The Philadelphia Orchestra: BeethovenNOW: Symphonies 5 & 6

As The Philadelphia Orchestra suspended concerts and events in response to COVID-19, on Thursday, March 12 this special performance to an empty Verizon Hall was streamed live to audiences throughout the Philadelphia region and around the world.

Habibi - Jeder Baum spricht
Beethoven - Symphony Nos. 5 & 6

[naomirosen]

Sitting alone isolated and enjoying the my dinner companion at the other side of the table, The Philadelphia Orchestra . Thank you for the concert .

[kensmeltz]

I have heard Beethoven's symphonies many times; never with so much enthusiasm, emotion, and impeccable accuracy. This orchestra is clearly one of the world's best. Also, hats off to the sound techs who made this concert possible. The clarity of sound and definition of each instrument was beyond compare!

[KenWAnderson]

After hearing the Philadelphia orchestra for over 50 years - I still think they're the greatest on earth. Thank you for emotive energetic musical playing! Marvelous, marvelous, marvelous!

[argan]

I remember packing up my dorm room on Friday March 13th after my university closed down, possibly for the last time and heard about this concert. Put this on my Bluetooth speaker and cranked up the volume. Used it as a sign of defiance and perseverance in the face of this difficult situation.

[amgemin]

1:49 Introduction
4:50 Iman Habibi - Jeder Baum spricht

Ludwig van Beethoven - 5th Symphony in Cm Op. 67
10:38 I. Allegro con brio
17:38 II. Andante con moto
26:50 III. Scherzo. Allegro
32:08 IV. Allegro

Ludwig van Beethoven - 6th Symphony in F Op. 68
44:12 I. Allegro ma non troppo
56:00 II. Andante molto mosso
1:07:05 Eine Nachtigall, eine Wachtel und ein Kuckuck
1:08:48 III. Allegro
1:13:40 IV. Allegro
1:17:17 V. Allegretto

[bradkronen]

Whenever there is a conundrum in Life, the answer? Beethoven. Yes the man's music is intense and existentially melodramatic, but how does he work Life's snarls out for himself through his music that's unlike anyone else's? Through Joy. And the Philadelphia Orchestra headed by conductor Yannick Séguin completely capture this Joy. Their performance is the best interpretation of the Maestro I have ever heard. The perfect selection as the world waits for better, happier times. What a blessing the City of Brotherly Love has in its orchestra and their leader.

[alancrabb]

I'm not a musician, just a music lover - and I LOVED this concert. The Habibi lead-in worked for me, and the sound quality was great. Brotherly love to Philadelphia from Kent, UK.

[MarkCampbell]

What a delight to see and hear the orchestra without the coughing and sneezing.

[johncampbell]

Wonderful sound! Great orchestra! Beautiful Beethoven! Made my evening so enjoyable as I self isolate at home in beautiful County Wicklow Ireland.

[karenroberts]

I heard of this performance on Fresh Air and I was not disappointed. Greatly moved. Splendid.

[junkobaker]

I hope you could hear my applause after each piece. Never listen to Beethoven’s music without thinking of my late mother as she was born on the same day as Beethoven. Thank you, thank you.

[donnamariedesantis]

Thank you for this thrilling performance. It is such a gift to see all these musicians performing Beethoven's works with such passion. We would all be lost without the artists in this world. Wishing you all health and happiness.

[leonoredunn]

Thank you all members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Thank you Yannick, for conducting these beautiful pieces of music for the world in these trying times. In a world of uncertainty, you have brought joy to the hearts of many. This is such a monumental gift from the most amazing group musicians in the country. I have longed to attend a live symphony performance of the Philadelphia Orchestra since I was a young kid. I have yet to manifest that reality for myself as I have always worked hard-working/ underpaying jobs that have not yet afforded me the luxury. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the members of the Phil, and those who decided to share this performance with the world. You have reached the hearts and minds in numbers that exceed the amount of seats in all concert halls combined. 

May you all be in good health, and continue to share beautiful music of old and new for many years to come.

[kelsocampbell]

I love the Philadelphia Orchestra! It's amazing how their intonation and the blending of sound within each instrumental group and within the orchestra in general is so wonderful! I just love the overall sound of the orchestra! Can't go wrong with the Philadelphia Orchestra!

[KrzysztofBoris]

This was the perfect test for my new Pebbles Plus 2.1 speakers. I cried-literally. The orchestra's bass section is sublime and great oboe! Not quite so lonely now. Thank you for performing in spite of everything.

[forestestelvolant]

Just another person who can't live without music, and most of all live music, of all types, and can't stop sounding like a child after all these years- more than 40- about how important music is and how much we don't see the importance of us as humans, to human life, and much other simple obvious stuff about being a human, about being human together, that I believe I'm seen as so childlike as to be a nut...but listened to Fresh Air and you said the things I've been saying for years, and taking the pats on the head even at my age. It is beautiful to see people remember what's important, and know when something makes it get real for everyone, all that I say and see people completely see too, and drop the distractions and little illusions about what is important. It is also bittersweet to know how dismissed I've been for not playing the "game" exactly right. I hope one thing, as well many other things involving strength to grow and the least amount of loss possible, I hope in this year we recognize that music has been part of us from the beginning and is an unbelievably important part of our existence as people, humans here together. Love to you for doing this, love from a person feeling quite alone.

[rphel]

Thank you for sharing the video. I used to enjoy going to concert of Philadelphia orchestra when I was in Phily to study. I am in Korea now though, so that I am happy to hear this.

[tourphil]

This performance brings tears to my eyes. Such wonderful music so magnificently performed — but to an empty hall. Just an example of what we are losing here and around the world.

[IvanHernandez-gxrt]

A real moment of reflection and hope in a trouble time around the world! We shall back!💐💐💖💖💖

[aminedaouk]

My compliments to the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra who are playing to an empty Hall but they know that WE are actually making sure to hear them from home dur to the unfortunate Covid-19 The compliments go to a team who feel their responsibility to carry forward this great culture .... Music ...
THANK YOU
The Philadelphia Orchestra