Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Duration: 37 min
From the solemn march to the breathless finale, Beethoven makes rhythm the guiding thread of his Seventh.
From the very introduction, Beethoven heightens the tension in small increments before unleashing a supple, irresistible pulse. The colors shift, yet the drive remains: from one movement to the next, the music seems to pass from one section to another with ever-renewed energy.
In the Allegretto, a few notes build a march that is at first restrained, then more expansive. After the bounding Presto, the finale re-ignites the momentum. Follow these recurring, transforming rhythms: they give each movement its character.
Premiered in Vienna on 8 December 1813 at a concert benefiting wounded soldiers, the Seventh was performed again four days later. Reports indicate that its Allegretto was requested again at both concerts.
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