Beethoven's "Pastoral Symphony"

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Image courtesy of Palau de la Música Catalana.

Though Beethoven's Symphony No. 6—also known simply as the Pastoral Symphony—was composed during the same period as the Fifth Symphony, the two works are markedly different. A great lover of nature, Beethoven frequently took long walks in the country and often left Vienna to work surrounded by nature.

The Sixth is one of only two symphonies that Beethoven himself titled, calling it Pastoral Symphony, or Recollections of Country Life famously stating that it was "more an expression of feeling than painting." It debuted in Vienna in December of 1808 along with the Fifth Symphony, the Fourth Piano Concerto, two movements from the Mass in C, the concert aria Ah! perfido, and the "Choral" Fantasy in a famous marathon concert that lasted four hours.

Many of today's listeners are familiar with Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony through the appearance of its themes in Walt Disney's 1940 film Fantasia. This month, Beethoven lovers can experience the Pastoral Symphony performed by the Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès in the beautiful Palau de la Música Catalana.

Performers:

• Birgit Kolar, violin
• Camille Thomas, cello
• Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès
• Marzena Diakun, conductor

Program:

J. Brahms: Double Concerto in A minor, Op. 102

L. van Beethoven: Symphony No. 6, Pastoral

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