Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 7 in a major, op. 92 (1811 - 1812)
1. Poco sostenuto - Vivace
2. Allegretto
3. Presto
4. Allegro con brio
Dedicated to count M. Fries, a Viennese patron of the arts, in whose house Beethoven often performed as a pianist. The premiere took place on December 8, 1813 under the direction of the author. This relatively small Symphony, now so beloved by the public, transparent, clear and light, at first caused a misunderstanding of contemporary musicians. But for Glinka it was "incomprehensibly beautiful", and the best researcher of Beethoven's work, R. Rolland, wrote about it: "the Symphony in a major is the very sincerity, freedom, power. This is a mad waste of powerful, superhuman forces-a waste without any intention, and for fun - the fun of the overflowing river that has burst its banks and is flooding everything."
Symphony No. 8 in f major, Op. 93 (1811-1812)
1. Allegro vivace e con brio
2. Allegretto scherzando
3. Tempo di Menuetto
4. Allegro vivave
In comparison with the Seventh, this Symphony is considered the most classical in both form and spirit. It is imbued with humor and dance rhythms and directly echoes the symphonies of Beethoven's teacher, the good-natured "Papa Haydn". Completed in October 1812, it was first performed in Vienna in the author's concert - "Academy" on February 27, 1814 and immediately won recognition.
Conductor Ernst Theis (Austria)