Amazing pieces of classical music - 28
Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: II. Allegretto performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Sir Thomas Beecham in 1959. It's a symphony in four movements composed by Beethoven between 1811 and 1812, whilst Napoleon was still planning his ill-faited invasion of Russia, and Beethoven himself was improving his health in the Bohemian spa town of Teplitz. He went there basically for the happier social scene and as a temporal retreat from big city life that was wearing him down.
At its premiere in Vienna on 8th December 1813, Beethoven not only remarked that his Symphony No. 7 was one of his best works but also that it was dedicated to all that were sacrificing so much because of pure patriotism. Especially the second movement, the Allegretto, was so popular at the time that audiences demanded an encore. Its vibrant and joyous character was indeed a stark contrast to the somber times, making it an uplifting and irresistible creation for its era. One could make the parallel with the times and events that we live today. Personally, I always thought of this piece as sounding quite like what the heart of Western Civilization would sound like.
Sir Thomas Beecham's Beethoven Symphony No. 7 is celebrated for its exhilarating energy, rhythmic vitality, and exceptional orchestral solos, particularly the horns, though some of his recordings may suffer from uneven balance and a less-than-robust sonic foundation compared to other conductors of his era. It's ideal, however, for those seeking a lively, less traditional performance that prioritizes musical theatricality and wit. In fact, Beecham himself betrayed the sheer joy that he experienced when conducting this absolute masterpiece.
Critics agree that this is Beethoven's greatest (and most difficult to perform) symphony and Beecham was definitely of the same opinion, but his version, taped at Abbey Road Studios, London between April and July 1959, has such a wide dynamic range that it gives the piece a breadth of majestic nobility. The reading is brisk and luminous, but when required, Beecham can also highlight passages of great grip and power. "It's like a lot of yaks jumping around!" was Beecham's own final judgement of conducting the piece. What has always been the case of the leaders in charge of our own nations too
[media=https://youtu.be/NbWAKc0VJEU]
At its premiere in Vienna on 8th December 1813, Beethoven not only remarked that his Symphony No. 7 was one of his best works but also that it was dedicated to all that were sacrificing so much because of pure patriotism. Especially the second movement, the Allegretto, was so popular at the time that audiences demanded an encore. Its vibrant and joyous character was indeed a stark contrast to the somber times, making it an uplifting and irresistible creation for its era. One could make the parallel with the times and events that we live today. Personally, I always thought of this piece as sounding quite like what the heart of Western Civilization would sound like.
Sir Thomas Beecham's Beethoven Symphony No. 7 is celebrated for its exhilarating energy, rhythmic vitality, and exceptional orchestral solos, particularly the horns, though some of his recordings may suffer from uneven balance and a less-than-robust sonic foundation compared to other conductors of his era. It's ideal, however, for those seeking a lively, less traditional performance that prioritizes musical theatricality and wit. In fact, Beecham himself betrayed the sheer joy that he experienced when conducting this absolute masterpiece.
Critics agree that this is Beethoven's greatest (and most difficult to perform) symphony and Beecham was definitely of the same opinion, but his version, taped at Abbey Road Studios, London between April and July 1959, has such a wide dynamic range that it gives the piece a breadth of majestic nobility. The reading is brisk and luminous, but when required, Beecham can also highlight passages of great grip and power. "It's like a lot of yaks jumping around!" was Beecham's own final judgement of conducting the piece. What has always been the case of the leaders in charge of our own nations too
[media=https://youtu.be/NbWAKc0VJEU]
