Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, C Minor, Op. 67
September 18, 2006
Beethoven himself conducted the premiere of his Fifth Symphony, performed together with the Sixth Symphony ("Pastorale"), in Vienna on Dec. 22, 1808 -- which didn't arouse much interest. Since then, however, it has become one of classical music's most popular works.
Guided by its powerful opening motif, the C Minor Symphony conveys one of the fundamental elements of European culture by steering the listener "from night to light," from defeat to triumph.
The troop of 14- to 20-year-old musicians from South Africa performed Beethoven's legendary "Fate Symphony" at the Beethoven Festival and Deutsche Welle's Orchestra Campus with utmost professionalism -- and at a fierce tempo. The orchestra and its conductor, Conrad von Alphen, were met with enthusiastic applause from the predominantly youthful audience.
Listen to a live recording from the Beethoven Festival concert on Sept. 9, 2006 at the Beethovenhalle in Bonn.
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, C Minor, Op. 67, "Fate":
Allegro con brio
Andante con moto
Allegro
Allegro