Symphony No. 4 (Beethoven)
Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 in B flat major Op. 60 enjoyed great popularity during his lifetime, whereas it is now one of his relatively rare played symphonies.
The work was completed in the fall of 1806, ie in a phase in which Beethoven was in an absolute elation because of his love for the Countess Josephine Brunsvik, widowed Countess Deym what particularly in the distinctive theme 1 (1st movement, Allegro ) shows that continues to spin into a serene emotional ecstasy. Ignaz von Seyfried characterized the composer at the time as " cheerful, launched at every joke, jocund, lively, fun-loving, witty, often satirical ." This happiness is reflected in his Fourth Symphony; the orchestral work is a total of friendly, bright and idyllic gesture. This reveals itself, strangely enough, not from the beginning, as the Adagio introduction is the first set in a dark B-flat minor. The later composed Battle Symphony Wellington's Victory is very reminiscent of those 4, since it involves very similar march themes just in the first sentence. Robert Schumann described this symphony dedicated to Count Franz von Oppersdorf as the " most romantic " of all of Beethoven's symphonies and characterized it further as "a slender Greek maiden between two North Country Giant " ( meaning the 3rd and 5th Symphony ).
The premiere of the work took place in March of 1807 in the palace of Prince Lobkowitz in Vienna under the composer's direction. The first public presentation of the work concluded on 15 November of the same year at the Vienna Burgtheater.
Orchestra
1 Flute, 2 clarinets, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, strings in 5 votes ( First and Second Violins, violas, cellos, double basses )