BEETHOVEN BIRTHDAY BASH

WWFM – The Classical Network’s symphony marathon continues!

NOW PLAYING: Symphony No. 8 in F major (Orchestra of the 18th Century/Frans Brüggen)

Like the 4th Symphony, Beethoven’s 8th tends to be swallowed up in the long shadows cast by its neighbors. But this work, frequently dismissed as Haydnesque, is actually quite subversive. The composer deconstructs many of the practices of standard classical symphonic form, with most of the weight thrown onto the shoulders of the last movement, as opposed to the first, no real slow movement, and the return of the minuet, which Beethoven handily dispensed with in earlier symphonies through the inclusion of more volatile scherzos.

Was Beethoven secretly the Stravinsky of his day?

Show this sphinx some love. Consider supporting it by calling us at 1-888-232-1212, or by donating online at wwfm.org.

Thank you for your generous contribution!

“Beethoven in Sphinx,” Jules Jourdain (1873-1957)