Classics Explained: BEETHOVEN - Symphony No. 6, 'Pastoral'
An exploration of Beethoven's Symphony no. 6 narrated by Jeremy Siepmann
Jeremy Siepmann (reader)
Downloads
Audio formats guideContents
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 ‘Pastoral' - I. Allegro ma non troppo
- Jeremy Siepmann (reader)
On Beethoven's Openings
Opening phrase of the 'Pastoral': ood, Symbolism and Musical Function
Musical Acorns: the outline of melody; the shape of a question
Beethoven: Second Movement: Scene by the Brook
- Jeremy Siepmann (reader)
General introduction; the birth of a melody
Brook music quickens; syncopated horns; theme changes hands; evocation of birdsong
The 'motto' theme introduced by violins and treated to round-like overlappings
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 ‘Pastoral' - III. Allegro
- Jeremy Siepmann (reader)
Beethoven and the Scherzo: an introduction; Part One of opening phrase taken by the strings
Immediate response; Part One is answered by a march more singing, continuous legato
Entire orchestra gives out opening theme, this time fortissimo and with powerful accents
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 ‘Pastoral' - IV. Allegro (Sturm)
- Jeremy Siepmann (reader)
Unparalled portrait of nature's power over humanity, with some stupendous orchestration
Self-generating form and terror of total unpredictability; 'anxiety motif' from the violins
The 'lashing rain' motif - downward-driving arpeggios from the first violins and violas
Beethoven: Fifth Movement: Shepherd's Song - Happy and Thankful Feelings After the Storm
- Jeremy Siepmann (reader)
'Yodelling' figure from clarinet, then horn, the violins, who introduce the main theme
Details of instrumental magic in the interplay of horns, cellos, clarinets and bassoons
Main theme heard three times in a row - and yet never the same way twice