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Revision as of 09:05, 19 January 2008 by Lawrence H K (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 in B Flat Major, Op. 60, was written in 1806.
Background
Many People thought that the strange number of Beethoven is dignified, even they thought that symphony is peaceful. Most of them are also thought that there have a difference between Symphony No.3 and No.5, but Robert Schumann described Symphony No. 4 as a "slender Greek maiden between two Norse gods", referring to the 3rd and 5th Symphonies, both with towering reputations. The symphony plays the opening by the general most classical symphony foreword, and a subject of characteristic melody which comes in the storm. All music movements are subject the most musical parts, resounding, positive, as well as the majestic sound handles each matter. There also contains strong plays as well as the powerful Beethoven's impact, even have the slow movement. There is the neglect in Beethoven's symphonies like the Symphony No.1.
The work was dedicated to Count Franz von Oppersdorff, a relative of Beethoven's patron, Prince Lichnowsky. The Count met Beethoven when he traveled to Lichnowsky's summer home where Beethoven was staying. Von Oppersdorff listened to Beethoven's Symphony No. 2 in D Major, and liked it so much that he offered a great amount of money for Beethoven to compose a new symphony for him. The dedication was made to "the Silesian nobleman Count Franz von Oppersdorf".
Beethoven thought that there have gifts from Heaven, when he accepted an invitation to stay as a house guest during the summer and autumn months in 1806, at the Prince Lichnowsky's castle and feels the spalatial splendour, the piano, writing desk and quiet room by the Castle. One night, the French General troops (occupying Austria), had been invited to the castle to join Beethoven's piano recital. But Beethoven refused to play as he found there have something impolite on one of the General's aides said, until the Prince himself requested for Beethoven to return in the next day. Another friendlier reception was granted by Count Oppersdorf, which took a liking by Beethoven, not only for the Count clearly admired Beethoven as a composer, but also supporting him to write a new works by offering 350 florins to him.
Beethoven had also decided giving them to the Count as his new work when he almost finished his Symphony No.5. However, he had promised the new symphony is dedicated Prince Lichnowsky solely, and he had played so much of them to the Prince, so he couldn't choose to pass them off anymore. So he put the Symphony No.5 aside and concentrated all his energies on the Symphony No.4, which was given its first performance in Vienna on March 1807.
There have a good reputation which described by Romain Rolland (French Author) -- "His fragrance in the brightest day has preserved in his life".
Instrumentation
The symphony is scored for flute, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets in B flat, 2 bassoons, 2 horns in B flat and E flat, 2 trumpets in B flat and E flat, timpani and strings.
Form
There are four movements:
The work takes about 33 minutes to perform.
1st Movement
Sonata mode, opening theme was lead by strings, while the highest note was made by woodwind, and there have secretly and quiet in the Adagio theme. There have quietly and longest opening tune, then quiet, dim, thoughtful and exploring ideas. There have a rapid change in joyful mood as the allegro part appeared, and a small fancy theme is also take the end in this rhythm movement. The dark mood in this movement didn't alleviated until the music suddenly bursts into vigorous and exuberant life. On the other hand, the striking contrast also appeared from quietly and joyfully.
2nd Movement
3rd Movement
4th Movement
Reception
Although all nine of Beethoven's symphonies are widely performed, the Fourth is less often performed than some of the others.
Performance
The sound files are from a performance by the Skidmore College Orchestra.
Template:Sample box start variation 2
Problems playing this file? See media help.
Template:Sample box start variation 2
Problems playing this file? See media help.
Template:Sample box start variation 2
Problems playing this file? See media help.
Template:Sample box start variation 2
Problems playing this file? See media help.
Notes
- Paul Netl (1976) Beethoven Handbook. New York: Frederick Ungar Publishing Co., p. 262
External links
- Analysis of the Beethoven Symphony No. 4 on the All About Ludwig van Beethoven Page
- Full Score of Beethoven's Fourth Symphony.
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