Favorite Beethoven Symphony

[Brahmsian]

Still makes no sense.....Do you mean overplayed/overused?

Taken as a whole, the Fifth is a brilliant work.

I agree.  The first movement overly played on 'best of' or pops classical stations, while ignoring the astonishing greatness of the other 3 movements.  As a whole complete work, the 5th is indeed a marvelous, incredible work!

[kyjo]

I agree.  The first movement overly played on 'best of' or pops classical stations, while ignoring the astonishing greatness of the other 3 movements.  As a whole complete work, the 5th is indeed a marvelous, incredible work!

Lest there be any notion that I was undermining the greatness and brilliance of the Fifth, let me make it clear that I was not doing so! An astonishing work to be sure.

[PaulR]

I agree.  The first movement overly played on 'best of' or pops classical stations, while ignoring the astonishing greatness of the other 3 movements.  As a whole complete work, the 5th is indeed a marvelous, incredible work!

It's a brilliant work, because it was one of the first (if not the first) where each movement relates to each other.  Not only signified by the use of the 'fate' motive, but also the "attaca" between the 3rd and 4th movements.

[Mirror Image]

Yeah, there's a good chance that no. 7 would be your favorite of the cycle.

P.S. I was gonna change my avatar anyway!

Well, that will be the first Beethoven work I listen to next. I don't believe you about the avatar, I think you're just an opportunist.

[kyjo]

Well, that will be the first Beethoven work I listen to next. I don't believe you about the avatar, I think you're just an opportunist.

No, you're just a great inspiration!

[Brian]

It's a brilliant work, because it was one of the first (if not the first) where each movement relates to each other.  Not only signified by the use of the 'fate' motive, but also the "attaca" between the 3rd and 4th movements.

All these years later, I can't think of a more perfect symphony.

[Mirror Image]

All these years later, I can't think of a more perfect symphony.

I can, fortunately.

[Mirror Image]

No, you're just a great inspiration!

[Insert bowel sounds] Thanks!

[kyjo]

All these years later, I can't think of a more perfect symphony.

Wow Brian, you're original!

Well, I guess compared to me, anyone is unoriginal (except maybe John)!

[PaulR]

I can, fortunately.

What Beethoven symphony were you thinking of?

[kyjo]

What Beethoven symphony were you thinking of?

Do you realize who you are asking?

[PaulR]

All these years later, I can't think of a more perfect symphony.

It's amazing what Beethoven did for the symphony (Haydn too).

[Mirror Image]

What Beethoven symphony were you thinking of?

Read Kyle's comment.

[Brian]

Wow Brian, you're original!

"Love thy neighbor" wasn't very original either

[PaulR]

All these years later, I can't think of a more perfect symphony.

Apologize for quoting twice:  One can make an argument for #9, especially for the last movement. 

[Brian]

Apologize for quoting twice:  One can make an argument for #9, especially for the last movement.

One definitely could make that argument; I personally put a considerable value on conciseness, which might be why I favor 5. It also might be why so few of my favorite symphonies* top the 40-minute mark.

*Beethoven 3, Berlioz, Elgar 2, Rach 2, Gliere 3, Shosty 10? There must surely be more than that... [edit: Bruckner 7, Tchaik 4-6]

[DavidW]

Awesome poll!

For me the Eroica, it is a game changer symphony, reinvigorating and transforming the genre.  It is bold, majestic, assertive with an impressive scherzo unlike anything heard before.

[PaulR]

Awesome poll!

For me the Eroica, it is a game changer symphony, reinvigorating and transforming the genre.  It is bold, majestic, assertive with an impressive scherzo unlike anything heard before.

LvB had many innovations in his symphonies 3 and beyond that you can describe many of the symphonies a "Game changer" and transforming the genre.

[TheGSMoeller]

I just now realized you two have the same avatar.

[PaulR]

I just now realized you two have the same avatar.

The first time I noticed that David stole had the same avatar as me, I got confused and thought to myself "I did not say that!" as I tried to go edit the post....