert master Bernhard Forck pair Beethoven’s beloved Pastoral Symphony with an intriguing counterpart. Justin Heinrich Knecht’s “Portrait musical de la nature” precedes Beethoven’s symphony by 23 years, yet is another symphonic attempt to depict nature. This is the first time these two works have been recorded together.
Featuring
Bernhard Forck
Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin
Justin Heinrich Knecht
Ludwig van Beethoven
Did you know?
1/7
Historical Context
In the 18th century, orchestras typically did not have a dedicated conductor; performances were led by the first violinist or from the harpsichord, sometimes both.
Composition History
Justin Heinrich Knecht's 'Le Portrait musical de la Nature' was a novelty in the 1780s for its detailed programmatic content spanning an entire 'Grande Symphonie'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven's 'Pastoral' Symphony aimed for 'expression of feeling rather than painting', distinguishing it from a purely imitative aesthetic.
Interpretation
The performers on this album arranged the orchestra with upper strings on the left and winds on the right, with cellos and violas in the center, to optimize communication and achieve a chamber music-like ideal.
Composition History
Beethoven's Fifth and Sixth Symphonies, both completed in 1807/08, were premiered together on December 22, 1808.
Interpretation
The Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin chose a reduced string section size for this recording, based on historical documents and the acoustics of smaller Viennese concert halls from Beethoven's time.
Composer Biography
Justin Heinrich Knecht, born almost two decades before Beethoven, spent most of his life in Biberach and was encouraged by the poet Christoph Martin Wieland.
You might also enjoy...
Spohr: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 9
Méhul : Symphonies Nos 1 & 2
Spohr: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 9 "The Seasons"
Romberg, B.H.: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3 / Trauer-Symphonie
