Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 | Bernard Haitink & the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (2009)

Triumph and tragedy: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, performed by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra conducted by Bernard Haitink. The audience loved this 2009 concert at the Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam.

(00:00) Introduction
(00:35) I. Poco sostenuto – Vivace
(14:46) II. Allegretto
(22:46) III. Presto
(32:08) IV. Allegro con brio

Ask a person on the street what their favorite Beethoven symphony is, and they’ll likely say the Fifth, or the Ninth. But ask a classical musician, and a surprising number of times you'll hear: The Seventh. "Here every impetuosity, every longing and ranting of the heart becomes a blissful exuberance of joy." Those effusive words came from the pen of composer Richard Wagner, when he was describing the Symphony No. 7 in A Major, opus 92 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827).

Composed between 1811 and 1812, Beethoven's Seventh provoked very different reactions from the beginning – it seems to have touched everyone deeply. The main themes in Beethoven's 7th Symphony are triumph and tragedy – the tragedy having to do with the second movement, a sort of funeral procession. It was so well loved at its very first performance that the audience called for it to be repeated. This movement is marked "Allegretto," which can be translated as "slightly fast." But for a funeral march? Certainly, the first listeners must have perceived it as such. The premiere performance of Beethoven's Seventh was at a benefit concert in Vienna for wounded soldiers and their families in December 1813. It came only two months after the Battle of Nations near Leipzig. The German name is "Völkerschlacht" (Slaughter of the Peoples), one of the most catastrophic wartime events in human history. It also marked liberation from Napoleon's forces. The sad, beautiful quality of the second movement makes it very different from the other three movements of Beethoven's Seventh. Endlessly mournful, but also uplifting, it is still played at funerals today.

But the dense juxtaposition of dignified funeral marches and movements full of exuberant joy in Beethoven's Seventh also caused alienation and even rejection among the composer's contemporaries. "He's ripe for the madhouse!" wrote composer Carl Maria von Weber. Weber had just heard a performance of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony with its rollicking fourth movement. It can be amusing to read how the first listeners reacted to a composition that is today a classic. Weber wasn't the only critical voice. Clara Schumann's father, Friedrich Wieck, thought that "this symphony – particularly the first and the last movements – could only have been written in a state of inebriation."

Fast-forward from then to now: Need a little lift? Then listen to the finale to Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A Major, opus 92, marked "Allegro con brio" (fast, with verve). The tempestuous interpretation by Bernard Haitink and the Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam was met with thundering applause and enthusiastic calls for an encore.

© AVRO

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[josellorca]

Here listening again and again the #7, just as I was a child. And now i am 80. Why? Because the music comes from the heavens. Regards from Costa Rica❤

[nenesundog]

I remember being a kid in the car listening to my dad hum the 7th when he drove. I just lost my dad today, but I will forever have him humming the 7th in my heart. I miss him so much already.

[HealingSoulMelody]

If you see this, I want to thank you for living with me on the same planet. You are not alone in this world. I hope this comment can make at least one person happy. This is all I want and wish you health and a happy life with your loved ones ❤❤❤

[mariahenrich]

Second movement is the most beautiful music I've ever heard.

[ChillVibesMusic]

To anyone who's suffering depression, anxiety, insomnia and other mental health problems, you are not alone. I feel you. You are so brave. You are doing so well. I'm proud of you. I'm sending you a virtual hug.

[Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu]

How a man coping with the loss of his hearing created this is beyond my comprehension. After the beautiful pastoral symphonies (6th) he really showed a new level of ingenuity

[karenrae]

How do people live without Beethoven. For me it's soul food and I feed my soul everyday with some of his music.

[jerrycoronado]

This composition is astounding particularly when one considers that Beethoven composed this symphony when absolutely deaf. That can, as an understatement, only be genius. Bravo!

[italosalvato]

Beethoven had a direct telephone line with heaven. The fuge in the second movement is the essence of beauty exploding into magnificent aesthetics waves.

[fredkiana]

I have the 9 symphony CD in my car and always tell my daughter that it’s the greatest piece of music ever written. However, when I listen to the seventh, I feel like I have to change my mind.

The second movement, is so incredible. It says if I have to be in a special place to listen to it. It deserves that much attention. The last movement of the symphony so incredible and upbeat. Back in college, the seventh symphony was my number one and, I can see why. As I lay in bed, on my birthday, I’m enjoying this entire performance. Please share this with his many people you can. I know, for sure, but they will thank you

[Mazurking]

Classical music is the ony place where I can find real rest. Thank your for bringing it to us all.

[mutsu-jg]

I'm writing my comment from Japan.
It's the first time to listen "Beethoven: Symphony No. 7" full ver.
Now I'm a bit tired. I almost cheer up to listen Beethoven's music.
Now I listen it, I cheer up, make feel better. Thank you. 'Arigatou'.

[danieldevitt]

Whilst my father lay in a coma from which he never woke I played him the Deutsche Grammaphonen Beethoven symphonies...his favourite being No7.

After his death I discovered from those who cared for him that his life signs changed and he seemed more restful to them. I cannot hear this without missing him and bathing in the overwhelming beauty of such a masterpiece. Thank you for sharing this.

[Ukie]

We played the second movement at our wedding as the processional at a slightly quicker pace. Still married after 43 years.

[SSHarb]

The 2nd movement of this symphony is out of this world!!

[pdqzvtc]

A fun moment in music: The Detroit Symphony went on tour of Europe with the newly appointed Antal Dorati in the 1970s at the height of Von Karajans prowess. They were performing in the concert hall of the Berlin Philharmoniker. The soloist took ill and as was the custom then, the Maestro requested of the hall music librarian what piece he wanted the DSO to perform as a substitute. He smiled and said: "Beethoven's Seventh Symphony."
They sight read the piece with such passion and perfection that they received a thunderous standing ovation from the audience. Dorati walked backstage behind the side curtains and danced as Stallone in the movie Rocky. Can never get that image out of my head or the roar of the audience.

[skippidido]

In a shopping mall I used to work in, in the 90’s, there was a cut price bookshop that I used to pop into during my lunch breaks.They sold various classical cd’s for a pound.
I bought a lot, just to teach and culture myself on historical music.
I immediately fell in love with this piece.Absolutely beautiful.
And I was into “techno” at the time.

[scottmiller]

Bernard Haitink was one of the most beloved conductors in the last 50 years, he is sadly missed and was fantastic and loved by millions all over the world

[genesmithsroadsrailsandrou]

Mr Haitink and the orchestra do a magnificent rendering of the piece. What a joy to hear such beauty and excellence!

[NightRain]

Until now, I had no idea how much I needed classical music in my life...honestly, I can't believe how beautiful these works of art are...