Beethoven

There's not a ''worst'' Beethoven symphony, you're just proclaiming an oppinion. They are all different, they don't improve - They change as Beethoven experiences various things in life. Sure, some might be grander but there's not a ''bad'' Beethoven symphony. (the only thing that's really bad is the last movement to the ninth... but that's just my oppinion)

EDIT: From a second reading we seem to kind of be in agreement... must stop skimming.. appologies..

If you want to follow along with beethoven's development you should definitely go the 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 way. Just be aware there's a large gap between 8 and 9 - Beethoven wrote ''eight symphonies, and then another one''.

Originally Posted by Anders

6. 03:28 - 1. to 5. repeated

You mean from 2. right? The intro isn't repeated.
Other than that, I got pretty much of this movement down.. So which movement of which symphony should I listen next?

Yeah, sorry. Changed it.

Well, is there anything in particular that interests you? If you'd like something really cool you could try the first movement of the fourth.

I recommend you give a quick listen to the 2nd and 3rd movements of this symphony (the 1st) though, and then check out the fourth movement. It's hillarious. It always makes me laugh.

Originally Posted by Anders

....
(the only thing that's really bad is the last movement to the ninth... but that's just my oppinion)

You are not alone, I usually turn it off before that starts. Nice movement by itself if he cut out all that repetition stuff on the first couple of pages.

If you want to follow along with beethoven's development you should definitely go the 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 way. Just be aware there's a large gap between 8 and 9 - Beethoven wrote ''eight symphonies, and then another one''.

Interesting. I often look at his quartets as early, middle, late and Op. 135 which is a different Beethoven altogether.

I sometimes think that members here who ask "how do you write for strings?" or "where can I learn orchestration" could get decent lessons from Beethoven, studying his scores.

Well, is there anything in particular that interests you? If you'd like something really cool you could try the first movement of the fourth.

Another interesting one. It doesn't confirm the tonic key until someway around bar 40. Worth study - another fine example of how Beethoven pushed the boundaries of the symphony.

I think the thing about the first few symphonies (barring the 3rd) was not that Beethoven was boring; he was just moddeling his symphonies after what was expected. It was the 3rd and 5th that really revolutionized the form of the symphony, and the ones following that are Beethoven continuing to expand into this new form of the symphony.

So, it's not that Beethoven's first symphonies are bad; it is that they are based upon the classical symphony. They are still beethoven, they are simply the products of his first period(s).

Originally Posted by Anders

I recommend you give a quick listen to the 2nd and 3rd movements of this symphony (the 1st) though, .....

Hmm.. How do I know what form they are in?

I'm surprised some of you guys don't like the last movement of the ninth. It sums up the whole symphony! It starts at the very bottom: it is so sad! Despairing, really. Then, gradually, the basses and cellos build up and the rest of the orchestra comes in gradually and wow! Just wow! I also like the way the beginning rejects the other three movements: it's like it's saying, No: this is not the way to lead one's life! We must live in joy and happiness. I admit the movement is a little repetitive but it's brilliant and what he does with the theme is incredible.
I recognize that this movement is the kind of music that you either love or detest. I guess I just love it

..also like the way the beginning rejects the other three movements: it's like it's saying, No: this is not the way to lead one's life! We must live in joy and happiness.

I'm aware of this, and I respect the movement for that - I just thought it was pulled off poorly.

Nigel: I'll get back to you tomorrow.

I spent the entire weekend burrowed in the sheets for Beethoven's 7th symphony. What a fascinating symphony. Might post some notes, an ''analysis'' and perhaps a listening guide later if anyone is interested..

Yes please. I haven't got round to listening to that one yet. I'm up to the sixth.