Classic Ross Amico

Tag: WWFM

Beethoven’s Birthday Bash Symphony No 5

BEETHOVEN BIRTHDAY BASH

With Beethoven’s most notorious symphony, WWFM – The Classical Network reaches the midpoint of its Beethoven marathon!

NOW PLAYING: Symphony No. 5 in C minor (Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique/John Eliot Gardiner)

At the time of the work’s premiere, many were confused by its opening motif—Da da da DAAAAAAA!! Now the world can’t seem to get it out of its collective head.

Beethoven was going through a great deal of emotional turmoil at the time, as he grappled with his increasing deafness, even as Europe was being rocked by the Napoleonic Wars.

We should count ourselves lucky that we’re able to hear it. Every one of Beethoven’s symphonies is a gift. Of course, it costs money to play them.

Help us deck the halls with boughs of Beethoven! Call us at 1-888-232-1212, or donate online at wwfm.org.

Thank you, as always, for your generous support!

December 16, 2019
Beethoven’s 4th Symphony: A WWFM Birthday Bash

BEETHOVEN BIRTHDAY BASH

WWFM – The Classical Network’s symphony marathon continues!

NOW PLAYING: Symphony No. 4 in B flat major (English Chamber Orchestra/Michael Tilson Thomas)

It was Robert Schumann who memorably described Beethoven’s 4th Symphony as “a Greek maiden between two Norse giants.” While I certainly find that image provocative, I assume he meant it to signify the work’s relative restraint, geniality, and refinement in comparison to the more ambitious, and perhaps even a little uncouth, Symphonies Nos. 3 & 5.

Let’s hear it for the maiden! Please support it by calling 1-888-232-1212, or by donating online at wwfm.org.

Thank you for your generous contribution!

Portrait (1804-05), Joseph Willibrord Mähler

December 16, 2019
Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony WWFM Birthday Bash

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.”

Support the broadcast of this great symphony by calling 1-888-232-1212, or by donating online at wwfm.org.

Thank you for your generous contribution!

December 16, 2019
Beethoven’s 2nd Symphony on WWFM

BEETHOVEN BIRTHDAY BASH

WWFM – The Classical Network’s symphony marathon continues!

NOW PLAYING: Symphony No. 2 in D major (Vienna Philharmonic/Claudio Abbado)

Beethoven’s 2nd Symphony is distinguished by an energetic scherzo (replacing the standard minuet) and a finale full of musical jokes that ruffled the feathers of a good number of his contemporaries. One critic described it as “a hideously writhing, wounded dragon that refuses to die… writhing in its last agonies and, in the fourth movement, bleeding to death.”

Please support it by calling 1-888-232-1212, or by donating online at wwfm.org.

Thank you for your generous contribution!

Portrait (1803), Christian Horneman

December 16, 2019
Beethoven Birthday Bash WWFM Marathon

BEETHOVEN BIRTHDAY BASH

WWFM – The Classical Network’s symphony marathon is underway!

NOW PLAYING: Symphony No. 1 in C major (London Classical Players/Sir Roger Norrington)

Beethoven’s 1st springs high off a platform elevated by Haydn and Mozart. But, the composer being who he is, he can’t help but execute a few hotdogging somersaults and twists.

Take the plunge! Support great music by calling 1-888-232-1212, or by donating online at wwfm.org.

Thank you for your generous contribution!

Portrait (1801), Carl Traugott Riedel

December 16, 2019

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