Performed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Giordano Bellincampi
Giordano Bellincampi conducts the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Photo: Adrian Malloch
By the mid-1810s Beethoven was widely acknowledged as Europe's preeminent composer. This didn't make him the continent's most popular or accessible. For many, his music, like his personality, seemed difficult – as summed up in Goethe's observation:
"His talent amazed me; unfortunately, he is an utterly untamed personality, who is not altogether in the wrong in holding the world to be detestable, but surely does not make it any the more enjoyable either for himself or for others by his attitude."
With his 7th Symphony however, he seemed to capture the need for an almost Bacchanalian release for a Viennese public who'd suffered at the military whims of Napoleon for the past decade.
The 1813 premiere, for the benefit of wounded soldiers, received only plaudits from public and critics alike. The symphony was played three times in the 10 weeks following. One newspaper described applause rising to "the point of ecstasy" while another reported that "the reception was as animated; the [second movement], the crown of modern instrumental music, as at the first performance, had to be repeated."
Even Beethoven was, however briefly, content, calling it "one of the happiest products of my poor talents".
Programme Note: Kevin Keys
Recorded by RNZ Concert in Auckland Town Hall, 29 July 2021
Engineer: Adrian Hollay; Producer: Tim Dodd
