Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony #5

[elleng]

https://weta.org/listen-live

[sdfernando]

1. Yes, one of my favorites.

I remember back during one of my high school music appreciation classes. We had recently listened to the 1st movement and were having a discussion on motifs. Well several days later we had a pop quiz and the teacher played the opening few minutes of the 3rd movement and asked what symphony it was from (this was before most of us had much exposure to classical music). I got the answer correct because I had made the motif connection, it didn't necessarily have to do with notes...a motif can be a rhythm as well. The 5 notes at the beginning of the 1st movement match the rhythm of the 5 notes played by the horns about 20 seconds in.

I've always liked the 3rd movement since that class.

[elleng]

2. A great anecdote!

Tho a good school and education, I don't think we had a 'music education' course; did have Choraleers, tho, so got Messiah!

[longship]

3. Listen to this one. Fritz Reiner and Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Recording is from the golden era of RCA recordings, 1959.

Note especially Reiner's pregnant pauses in the first movement.

I love this performance. It's very special.

The ending takes ones breath away.

[longship]

4. Peter Schickele: New Horizons in Music Appreciation! Hilarious!

A sports play-by-play account on Beethoven Symphony no 5, 1st movement.

I haven't heard this one in years. I once heard it performed live with Schickele doing the play-by-play, a local sports announcer doing color commentary, and the Detroit SO when I was attending Oakland University decades ago. It was at the Meadowbrook Music Festival, which is held on the Oakland campus. My fellow physics students, and a couple of professors were sitting on the lawn, drinking wine and eating baguettes. It was nice.

Meadowbrook Music Festival:

The best seats are at the front of the lawn.

[elleng]

5. He's a RIOT!