Past, Present, Future Program

ABOUT THE WORKS Symphony Orchestra & Grade 9 Band

The ominous four-note opening of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is one of the most famous motives in all of classical music. Appearing repeatedly in all four movements, its development from dark (first movement) to lively (fourth movement) can be interpreted as the triumph of light over darkness. Beethoven himself supposedly once remarked, “Thus Fate knocks at the door!” in response to this motive. Today, Symphony No. 5 is considered one of the greatest symphonies of all time, however its premiere in 1808 received poor reviews. The four-hour concert, played in a cold concert hall by an orchestra that only rehearsed the symphony once, was far from the exceptional performances of the fifth symphony that we hear nowadays. However, only a year and a half later, the publication of the score led music critic and author of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King , E. T. A. Hoffmann, to write an extravagant review. A large part of the review was to inform the readers of the many musical devices Beethoven used to evoke emotion in the audience. This analysis, along with greatly improved performances of the symphony, led to its rise in popularity. Now, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is played by nearly all the major symphony orchestras around the world. As Havergal College celebrates its 125th anniversary, we thought it would be fitting to play one of classical music’s most legendary, dramatic and awe-inspiring pieces. We hope you enjoy this rendition! Symphony No. 5 Allegro Con Brio | Ludwig van Beethoven Conductor: Paul McCulloch

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