1812
Donald Macleod focuses on key music and events in Beethoven's life from 1812, the year he wrote his infamous love letter to the mysterious 'Immortal Beloved'.
Beethoven had numerous amorous encounters over the years, some more serious than others, but things came to a head in 1812. That year he wrote a love letter to his 'Immortal Beloved' whose identity has given rise to endless speculation ever since. Donald introduces songs written for the most likely candidate, Antonie Brentano, and, in the year which saw a turning point in Beethoven's musical style, the final major work of that period - his 8th symphony. Donald Macleod explores key music and events of Beethoven's year.
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Music Played
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Ludwig van Beethoven
An die Geliebte WoO 140
Performer: Stephan Genz (baritone), Roger Vignoles (piano)
- Hyperion CDA67055.
- 17.
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Ludwig van Beethoven
Wonne der Wehmut Op.83 no.1
Performer: Stephan Genz (baritone), Roger Vignoles (piano)
- Hyperion CDA67055.
- 14.
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Ludwig van Beethoven
An die ferne Geliebte, Op.98
Performer: Stephan Genz (baritone), Roger Vignoles (piano)
- Hyperion CDA67055.
- 18.
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Ludwig van Beethoven
Moonlight Sonata, Op.27 no.2 (1st mvt)
Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano)
- Decca 417 732-2.
- 1.
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Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No.8
Performer: Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique, John Eliot Gardiner (conductor)
- Archiv 439 900-2.
Broadcasts
- Wed 12 May 201012:00BBC Radio 3
- Wed 12 May 201022:00BBC Radio 3
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