My recommendation for today is to ask my readers to check out a video of Herbert Von Karajan conducting the Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 In F Major 'Pastoral'. This video is posted on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZGb-Kjy0S0
For the benefit of my readers, here's to point to you to this URL: http://www.kingsbarn.freeserve.co.uk/symphonies.html which offers notes on Beethoven's Symphony No.6 in F major, op.68 "Pastoral", reviewed by Rodney Corkin. And quoting some passages from this page on this symphony for your convenience:
The 'Storm' (Allegro) serves as a link between the third and fifth movements, and could be seen as a more substantial equivalent of the transition link between the third and fourth movement of the C minor Symphony. Here the influence once again of French music is apparent and the piece has been compared to the storm in Cherubini's opera 'Eliza'. In addition to the thunder and rain, lightning is provided by sharp attacks on the timpani. Here a piccolo and two trombones are heard for the first time. Eventually the storm abates as the bass rumble dies away and the 'raindrop' minims are replaced by heavenly quavers that announce the return of tranquility and sunlight, a time for thanksgiving...
The finale (Allegretto) is entitled 'Shepherds song - joyful thanksgiving after the storm.' It is a radiant sonata-rondo whose theme is introduced by the French horn. The rondo eventually comes to a climax in the coda, though the true emotional climax occurs in the closing bars, with the hushed transformation of the rondo theme and the distant horns echo the opening theme once more before the movement ends simply, and humbly, with two short chords.
If you should like it, you may wish to listen to it live, tomorrow. Yours truly will be playing the 4th and 5th movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 on the double bass.
Here are the details:
Sturm und Drum
Date: 16 Mar 2007 (Fri)
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Venue: University Cultural Centre Hall, NUS
Ticket Price: $11 each (including $1 Sistic Booking Fee)
In attempts to better appreciate the complete Sixth Symphony, I have been listen to at least two different versions of Beethoven's Sixth Symphony this morning. I would have liked to perform the complete version of the symphony, but well, I shall respect the final decision that has been made with regards to the concert programme. Whatever it is, it has always been a pleasure to play Beethoven's symphonies, even though some of his symphonies proved to be very demanding to play.
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References:
http://www.kingsbarn.freeserve.co.uk/
Also read:
http://www.karajan.co.uk/
The challenging passages
The joy of music making
Come hear us: Sturm und Drum
1 comment:
wish I can go :(
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