Conducted by Bernard Haitink, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra performs Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92. Recorded at Royal Concertgebouw, Amsterdam in 2009.
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92, is a work of both rhythmic innovation and emotional depth, widely regarded as one of his most spirited and infectious compositions. Composed between 1811 and 1812, the symphony premiered on December 8, 1813, at a charity concert for soldiers wounded in the Battle of Hanau, with Beethoven himself conducting. The work was received with immediate acclaim, and it continues to be celebrated for its originality and vitality.
One of the most distinctive features of Symphony No. 7 is its use of rhythm. Beethoven employs rhythm not just as a structural element, but as a driving force that imparts a unique energy to the piece. This focus on rhythm gives the symphony a dance-like quality, with some commentators referring to it as the “apotheosis of the dance.” This rhythmic vitality is evident throughout the work, contributing to its dynamic and exhilarating character.
In terms of its emotional landscape, the Seventh Symphony is notable for its optimistic and jubilant tone. This is particularly remarkable given the personal challenges Beethoven faced at the time, including his increasing deafness and the turbulent political situation in Europe. Despite these challenges, the symphony radiates a sense of triumph and joy, suggesting an almost defiant response to adversity.
The symphony was innovative not only in its rhythmic complexity but also in its harmonic and structural innovations. Beethoven explores a wide range of keys and modulations, and he plays with traditional symphonic forms, creating a work that is both cohesive and surprising. The orchestration is rich and varied, with particularly effective use of woodwinds and brass, adding color and depth to the overall sound.
Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony has had a lasting impact on the symphonic genre. It expanded the possibilities of orchestral expression and influenced the work of subsequent composers. It remains a staple of the orchestral repertoire, beloved by audiences for its exuberance and its ability to capture the range of human emotion.
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 stands as a testament to his genius, a work that combines rhythmic brilliance with emotional depth and represents a high point in the composer’s artistic output. Its enduring popularity is a tribute to its power to move and inspire listeners more than two centuries after its creation.
Movements
With start times in the video:
- (00:35) Poco sostenuto – Vivace
- (14:46) Allegretto
- (22:46) Presto
- (32:08) Allegro con brio
1. Poco sostenuto – Vivace
The first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, marked as “Poco sostenuto – Vivace,” is a remarkable example of his innovative approach to musical composition and sets the tone for the entire symphony.
Beginning with the Poco sostenuto section, the movement opens with a lengthy and grand introduction. This part is somewhat atypical for the classical symphony, where introductions, if present, are usually shorter. Beethoven’s introduction here is expansive and sets a majestic tone, featuring a rich orchestration and a slow build-up of harmonic tension. It’s characterized by a sense of anticipation, as it gradually leads into the main body of the movement.
Transitioning into the Vivace, the music suddenly bursts into life with a spirited and energetic theme. This section is marked by a rhythmic vitality that is a defining characteristic of the entire symphony. The rhythm is infectious and propulsive, creating a sense of forward momentum that is both exhilarating and dynamic. The Vivace is structured in a sonata form, a common structure in the first movements of symphonies, but Beethoven infuses it with his unique touch, making it fresh and original.
In this part of the movement, the themes are developed with Beethoven’s characteristic mastery, displaying contrasts in dynamics, texture, and mood. The orchestration is brilliant, making full use of the orchestra’s range, with particularly effective interplay between the strings and woodwinds. The development section of the sonata form is particularly intense, as Beethoven explores and manipulates his themes, building up to a powerful climax.
The movement concludes with a recapitulation, where the main themes are revisited and developed further, and a coda that brings the movement to a rousing and satisfying close. The energy and rhythmic drive of the Vivace section is maintained throughout, making the first movement of Symphony No. 7 a compelling and exhilarating experience.
2. Allegretto
The second movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, marked “Allegretto,” is often hailed as one of the composer’s most profound and moving pieces of music. Distinct from the exuberant and rhythmic first movement, the Allegretto offers a contrast with its more somber and reflective character.
This movement is structured in a simple A-B-A-C-A form, a modified version of the ternary form. It opens with a memorable and haunting theme played by the lower strings. This theme is both melancholic and rhythmic, characterized by a repeated ostinato pattern that provides a steady, pulsating heartbeat throughout the movement. The motif is immediately engaging, with a rhythmic precision that creates a sense of solemn procession.
As the movement progresses, this theme is passed around and developed by different sections of the orchestra. The woodwinds, brass, and strings each add their own color and emotion to the theme, creating a rich tapestry of sound. Beethoven’s genius in orchestration is evident here, as he layers and juxtaposes different instrumental timbres to create depth and complexity.
The middle sections (B and C) offer contrast to the main theme. The first of these introduces a more lyrical and flowing melody, providing a brief respite from the rhythmic intensity of the main theme. The second contrasting section further develops this lyrical quality, adding a sense of yearning and perhaps a glimpse of hope.
Despite these moments of contrast, the movement consistently returns to the main theme, a reminder of the underlying solemnity. The final return to the Allegretto theme is particularly powerful, bringing the movement to a close with a sense of inevitable resolution.
The emotional impact of the second movement is profound. It is often interpreted as a reflection of Beethoven’s inner struggles, particularly his battle with deafness and his feelings of isolation. The movement has been used in various cultural contexts to evoke a sense of solemnity and introspection, making it one of Beethoven’s most recognized and revered creations.
3. Presto
The third movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 is marked “Presto” and presents a lively and spirited contrast to the introspective second movement. This movement is a scherzo and trio, a form that Beethoven often favored over the traditional minuet and trio used by his predecessors, such as Haydn and Mozart.
In the scherzo section, Beethoven unleashes a burst of energy with a rapid, rhythmic motif that dominates the movement. The music is vigorous and playful, characterized by a fast tempo and dynamic contrasts. The scherzo section is structured in a robust and straightforward manner, with a repeat of the main section, creating a sense of familiarity and rhythmical drive.
The trio section provides a contrast to the scherzo’s relentless energy. It is more lyrical and melodic, offering a moment of respite. However, the underlying sense of movement and energy is still present. Beethoven’s use of winds in the trio adds a different color and texture to the music, creating a pleasant interlude before the return of the scherzo.
After the trio, the scherzo returns, often performed with even more vigor and excitement the second time around. This recapitulation of the scherzo section is a typical feature of the scherzo and trio form, and Beethoven executes it with great effectiveness, bringing back the spirited theme with renewed energy.
The movement concludes with a coda that reinforces the scherzo’s rhythmic themes, bringing the movement to a dynamic and exhilarating close. This coda ensures that the movement ends with the same high energy with which it began.
![Beethoven Symphony No. 7 [Peter Tiboris, Pan-European Philharmonia]](https://cdn-0.andantemoderato.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Beethoven-Symphony-No-7-Peter-Tiboris-Pan-European-Philharmonia-1024x576.jpg)
4. Allegro con brio
The fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 is a triumphant and exhilarating finale to the symphony. Marked “Allegro con brio,” this movement encapsulates the energetic and rhythmic essence that pervades the entire symphony, culminating in a vibrant and jubilant conclusion.
The movement opens with a bold and energetic theme, characterized by its driving rhythm and forceful dynamics. This theme sets the stage for a movement that is full of life and vigor. The orchestration is robust, with the full orchestra engaged in delivering a powerful musical message. Beethoven’s mastery in developing and varying themes is on full display here, as he takes the initial motif and weaves it into an intricate and dynamic tapestry of sound.
Structurally, the movement is in sonata form, a common structure for final movements in symphonies. This form allows Beethoven to explore and develop his themes through contrasting sections, including a development section where he manipulates and transforms the musical material, adding depth and complexity to the movement.
One of the most striking aspects of this movement is its rhythmic drive. The relentless pulse and energetic motifs create a sense of unstoppable momentum, propelling the music forward with great force. This rhythmic vitality is a key feature of the entire symphony and is brought to a climactic expression in this final movement.
As the movement progresses, the music builds in intensity, leading to a thrilling and triumphant conclusion. The final coda is particularly powerful, with the orchestra delivering a full, rich sound that brings the symphony to a resounding and satisfying close.
Sources
- Symphony No. 7 (Beethoven) on Wikipedia
- Symphony No.7, Op.92 (Beethoven, Ludwig van) on the International Music Score Library Project website
