Beethoven Symphony 5

Beethoven's Symphony 5 was premiered in 1808 at one of the most infamous concerts in music history. The event took place at the Theatre an der Wien, in Vienna. During the four hour concert, Beethoven premiered his 5th and 6th Symphonies, the 4th Piano Concerto, and the Choral Fantasy among other works. The  symphony was dedicated to both Prince Lobkowitz and Count Rasumovsky, two of Beethoven's most loyal patrons.

THE FOUR NOTE MOTIVE FROM BEETHOVEN'S 5th SYMPHONY

The 5th symphony of Beethoven is the most recognized and performed work in the symphonic repertoire, and marks Beethoven's final assault on the tenants of classicism. The four note idea that begins the symphony is transformed and developed throughout all four movements. The struggle between darkness and light is represented by the tussle between the keys of C minor and C Major.

Beethoven's 5th symphony is also the first symphonic work to include the use of trombones (which appear in the 4th movement) as well as the linking of two movements with a transition (movements 3 and 4).


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