Beethoven’s two most feel-good symphonies make up the middle of our Festival fortnight. The lightness of the Fourth and the escape to the country of the Sixth are musical self-care of the highest order!
Schumann described Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony as ‘a slender Greek maiden between two Nordic giants’ – those giants being the heroic third and epic fifth symphonies. In contrast, the Fourth’s dancing lightness gives it a quality akin to chamber music, filled with gentle humour and elegant melodies.
A keen rambler, Beethoven’s joyful Pastoral Symphony takes its inspiration from nature. The composer takes us on a country walk to enjoy babbling brooks, birdsong, country dancing, and caps it off with a thunderstorm. This peaceful invocation of open space, sunshine, and clean air is immersive, musical escapism for city-dwellers at its finest.
Event Details:
Dates: Saturday 23 November 2024 7:30pm
Duration: Approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes including interval
Location: Hamer Hall
Featuring: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Jaime Martín conductor
Program:
Beethoven Symphony No.4
Beethoven Symphony No.6 Pastoral