XIV. BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van: Symphony #7 in A Major, Op. 92

XIV. BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van (1770-1827)

Symphony #7 in A Major, Op. 92 (1811-12)
1. Poco sostenuto
2. Allegretto
3. Presto -- Assai meno presto
4. Allegro con brio
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (Amsterdam)
Bernard Haitink, cond.
(41:51)

One of the finest Sevenths you'll ever experience. Fiery and distinguished; sweet and intense -- never overbearing.

The famous Second Movement is taken at a true allegretto ("a little lively") and not bogged down in the mud, as certain conductors insist upon -- a gravitas not intended by Beethoven.

The video is exceptional. The camera always seems to be in the right place. A treat for the eyes and ears.

Contemporary reviews were mixed:

Wagner: "the apotheosis of the dance."

Others: "he must have composed the symphony in a drunken state."

First Movement

Second Movement

Fourth Movment