Favorite Beethoven Symphony

[PaulR]

I voted for the Op.60, which is better than most give it credit for, overshadowed by its more dramatic neighbors. (The dramatic neighbors are great pieces, too, mind you. In fact, I could have voted for nearly any of the nine.  In which, I expect I am not alone)

0:)

The first movement may be my favorite movement of any of Beethoven's symphonies.  The introduction is just  wonderful.

[Karl Henning]

I knew you would chose the 4th, Karl!  I know you too well. 

It's a fabulous work, and that haunting opening is out of this world! 

The first movement may be my favorite movement of any of Beethoven's symphonies.  The introduction is just  wonderful.

Cheers, lads!

[Brahmsian]

The first movement may be my favorite movement of any of Beethoven's symphonies.  The introduction is just  wonderful.

Yes, it is a fantastic introduction.  So too, is the 7th's intro. 

[Brahmsian]

Kyle and John, I have a bold prediction.  Due to the start of this thread, you'll both be donning Beethoven avatars within a month from now. 

[Karl Henning]

Ray, you've got their number! 

[Karl Henning]

The 7th is so fantastic live. Last time I lived in San Antonio (spring 2011) they did all 9 live in concert to drum up cash. Hey, no complaints 

I am as vocal as (but probably no more vocal than) the next fellow in criticizing the bean-counter mindset of Oh! We need to sell more tickets!  Oh! We must program at least three Beethoven symphonies this season!

That said, now and again a nice little LvB re-immersion is a beautiful thing.  I particularly enjoyed Jimmy's two-season Beethoven-&-Schoenberg love-fest with the BSO.

[Karl Henning]

"Love thy neighbor" wasn't very original either

Well played, sir!

[Brian]

Thanks, Sarge, for posting that terrific video where Lenny talks about No. 8. Makes me want to listen to it right away. Of course, Karl's making me want to hear No. 4. Maybe today I'll just do the Beethoven symphonies... there are some I haven't heard in months!

[Karl Henning]

. . . Maybe today I'll just do the Beethoven symphonies... there are some I haven't heard in months!

Ditto, and ditto.

[Karl Henning]

What Beethoven symphony were you thinking of?

Thanks for the smile!

[North Star]

I am as vocal as (but probably no more vocal than) the next fellow in criticizing the bean-counter mindset of Oh! We need to sell more tickets!  Oh! We must program at least three Beethoven symphonies this season!

That said, now and again a nice little LvB re-immersion is a beautiful thing.  I particularly enjoyed Jimmy's two-season Beethoven-&-Schoenberg love-fest with the BSO.

Hear hear! The beauty of these warhorses is in coupling them with less ubiquitous repertoire.

[Karl Henning]

Hey, MI. The development in the Eighth is the most violent. It's like a Classical-era Le Sacre, driven and relentless. There is a sustained fortissimo, then double and triple fortissimo passage that is astonishing in its violence and power and length, and unprecedented for its time. The first video is a short clip in which Lenny talks about it. The second and third are Lenny and Bruno Weil playing the first movement. The part I'm talking about begins around 4:30 with anticipation and unease, and then takes off around 5:05 in each video. Watch and try to listen with Classical Style ears 

http://www.youtube.com/v/FKrDoQzTGfM

I'll join Brian in thanking you, Sarge!

[Karl Henning]

Hear hear! The beauty of these warhorses is in coupling them with less ubiquitous repertoire.

And, they continue to hold their own!

[North Star]

And, they continue to hold their own!

Certainly!
But I prefer the programs with more variety to those all-LvB or Brahms (etc) nights, which can feel like eating three steaks.

[Karl Henning]

Agreed.

[bhodges]

I chose 8 - I don't hear it that often, but when I do I'm struck afresh by Beethoven's talent. Just as easily could have chosen 5, 7 or 9, though.

--Bruce

[North Star]

I could vote for any of the last six seven, really.

[mszczuj]

I voted for the 9th.

But you know, I may have rank some Beethoven SQ higher, may even think that geniuses and taste of Bach and of Haydn and of Mozart were in some sense clearer and more natural, nevertheless this nine works are simply the nine most important music works in my life.

[kyjo]

Kyle and John, I have a bold prediction.  Due to the start of this thread, you'll both be donning Beethoven avatars within a month from now. 

It's unlikely, but not impossible! I have a greater admiration for Beethoven's music than does John, but, who knows-that situation could change any minute!

[kyjo]

You mean, then, that they are all good music which deserves its place in the repertory? Then we agree on that.

I'm not saying that Beethoven's symphonies should be played less in the concert hall, but I believe there needs to be more of a balance between classical/romantic and 20th century music as well as between sung and unsung music on concert programs.