@@Ludwig55555 No such thing exists, just like there’s no greatest book, painting, invention, nor any other thing in the sphere of human achievement. The ‘Eroica’ is *one of* the greatest symphonies ever written.
The Funeral March perfectly captures the contradictory emotions we feel in grief. Anger, Disbelief, Despair, and Acceptance. Beethoven is a genius because he understands Human emotions perfectly and transforms them into music.
I am a Bruckner listener and some parts remind me strongly to this autor. For instance, the end of the second movement is quite similar in concept to the end of the first movement in Bruckner's 8th Symphony.
I've been listening to this symphony every day for 6 months and it brings continuous confidence that I can overcome struggle and march triumphant through grief.
I consider myself more of an aficionado of classical music than most people I know, but still, you manage to make me feel like a musical chimpanzee. When I listen to this symphony, all I know is I can whistle along to it and, "oooh, I like that part." By the time I'm done watching your symphony guides, I feel like after I watch a really great foreign film. That is, I understand that I've just witnessed greatness, but I was so busy trying to stay afloat with the language that I don't remember any of it.
Oooh, I like that part? Are you serious? If this whole symphony doesn't blow your mind and fill you with awe, then you are tone deaf, my friend. If it doesn't move you to near tears then I suggest you stick to the mediocre classics like Johann Strauss and his Blue Danube. You mustn't overtax yourself too much.
@@pianoboylaker6560 tone deaf? Sticking to mediocres like Blue Danube? Can you be any more snobbish? You're an obvious gatekeeper and I hope you do realise that novices like me do exist. These videos teach about classical music and its ingenuities to people new to it, whereas you're the opposite.
It's a colossal and brave achievement of Beethoven to write this symphony. To think the unsuspecting public were still stuck in Haydn and Mozart mode. The musical world needed Beethoven to break the mould. And he did it with a bang!
This is probably the best ever Guide to Beethoven's "Eroica" Symphony that captures in words the essence of the master piece of musical creation. What a wonderful way to use language that that captures the attention of listeners in an equally mesmerizing way as otherwise only music can.
I recommend watching the movie “Beethoven’s Eroica” ...it re enacts the first controversial performance of the 3rd Symphony...excellent movie and its free here on UA-cam
It's videos like this that remind me of why I fell in love with classical music as a kid, and with the music of Beethoven in particular. I'm looking forward to celebrating Herr Beethoven's 250th birthday this year.
My favourite is Herbert Von Karajan's 60's recording for the 3rd. He gives the music area to breathe, while caressing subtlety and invigorating power are all used in the right places. There are many incredible recordings, mind you. Explore them all and find the one that makes the music feel as if it's coming from within you. That you are the source and it responds to your emotions, while also feeling utterly helpless to the journey it is taking you on. That probably sounds strange, but it's my test.
@@lancevance60 It’s not ‘truth’, just like there is no truth in anyone stating that x y or z is the ‘greatest’ painter, sculptor, novelist, poet, scientist or anything else in the field of human achievement. Regarding Beethoven, routinely magnificent as he was, if you compare Christ on the Mount of Olives to The Creation, or Fidelio to Don Giovanni, where Haydn and Mozart soar like eagles, Beethoven waddles like a parrot. That said, Beethoven is *one* of the greatest of composers.
@@elaineblackhurst1509 This sort of equivocation is so boring. I'd much prefer you to argue vociferously in favour of your preferred candidate for the title instead of this wet, noncommittal 'it's all a matter of opinion' bollocks. The commenter above wanted to express the extent to which Beethoven's music has moved them. I support that. Personally, I might believe Beethoven is the GOAT on Monday, and Stravinsky on Wednesday. The fact that I'm apt to change my mind is completely unimportant; it's true for me at the time, and if I feel moved to make a statement that you regard as hyperbolic, so what? Do you just get a kick out of pissing on my parade?
@@lancevance60 If you go public with nonsense, then just as one might do with one who believes the Earth to be flat, then it’s open to challenge. I made the position clear, there is no greatest of anything, and that’s not controversial, unlike claims to the contrary which are absurd and usually are actually nothing more than subjective preferences. Anyone who says x y or z is my favourite whatever - no comment (none of my business); change favourite to greatest, and it’s fair game.
I know this may sound overly technical but B. forshadows a trick that became de rigeure in the Romantic era: the increasing use of the German sixth to go to remote tonal areas. The German sixth was known and used even in the Renaissance era but was very sparingly used at the time. But I love the double fugue. And thank you for pointing out the humor which to my mind is an extremely important part of Beethoven's uniqueness as an artist. B. in his younger years was known for his sense of humor and as a raconteur.
Just wanted to add !! The 4th movement theme was first used (or created) in the finale of the only ballet Beethoven composed in 1801 (mmmh 99% sure) then he RE-used it in his Eroica variations (ring a bell), for piano solo (i recommand 156521%, they are so funny to listen and also to play) ; and finally RE-RE-used it as the 4th mov of Eroica symphony. Incredible how the man could reinvent himself just with one little simple tune. I love the dude omg Happy birthday Ludwig !!
Great commentary! "Beethoven finally attained the goal of replacing the minuet with something on a scale worthy of a great symphony" - so true! And that odd middle movement in the Moonlight sonata is like the state just before that, when it's something in between a minuet and a scherzo.
One of the greatest symphonies by Beethoven, so much tension in the symphony . There was a scene from Beethoven lives upstairs movie that played some of this symphony and really summed up the mind of Beethoven
Fun fact: Mauro Giuliani wrote a guitar sonata titled "Gran Sonata Eroica" and it is clear he got his inspiration from Beethoven's 3rd symphony. In classical guitar circles, this sonata is boss.
The most groundbreaking piece of music ever composed. The first and last movements are utter miracles. The 2nd movement, particularly the double fugue, is in my opinion, the single greatest musical expression produced by any human being. From a technical point of view, there are no flaws, while from an emotional perspective, its power and feeling has no equal. While the Scherzo 3rd movement is absolutely incredible, it feels a touch out of place, and it keeps me from naming this symphony the greatest of them all. Great video and thank you for the effort. I only wish it were longer so you could go into further depth.
The fact that it is still discussed now, makes it one of the greatest out there. About the Scherzo, you know, there is a reason Beethoven added a Scherzo to his major works. Think of what it represents. Yes you have your battles, and grief, and at the end you may even Heroically win. But what about taking a moment to just having fun? Yes, even directly after realizing that your own death is getting closer every day. Imagine the incredibly soft end of the 2nd movement going directly to the powerful call in the begining of the finale. This isn't life, there is something missing, who's victory is this? I find the scherzo unbelievably well placed, starting with fast E flat chords which kind of continues exactly from the brief transition to C minor (the 2nd movement) creating a balanced polar opposite. Think of Piano sonata 32. 2 movments, no pause, perfect opposites. We have only achieved the Finale after going through all forms that Beethoven was capable of reinventing.
@@itamarabramson5603, thank you for such a thoughtful response. I completely see what you're saying and that's why it never bothers me to the point of turning it off. It is an excellent piece of composition. The thing I really enjoy doing is ripping my CD's and rearranging the symphonies to see how they play together. I think of the Third Symphony with a different story of a single long battle. The first movement is the chaos of the battle itself. The second is the mourning of the ones we lost, with both happy reminiscing and tumultuous, profound grief. Then I add the third and fourth movements of the Fifth Symphony. The third movement begins with the final clash of the few remaining survivors, followed by the hesitancy of celebrating too early. It concludes with the jubilant eruption of freedom to those tasked with carrying the torch forward. It is a great deal of fun to play with the music and seeing what combinations reveal in storytelling.
@@davidbudo5551 It does sound fun. I understand why you enjoy mixing movements from symphonies and it takes creativity to listen to them in such an unconventional way. The only problem that arises is that of tonality. Is the victory in C major really celebrating the same E flat major battle? Perhaps. Proggresive tonality only became a thing with Liszt's Dante symphony, then Mahler made extensive use of it. Anyway it helped to keep tonal language "fresh" for another 50 years or so, and maybe this exactly the freshness we need nowdays, on B's 250 birthday.
@@itamarabramson5603, cheers to your encouraging sentiments. I have some lofty ideas for a future project involving his symphonies and visuals. I really want to bring his music to the new generation of our introspective-starved youth, in its naturally classical form.
‘The most groundbreaking piece of music ever composed’. Obviously an opinion, not a fact; other candidates might include: Corelli - Violin Sonatas Opus 5 (at a stroke - 1 January 1700 - all previous music was rendered dated). Haydn - String Quartets Opus 20 (defined the string quartet from it first publication in 1772 until the present day). Wagner - Tristan (fill in your own reasons). Stravinsky - Rite of Spring (Ditto). Et cetera. Beethoven certainly qualifies too, but as ‘one of’, not ‘the’.
My absolute favorite Beethoven symphony. The second mvt (when listening intently, to Mariss Jansons conducted version), brings me to the verge of tears. Raw emotion, like a genie in a bottle for those who dare embrace it.
I must give you a compliment on your presentation and Explanation of the music. I'm not a music major in any sense. The only instrument I played was a trumpet in jr high where I was lucky enough to play star wars badly. I appreciate and understand what the composers did when you describe it. You sound like Salieri describing Mozart without the malice and content
I'm in the same boat as yourself (trombone), but I love listening to educated people discuss the music. Even if I only understand 10% of the terminology being used, I feel more connected with my minute increase in understanding it.
Since I discovered this site, I have not gone back to listening to symphony music especially the one by Beethoven. Got the piano score version of Eroica!
I was kind of hoping to hear you talk about how all movements are connected and how the form of the entire work is so strong as you mention in the beginning.
Your videos are so great. A scholar and layperson alike can appreciate the points you make in your videos. I'm about to see if you've done 2 or 4 which every time I listen to them I understand why they aren't as popular as the others.
This indeed was a long wait to get some commentary on Beethoven's symphonic creations.lt takes me back to my days in Bremen,1956 to 1961 ,where l first got introduced to Western classical music.llt was the sessions with Helmuth Schnackenburg (Bremen Radio,:Music fuer die Jugend,Einfuehrung in die Eroica,etc)that affirmed my mind and soul to the Classical music,particularly to that composed by the trip ;Beethoven,Mozart and Schubert.Schnackenburg would really lead to the depths and the mood of the composer in creating the. particular piece .The explanation bit by bit of the adagio,the Funeral March, What persuaded Beethoven to introduce it in the symph and then playing it as a whole thereafter raised some sort of emotional tears in eyes of some of us. This commentary today is indeed a very welcome work for listeners to understand the basic 'BHAVA'as we call it in relation to the lndian Cl Music,l lookforward to hear more such explanatory programmes on Google/U tube. .
Very informative video for somebody (like me) who his interested in, but doesn’t know the first thing about, classical music. Awesome video, thank you!
That E Minor New Theme in the Development then E Flat Minor -- home key -- in Coda of the 1st mvt: has a ghostly, bittersweet quality. It's like knowledge that comes later in mid-life and you wish you'd known it earlier, oh, the torments and tumult it could've saved you...and yet it's knowledge nonetheless and achieves its apogee at the end of life, so to speak. Had that epiphany today, listening to Karajan's 77 version.I know my view is totally subjective, but I FEEL it and even these words are only a clumsy approximation.
8:07 Ferdinand Ries (pupil and secretary of Beethoven) "During the first rehearsal of the Eroica Symphony, Ries during the performance mistakenly believed that the horn player had come in too early and said so aloud, infuriating Beethoven"
Might be a long shot since this channel mostly covers orchestral works, but I'd love to see a break down of some of Rachmaninoff's moments musicaux and preludes for piano. Some of my favorite music full stop.
This is so great. Helps with my family’s genealogy. Michael is a uncle. C-sharp to D(eMARuS), Mars. He’s moonlighting as Beethoven. see Jupiter 41. The Fable of the Bee’s. PastorAL-LEN Symphony it’s a fragment KV 622 gA. Gabriel Allen-Batieste. We have a lot of names. I’ve written quite a bit on the topic but this is an amazing source. Not fully through the video. 9:07. Perfect thus far. Must practice.
Caleb Liew I hear a lot of his flute ornamentation from all three of his big ballets. Mainly the Nutcracker. In particular, the runs from the “Dance of the Reed Flutes,” and “Drosselmeyer’s Arrival.”
Excuse my ignorance, but does the last note in the fourth bar not kind of lead the way for the C# in the fifth bar? If yes, how? If not, why not? Thanks. And thank you for your very helpful and inspiring guide through this magnificent piece of music (and all others). I hope to learn to read music myself, and learn to play a bit whistle and recorder. I have found out that being able to follow the notes - and all the indications given in the score - really enhances the experience of listening to great music. P.S. My favorite conductors for Beethoven are possibly Gunter Wand and Charles Mackerras. But I think I might need to listen to Barenboim too.
I enjoy Barenboim. It never feels like he's rushing through the music, but let's it breathe when it needs to. Thanks for the conductor recommendations. I will give them both a listen. I know there are many who don't like him, but Karajan is still my overall favourite. Especially the Beethoven cycle from the 60's.
That note, no matter what it is, has to pave the way to the 5th bar, as you said. But the power is that it was the least expected note to do so. It’s completely out of the scale. The opening theme sounded so simple and elegant, comprised of only the tonal triad, but then what comes after is the minor 7th note, which is not in the major scale at all, creating a huge instability. It is probably nothing now, but at that time, it was simply unheard of. Hope this help! Cheers!
I’ve always interpreted the second movement as Beethoven’s heartbreak at Napoleon seemingly abandoning the ideals of the French Revolution by declaring himself Emperor of the French. Beethoven, to me, is composing a funeral march for the memory of the old Napoleon.
I really enjoy hearing your analysis on the individual sections (especially the confident and relief-filled C# to C natural step in the recapitulation). What I'm still confused about is that "overarching connectedness" you mentioned in the Style section. Having listened to the symphony several times over the last year, I've tried to pick out motives and transformations between movements, but have failed to do so. I know there's a lot to do with the Eb triad, but messing with the tonic triad is pretty common to all of Beethoven's works and can't see how it's specially played out in this piece. Any thoughts?
Excellent question. I think it was a book by Antony Hopkins on Beethoven Symphonies - his essay on the 3rd argues very thoroughly for this huge sense of organicism throughout. Well worth a read, it's a brilliant book! I should buy it - I only read chapters in a library. You don't have to agree with him of course. But it is an argument :)
@@InsidetheScore, I guess this will be my second Beethoven book. 'Anguish and Triumph' by Jan Swafford blew me away, and despite showing all of the negative aspects to Ludwig, made me love the man even more. Great question from the OP and thank you for the recommendation I.T.S..
Great job on making this! Appreciate your insight and the love of this symphony! What is the recording(s) you used for this? I am curious since everything sounds so good to me
this symphony for me and even Haydn was and always will be the symphony that changed it all. it was brilliant and always will be. the only two symphonies of Beethoven's that compare for me to this level are his 5th and 9th. but, had it not been for the 3rd and his change in character from pure classical to that... there would have been no 3rd, 5th, or 9th. we would have continued to see things like his 1st, and 2nd. who knows what music would be like now without composers being bold for their times. Mozart did things he wasn't supposed to too
I feel the 3rd movement, while beautiful in its own right, feels a bit out of place from the rest of the symphony. I do this thing sometimes where I like to listen to the first two movements of the Eroica and then the final two movements of the Fifth. Flows beautifully together and really drives home the triumphant heroes journey.
@@davidbudo5551 The 3rd movement is just as groundbreaking as the others and in my opinion fits perfectly. It's a welcome brief respite after the heavy 2nd and the sheer relentlessness of variations in the finale.
@@davidbudo5551 I know I'm late here. In some ways the 3rd movement seems a bit out of place given the drama and intensity of the 1st movement and the somberness of the funeral march. I know that some of the early reviews viewed the 3rd and 4th movements as not fitting well with the first two movements. That said, I once watched an analysis by Robert Greenberg; he described the movements as representing struggle, death, rebirth, and apotheosis. If one thinks of the 3rd movement as representing a different part of an ongoing story, it make more sense. A wonderful work, regardless.
Very well presented . . . . . thanks very much. How did you manage to include sound clips that were not blocked by UA-cam? Did you have to find a version that is in the public domain? Thanks
My humble (and worthless) opinion is that the Third and the Seventh are the two greatest symphonies ever written. ("What about the Ninth??", I hear you cry...that one doesn't count as a mere symphony...it belongs in a class of its own.) I was disappointed you didn't mention the cheeky little _alla_ _breve_ moment at the end of the scherzo. It's the most *fun* part of the "fun movement".
There's even a better one made by BBC: search the Genius of Beethoven - fire and fury. It has 3 parts (each of about an hour) and is on UA-cam. It's the best documentary I've seen on Beethoven. There's also one for Mozart. That one is really good as well.
Every second of this symphony is absolutely life changing.
There's no doubt this is the greatest Symphony of all time
no youre very wrong
No this is a good symphony! One of my favs everyone has opinions!
@@andreavoigtlander1087He is not wrong, he is stating facts.
@@Ludwig55555
No such thing exists, just like there’s no greatest book, painting, invention, nor any other thing in the sphere of human achievement.
The ‘Eroica’ is *one of* the greatest symphonies ever written.
The Funeral March perfectly captures the contradictory emotions we feel in grief. Anger, Disbelief, Despair, and Acceptance. Beethoven is a genius because he understands Human emotions perfectly and transforms them into music.
Truly one of the greatest pieces, not just at its time, but of all time.
I am a Bruckner listener and some parts remind me strongly to this autor. For instance, the end of the second movement is quite similar in concept to the end of the first movement in Bruckner's 8th Symphony.
@@Boltogenta Beethoven comes first.
Eroica is one of my favourite symphonies ever, second only to the Choral.
There's no doubt this is the greatest Symphony of all time
his 9th is amazing but overall the eroica is better.
Wow! For so long I thought you have forgotten the Beethoven symphonies series. Can’t wait to watch.
I share the same excitement!
I can't wait for the 6th symphony... in my opinion the most "filmic" one. Just close your eyes and ride through the hills of italy
@@Panteni87 He already covered it
I've been listening to this symphony every day for 6 months and it brings continuous confidence that I can overcome struggle and march triumphant through grief.
There's no doubt this is the greatest Symphony of all time
I consider myself more of an aficionado of classical music than most people I know, but still, you manage to make me feel like a musical chimpanzee. When I listen to this symphony, all I know is I can whistle along to it and, "oooh, I like that part." By the time I'm done watching your symphony guides, I feel like after I watch a really great foreign film. That is, I understand that I've just witnessed greatness, but I was so busy trying to stay afloat with the language that I don't remember any of it.
I had to watch this and listen to the first movement plenty of times, just to get the subjects of the exposition
Oooh, I like that part? Are you serious? If this whole symphony doesn't blow your mind and fill you with awe, then you are tone deaf, my friend. If it doesn't move you to near tears then I suggest you stick to the mediocre classics like Johann Strauss and his Blue Danube. You mustn't overtax yourself too much.
@@pianoboylaker6560 oh give it a break. It’s hardly Bruckner 8.
@@pianoboylaker6560 tone deaf? Sticking to mediocres like Blue Danube? Can you be any more snobbish? You're an obvious gatekeeper and I hope you do realise that novices like me do exist. These videos teach about classical music and its ingenuities to people new to it, whereas you're the opposite.
I'm playing this with my orchestra now, thank you for helping me in my quest to fully understand this epic piece of music. Great interpretation.
It's a colossal and brave achievement of Beethoven to write this symphony. To think the unsuspecting public were still stuck in Haydn and Mozart mode.
The musical world needed Beethoven to break the mould. And he did it with a bang!
This is probably the best ever Guide to Beethoven's "Eroica" Symphony that captures in words the essence of the master piece of musical creation. What a wonderful way to use language that that captures the attention of listeners in an equally mesmerizing way as otherwise only music can.
I recommend watching the movie “Beethoven’s Eroica” ...it re enacts the first controversial performance of the 3rd Symphony...excellent movie and its free here on UA-cam
Yes. A marvelous movie. I thought it excellent too!
ua-cam.com/video/UtA7m3viB70/v-deo.html
It's videos like this that remind me of why I fell in love with classical music as a kid, and with the music of Beethoven in particular. I'm looking forward to celebrating Herr Beethoven's 250th birthday this year.
The second movement might be the most bone-chilling piece of music ever written. Seventeen minutes of pure, unadulterated genius.
Amazing work again, Inside the Score!
When I saw the video title I was like “he better have used a good recording”. I was very pleased with your choice.
My favourite is Herbert Von Karajan's 60's recording for the 3rd. He gives the music area to breathe, while caressing subtlety and invigorating power are all used in the right places.
There are many incredible recordings, mind you. Explore them all and find the one that makes the music feel as if it's coming from within you. That you are the source and it responds to your emotions, while also feeling utterly helpless to the journey it is taking you on. That probably sounds strange, but it's my test.
Bernstein and Furtwängler did it best
h i like Toscanini too
@@thijsmonden71 John Eliot Gardiner
Which one did he use though?!
always felt as if Beethoven predicted the entire Napoleonic war plot with this symphony
Thanks!
From the first listening in school up to now: This is one of my most beloved rock albums ever!
Beethoven is the Greatest Composer to ever grace Earth. Long Live!
Hyperbole is not helpful.
@@elaineblackhurst1509 It's just the truth.
@@lancevance60
It’s not ‘truth’, just like there is no truth in anyone stating that x y or z is the ‘greatest’ painter, sculptor, novelist, poet, scientist or anything else in the field of human achievement.
Regarding Beethoven, routinely magnificent as he was, if you compare Christ on the Mount of Olives to The Creation, or Fidelio to Don Giovanni, where Haydn and Mozart soar like eagles, Beethoven waddles like a parrot.
That said, Beethoven is *one* of the greatest of composers.
@@elaineblackhurst1509 This sort of equivocation is so boring. I'd much prefer you to argue vociferously in favour of your preferred candidate for the title instead of this wet, noncommittal 'it's all a matter of opinion' bollocks. The commenter above wanted to express the extent to which Beethoven's music has moved them. I support that. Personally, I might believe Beethoven is the GOAT on Monday, and Stravinsky on Wednesday. The fact that I'm apt to change my mind is completely unimportant; it's true for me at the time, and if I feel moved to make a statement that you regard as hyperbolic, so what? Do you just get a kick out of pissing on my parade?
@@lancevance60
If you go public with nonsense, then just as one might do with one who believes the Earth to be flat, then it’s open to challenge.
I made the position clear, there is no greatest of anything, and that’s not controversial, unlike claims to the contrary which are absurd and usually are actually nothing more than subjective preferences.
Anyone who says x y or z is my favourite whatever - no comment (none of my business); change favourite to greatest, and it’s fair game.
I know this may sound overly technical but B. forshadows a trick that became de rigeure in the Romantic era: the increasing use of the German sixth to go to remote tonal areas. The German sixth was known and used even in the Renaissance era but was very sparingly used at the time.
But I love the double fugue. And thank you for pointing out the humor which to my mind is an extremely important part of Beethoven's uniqueness as an artist. B. in his younger years was known for his sense of humor and as a raconteur.
Just wanted to add !! The 4th movement theme was first used (or created) in the finale of the only ballet Beethoven composed in 1801 (mmmh 99% sure) then he RE-used it in his Eroica variations (ring a bell), for piano solo (i recommand 156521%, they are so funny to listen and also to play) ; and finally RE-RE-used it as the 4th mov of Eroica symphony. Incredible how the man could reinvent himself just with one little simple tune. I love the dude omg
Happy birthday Ludwig !!
Beethoven is a towering figure in the history of art ... the incarnation of timeless
Just like every other great composer, artist, writer, et al.
Great commentary! "Beethoven finally attained the goal of replacing the minuet with something on a scale worthy of a great symphony" - so true! And that odd middle movement in the Moonlight sonata is like the state just before that, when it's something in between a minuet and a scherzo.
One of the greatest symphonies by Beethoven, so much tension in the symphony . There was a scene from Beethoven lives upstairs movie that played some of this symphony and really summed up the mind of Beethoven
I could see that. But that argument could be made of the Fifth as well, no?
@@davidbudo5551 And the ninth
@@thespanishinquisiton8306, quite right.
This is an awesome guide! Thanks for the epic vid
Fun fact: Mauro Giuliani wrote a guitar sonata titled "Gran Sonata Eroica" and it is clear he got his inspiration from Beethoven's 3rd symphony. In classical guitar circles, this sonata is boss.
The most groundbreaking piece of music ever composed. The first and last movements are utter miracles. The 2nd movement, particularly the double fugue, is in my opinion, the single greatest musical expression produced by any human being. From a technical point of view, there are no flaws, while from an emotional perspective, its power and feeling has no equal.
While the Scherzo 3rd movement is absolutely incredible, it feels a touch out of place, and it keeps me from naming this symphony the greatest of them all.
Great video and thank you for the effort. I only wish it were longer so you could go into further depth.
The fact that it is still discussed now, makes it one of the greatest out there. About the Scherzo, you know, there is a reason Beethoven added a Scherzo to his major works. Think of what it represents. Yes you have your battles, and grief, and at the end you may even Heroically win. But what about taking a moment to just having fun? Yes, even directly after realizing that your own death is getting closer every day. Imagine the incredibly soft end of the 2nd movement going directly to the powerful call in the begining of the finale. This isn't life, there is something missing, who's victory is this?
I find the scherzo unbelievably well placed, starting with fast E flat chords which kind of continues exactly from the brief transition to C minor (the 2nd movement) creating a balanced polar opposite. Think of Piano sonata 32. 2 movments, no pause, perfect opposites.
We have only achieved the Finale after going through all forms that Beethoven was capable of reinventing.
@@itamarabramson5603, thank you for such a thoughtful response. I completely see what you're saying and that's why it never bothers me to the point of turning it off. It is an excellent piece of composition.
The thing I really enjoy doing is ripping my CD's and rearranging the symphonies to see how they play together. I think of the Third Symphony with a different story of a single long battle. The first movement is the chaos of the battle itself. The second is the mourning of the ones we lost, with both happy reminiscing and tumultuous, profound grief. Then I add the third and fourth movements of the Fifth Symphony. The third movement begins with the final clash of the few remaining survivors, followed by the hesitancy of celebrating too early. It concludes with the jubilant eruption of freedom to those tasked with carrying the torch forward.
It is a great deal of fun to play with the music and seeing what combinations reveal in storytelling.
@@davidbudo5551 It does sound fun. I understand why you enjoy mixing movements from symphonies and it takes creativity to listen to them in such an unconventional way. The only problem that arises is that of tonality. Is the victory in C major really celebrating the same E flat major battle? Perhaps. Proggresive tonality only became a thing with Liszt's Dante symphony, then Mahler made extensive use of it. Anyway it helped to keep tonal language "fresh" for another 50 years or so, and maybe this exactly the freshness we need nowdays, on B's 250 birthday.
@@itamarabramson5603, cheers to your encouraging sentiments. I have some lofty ideas for a future project involving his symphonies and visuals. I really want to bring his music to the new generation of our introspective-starved youth, in its naturally classical form.
‘The most groundbreaking piece of music ever composed’.
Obviously an opinion, not a fact; other candidates might include:
Corelli - Violin Sonatas Opus 5 (at a stroke - 1 January 1700 - all previous music was rendered dated).
Haydn - String Quartets Opus 20 (defined the string quartet from it first publication in 1772 until the present day).
Wagner - Tristan (fill in your own reasons).
Stravinsky - Rite of Spring (Ditto).
Et cetera.
Beethoven certainly qualifies too, but as ‘one of’, not ‘the’.
Great video which makes us look afresh at this very famous and influential opus by Beethoven. THE first Romantic symphony.
For me this symphony is a miracle.
Masterpiece of musical enginering
@@vacciniumaugustifolium1420 Thank you.
@@therealrealludwigvanbeethoven 😁
@@vacciniumaugustifolium1420 Indeed, my friend.
@@therealrealludwigvanbeethoven its been a long time since your last single ... Is There a problem M. Beethoven ? 😟
My absolute favorite Beethoven symphony. The second mvt (when listening intently, to Mariss Jansons conducted version), brings me to the verge of tears. Raw emotion, like a genie in a bottle for those who dare embrace it.
I must give you a compliment on your presentation and Explanation of the music. I'm not a music major in any sense. The only instrument I played was a trumpet in jr high where I was lucky enough to play star wars badly. I appreciate and understand what the composers did when you describe it. You sound like Salieri describing Mozart without the malice and content
I'm in the same boat as yourself (trombone), but I love listening to educated people discuss the music. Even if I only understand 10% of the terminology being used, I feel more connected with my minute increase in understanding it.
Wow! Just amazing. UA-cam needs more of these! Thanks to you for making these!
Since I discovered this site, I have not gone back to listening to symphony music especially the one by Beethoven. Got the piano score version of Eroica!
I was kind of hoping to hear you talk about how all movements are connected and how the form of the entire work is so strong as you mention in the beginning.
There's no doubt this is the greatest Symphony of all time.
“… a far away key”. How beautiful.
Your videos are so great. A scholar and layperson alike can appreciate the points you make in your videos. I'm about to see if you've done 2 or 4 which every time I listen to them I understand why they aren't as popular as the others.
I love the opening movement of the Fourth. Those brooding notes of the first few minutes are magical.
Still good symphonies though. Beethoven's first and second are great examples of fine late classical symphonies, with touches of what was to come.
That goes for a lot fof his underappreciated works but I've realized thatswhen you really get to hear how much a genius he really truly was.
awesome video! i'd love to see one like this on a Bruckner symphony!
Such a intoxicating work. I'm exhausted (in a very good way) at the end of this most incredible work! Wow!
I love this kind of analysis ... thank you so much!
My favorite symphony! Can you analyze Liszt’s transcriptions of the symphonies please? (Things like the use of the piano as an orchestra).
I would love this!! Great recommendation.
Some of my favorite music out there
Beethoven went super-saiyan to write this.
Maybe he was the true legendary super saiyan lol
Attending my first performance of this this week! Thanks for the great resource as I prepare
my favorite piece if music ever written. amazing. gardiners recording is my favorite
This indeed was a long wait to get some commentary on Beethoven's symphonic creations.lt takes me back to my days in Bremen,1956 to 1961 ,where l first got introduced to Western classical music.llt was the sessions with Helmuth Schnackenburg (Bremen Radio,:Music fuer die Jugend,Einfuehrung in die Eroica,etc)that affirmed my mind and soul to the Classical music,particularly to that composed by the trip ;Beethoven,Mozart and Schubert.Schnackenburg would really lead to the depths and the mood of the composer in creating the. particular piece .The explanation bit by bit of the adagio,the Funeral March,
What persuaded Beethoven to introduce it in the symph and then playing it as a whole thereafter raised some sort of emotional tears in eyes of some of us. This commentary today is indeed a very welcome work for listeners to understand the basic 'BHAVA'as we call it in relation to the lndian Cl Music,l lookforward to hear more such explanatory programmes on Google/U tube. .
Very informative video for somebody (like me) who his interested in, but doesn’t know the first thing about, classical music. Awesome video, thank you!
That E Minor New Theme in the Development then E Flat Minor -- home key -- in Coda of the 1st mvt: has a ghostly, bittersweet quality. It's like knowledge that comes later in mid-life and you wish you'd known it earlier, oh, the torments and tumult it could've saved you...and yet it's knowledge nonetheless and achieves its apogee at the end of life, so to speak. Had that epiphany today, listening to Karajan's 77 version.I know my view is totally subjective, but I FEEL it and even these words are only a clumsy approximation.
Sharing. For those who are into classical music, add this story to your agenda.
Makes sense it took so long, compared to his 1st and 2nd this one is monstrous
The last movement is a masterpiece!
So are the first three!
I always have teary eyes.
Really intersting lesson on my favorite classical piece of music
So so beautifully made! can watch it so many times!
Thank you so much Oscar for this video! Great stuff as usual**
8:07
Ferdinand Ries (pupil and secretary of Beethoven)
"During the first rehearsal of the Eroica Symphony, Ries during the performance mistakenly believed that the horn player had come in too early and said so aloud, infuriating Beethoven"
awesome content thoo .. btw can u make a video explaining the meaning of the 7th symphony plss
This is just a beautiful legendб that Beethoven tore up the title page after Bonaparte proclaimed himself emperor
There is actually historical proof of him scratching Bonaparte off the first manuscript
@@elizabethdevoto7566 Actually there is no historical proof. At least reliable.
Might be a long shot since this channel mostly covers orchestral works, but I'd love to see a break down of some of Rachmaninoff's moments musicaux and preludes for piano. Some of my favorite music full stop.
Amazing guide, thank you!
This is so great. Helps with my family’s genealogy. Michael is a uncle. C-sharp to D(eMARuS), Mars. He’s moonlighting as Beethoven. see Jupiter 41. The Fable of the Bee’s. PastorAL-LEN Symphony it’s a fragment KV 622 gA. Gabriel Allen-Batieste. We have a lot of names. I’ve written quite a bit on the topic but this is an amazing source. Not fully through the video. 9:07. Perfect thus far. Must practice.
I dont understand how you didn't cover 14:45-15:20 of the first movement. it's the most incredibly part!
Great informative video but I would suggest adding the clef, time, and key signatures to the written examples. Otherwise we won't know how to read it
can use this for my exam. thanks!
Thank you! Excellent video!
Magnificent!
I want Bruckner symphonies analysis. Thank you!
Incredible explanation man
Perfect explanation!!!! Congratulations!!!!
What fun. So informative. Thank you.
Hope you continue this
It may be true that no quick guide can do it justice, but no multi hour guide will get many views. At least from me. :) Keep it up please.
16:24 Sounds like Tchaikovsky found some inspiration here.
Which piece?
Caleb Liew I hear a lot of his flute ornamentation from all three of his big ballets. Mainly the Nutcracker. In particular, the runs from the “Dance of the Reed Flutes,” and “Drosselmeyer’s Arrival.”
You are right ,i found the same similitude
7:22 also sounds like Tchaikovsky
Lion King Agreed! It reminds me of his first symphony, and it really reminds me of his Overture to The Maid of Orleans.
He had explained better than in Wikipedia
Beautiful
Thank you for the great analysis 😃 Do you dare to try analyzing George Enescu opera Oedip?
Great video! A few things:
1. Could you make sure to add clefs if you are ever showing notation?
2. Cite the recording that you are using?
Thanks!
The clefs are súper necesaary!
I agree , Grant O’Brien
+1
also show them in concert pitch for transposing instruments
Excuse my ignorance, but does the last note in the fourth bar not kind of lead the way for the C# in the fifth bar? If yes, how? If not, why not? Thanks. And thank you for your very helpful and inspiring guide through this magnificent piece of music (and all others). I hope to learn to read music myself, and learn to play a bit whistle and recorder. I have found out that being able to follow the notes - and all the indications given in the score - really enhances the experience of listening to great music.
P.S. My favorite conductors for Beethoven are possibly Gunter Wand and Charles Mackerras. But I think I might need to listen to Barenboim too.
I enjoy Barenboim. It never feels like he's rushing through the music, but let's it breathe when it needs to. Thanks for the conductor recommendations. I will give them both a listen. I know there are many who don't like him, but Karajan is still my overall favourite. Especially the Beethoven cycle from the 60's.
That note, no matter what it is, has to pave the way to the 5th bar, as you said. But the power is that it was the least expected note to do so. It’s completely out of the scale. The opening theme sounded so simple and elegant, comprised of only the tonal triad, but then what comes after is the minor 7th note, which is not in the major scale at all, creating a huge instability. It is probably nothing now, but at that time, it was simply unheard of. Hope this help! Cheers!
I’ve always interpreted the second movement as Beethoven’s heartbreak at Napoleon seemingly abandoning the ideals of the French Revolution by declaring himself Emperor of the French. Beethoven, to me, is composing a funeral march for the memory of the old Napoleon.
Love this interpretation tbh
Listen to ‘Wellington’s Victory’ Opus 91 written in 1813 and then you can carry on to the next chapter of your story.
Also, his use of the Double bass as its own instrument throughout is new.
Wrong, Mozart did the same in Serenade no 13 mvt. 4. Also Handel in the Contredanse of the Water Music Suite
I really enjoy hearing your analysis on the individual sections (especially the confident and relief-filled C# to C natural step in the recapitulation). What I'm still confused about is that "overarching connectedness" you mentioned in the Style section. Having listened to the symphony several times over the last year, I've tried to pick out motives and transformations between movements, but have failed to do so. I know there's a lot to do with the Eb triad, but messing with the tonic triad is pretty common to all of Beethoven's works and can't see how it's specially played out in this piece. Any thoughts?
Excellent question. I think it was a book by Antony Hopkins on Beethoven Symphonies - his essay on the 3rd argues very thoroughly for this huge sense of organicism throughout. Well worth a read, it's a brilliant book! I should buy it - I only read chapters in a library.
You don't have to agree with him of course. But it is an argument :)
@@InsidetheScore Not the first time I've been recommended Antony Hopkins. Sounds like I have some reading to do. Thanks!
@@InsidetheScore, I guess this will be my second Beethoven book. 'Anguish and Triumph' by Jan Swafford blew me away, and despite showing all of the negative aspects to Ludwig, made me love the man even more. Great question from the OP and thank you for the recommendation I.T.S..
Great job on making this! Appreciate your insight and the love of this symphony! What is the recording(s) you used for this? I am curious since everything sounds so good to me
this symphony for me and even Haydn was and always will be the symphony that changed it all. it was brilliant and always will be. the only two symphonies of Beethoven's that compare for me to this level are his 5th and 9th. but, had it not been for the 3rd and his change in character from pure classical to that... there would have been no 3rd, 5th, or 9th. we would have continued to see things like his 1st, and 2nd. who knows what music would be like now without composers being bold for their times. Mozart did things he wasn't supposed to too
I don't think subsequent composers would have anywhere near impact had it not been for Beethoven.
@@mr-wx3lv
Same is true of Beethoven himself in relation to Mozart and Haydn.
Hey @InsidetheScore, you misdiagnosed the oboe melody for a flute at around 12:55.
Bold move, spending less than a minute on the famous third movement.
I feel the 3rd movement, while beautiful in its own right, feels a bit out of place from the rest of the symphony. I do this thing sometimes where I like to listen to the first two movements of the Eroica and then the final two movements of the Fifth. Flows beautifully together and really drives home the triumphant heroes journey.
@@davidbudo5551 The 3rd movement is just as groundbreaking as the others and in my opinion fits perfectly. It's a welcome brief respite after the heavy 2nd and the sheer relentlessness of variations in the finale.
@@davidbudo5551 I know I'm late here. In some ways the 3rd movement seems a bit out of place given the drama and intensity of the 1st movement and the somberness of the funeral march. I know that some of the early reviews viewed the 3rd and 4th movements as not fitting well with the first two movements. That said, I once watched an analysis by Robert Greenberg; he described the movements as representing struggle, death, rebirth, and apotheosis. If one thinks of the 3rd movement as representing a different part of an ongoing story, it make more sense. A wonderful work, regardless.
Thank you
Very well presented . . . . . thanks very much. How did you manage to include sound clips that were not blocked by UA-cam? Did you have to find a version that is in the public domain? Thanks
Vive l'Empereur !
🥲🇨🇵
My humble (and worthless) opinion is that the Third and the Seventh are the two greatest symphonies ever written. ("What about the Ninth??", I hear you cry...that one doesn't count as a mere symphony...it belongs in a class of its own.)
I was disappointed you didn't mention the cheeky little _alla_ _breve_ moment at the end of the scherzo. It's the most *fun* part of the "fun movement".
Thanks
Has anyone seen IMMORTAL BELOVED?! It seems to be such an underseen film. I think it’s better than Amadeus.
There's even a better one made by BBC: search the Genius of Beethoven - fire and fury. It has 3 parts (each of about an hour) and is on UA-cam. It's the best documentary I've seen on Beethoven. There's also one for Mozart. That one is really good as well.
which recording is this? Thank you
I really your video essays
This is quality work
Could you do a series over Shostakovich
Which recording did you use for this analysis? It's great and they deserve acknowledgement :)
Exposition is not played twice like in the First Symphony. Any reason?
This would be so much better if the creator would play more than tiny snippets of the actual music
I wouldn’t say eroica is Beethovens greatest piece, imo that’s the 9th symphony, but it’s definitely his magnum opus
I can only recommend everyone to give paavo järvis version of this and other beethoven symphonies at least one try.
Thanks, I will.
There is a music world before and after Eroica.- Heinz
Can you explain the music (for people who cannot read the score) while the whole music is playing, in stead of just a little piece at a time? Thanks.
What was that second chord right at 0:01 !!!?
There are two chords beginning the symphony- both are E flat major chords. The second is slightly respelled if memory serves me correctly. :)
@@jennalynn685 no, I think someone played an E in the second chord. Sounds horrible
Please make the analisys of the "how ti train your Dragon" please!!
It's such an incredible soundtrack!
@@hello-bt6hs exactly! Its incredible!
Compare the final of the creatures of the prometheus with the forth movement of the eroica. What will you notice?