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Symphony No. 6 - Beethoven (1808)
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Symphony No. 6 in F Opus 68, "Pastoral"

Arttoday.com copyright© 2001 ArtToday.com, Inc. All Rights ReservedBeethoven's 6th Symphony was first played in a concert alongside his 5th Symphony, and surely there are many people who would pay a fortune to witness such a special premiere. The "Pastoral" symphony presents an image of "memories from rural times", as Beethoven himself described it. It is not the first programme piece in history, but it is definitely one of the most important musical works describing nature and its beauty; Beethoven elevated it even more by making it a prayer of gratitude to the All-Mighty for creating the wonderful nature.

The content of the work's five movements:
1
Emotions of joy generated by our arrival at the village - a colorful movement full of themes that Beethoven does not develop as customary in sonata movements, but merely presents it with fascinating diversity.
2
Near the river stream - in which Beethoven pictures three birds talking to each other.
3
The farmer party - happy, cheerful country music.
4
The storm and blizzard - a fast, fuming section.
5
The shepherd hymn, after the storm - quiet music that returns us to the lively atmosphere of the piece's beginning.

The Sixth Symphony is considered a masterpiece from its opening night and on, and the most familiar nature symphony ever since. Nowadays it is used in documentaries as accompaniment for scenes presenting the beauty and innocence of nature. The second movement, emphasizing the birds' conversation, is particularly beautiful. The quail is represented by the oboe, the nightingale by the flute, and the cuckoo - by the clarinet.

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