Recollections of Country Life
Recollections of Country Life
The nineteenth-century composer Ludwig van Beethoven was a devoted lover of nature. He frequently left Vienna for the rural countryside where he enjoyed long outdoor walks. It is not surprising, then, that nature crept into his composing. His “Sixth Symphony” in particular is a marvelous example in which Beethoven weaves bird calls, running brooks, and a thunderstorm.
Of this work, Beethoven remarked that is was “a matter more of feeling than of painting in sounds.” Entranced listeners, however, frequently comment that very definite pictures are evoked by the various movements. The storm in particular is remarkably realistic, beginning with a few scattered raindrops which quicken and increase into a spectacular deluge complete with flashes of lightning and rumbling thunder.
Despite an inauspicious entrance, Beethoven’s “Sixth Symphony,” affectionately known as the “Pastoral Symphony,” has proven one of the most popular works in the realm of classical music. It is no wonder: the textures and patterns in this symphony are simply magnificent!
The only thing better than listening to the complete “Sixth Symphony” is watching an orchestra play it. I love to watch the musicians enter into the music with such fervor. Free orchestra concerts are rare in my area, though, so I counted myself blessed to find a beautiful—in both the auditory and visual realms—rendition of Beethoven’s “Sixth Symphony.” Herbert von Karajan is conducting the Berlin Philharmonic.
Beethoven said, “It is left to the listener to find out the situations.... Anyone that has formed any ideal of rural life does not need titles to imagine the composer’s intentions.” He did, however, include a program at his concerts:
I.Awakening of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arrival in the Country
II. Scene at the Brook
III. Happy Gathering of the Country Folk
IV. Thunderstorm
V. Shepherds’ Song; Cheerful and Thankful Feelings After the Storm
COMMENT ON THIS POST BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO THE HANDMAIDEN.
DESIREE said...
I like the picture. It looks so quiet and peaceful.
Friday, May 15, 2009 04:05 PM
Friday, May 15, 2009