War

Donald Macleod explores how Beethoven coped with the escalating war between the Austrian and the French, and with Napoleon’s second occupation of Vienna in 1809.

This week, Donald explores Ludwig van Beethoven’s life through the years 1807-1809. This was a period that ended with the traumatic second occupation of Vienna by Napoleon’s forces, and a time when Beethoven himself was feeling increasingly restless in the city after his plans to gain financial stability were thwarted.

Composer of the Week is returning to the story of Beethoven’s life and music throughout 2020. Part of Radio 3’s Beethoven Unleashed season marking the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.

March for Military Music, WoO 18
Berlin Philharmonic Wind Ensemble
Herbert von Karajan, conductor

Piano Sonata No 26 in E flat major, Op 81a “Les adieux” (1st movement)
Emil Gilels, piano

Incidental Music to Egmont, Op 84 (1. Die Trommel geruhet; 2. Entr’acte I - Andante; 7. Clärchen’s Death; 9. Symphony of Victory)
Orchestra of St Lukes
Dennis Russell Davies, conductor

Piano Concerto No 5 in E flat major, Op 73 "Emperor” (1st movement)
Myra Hess, piano
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Malcolm Sargent, conductor

Sehnsucht, WoO 134
Ann Murray, soprano
Iain Burnside, piano

Producer: Sam Phillips