27 May 2017

BEETHOVEN: Symphony No 6 in F, Pastoral

From Music Alive, 7:00 pm on 27 May 2017

Beethoven's Sixth Symphony is unlike any of his others.

Wivenhoe Park

Wivenhoe Park Photo: John Constable, Public Domain

BEETHOVEN: Symphony No 6 in F, Pastoral - NZ Symphony Orchestra conducted by Edo de Waart.

Beethoven

Beethoven Photo: Public Domain

The composer wanted to make sure the Pastoral Symphony was not seen merely as mimicking sounds from nature, but as an exploration of the effect nature has on the human soul.  He even published a brief programme note - the only instance of one from him - for the work's première.

'Pastoral Symphony, more an expression of feeling than painting.  First piece: pleasant feelings which awaken on arrival in the country. Second piece: scene by the brook. Third piece: merry gathering of country people; interrupted by Fourth piece: thunder and storm, into which breaks the Fifth piece: salutary feelings combined with thanks to the Deity.'

Recorded 7 April 2017, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert.

Producer: David McCaw

Engineer: Graham Kennedy

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