BEETHOVEN BIRTHDAY BASH

WWFM – The Classical Network’s symphony marathon continues, with the shot heard ‘round the musical world.

NOW PLAYING: Symphony No. 3 in E flat major “Eroica” (Concertgebouw Orchestra/Erich Kleiber)

Twice as long as the standard “classical” symphony of the 18th century and encompassing a much broader emotional range, Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony was written in a euphoria of political idealism. The composer had been a great admirer of Napoleon Bonaparte, believing him to embody the democratic ideals of the French Revolution; but when Napoleon declared himself emperor, Beethoven tore up the original dedication in a fury. The work was published as “Heroic Symphony, composed to celebrate the memory of a great man.”

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