Image Credit: © Helen White
BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH
Intense. Exhilarating. Famous.
★★★★1/2 “…a celebration of what the Australian Haydn ensemble does best…”
State of the Art, Beethoven’s Seventh, 2023
ABOUT THIS CONCERT
AHE continues its exploration of historical arrangements of Beethoven’s masterworks on period instruments. Get up close and personal with Beethoven’s mighty Fifth Symphony, as the septet reveals surprising new intensities.
ABOUT BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH
Composed between 1804 and 1808, Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 stands as one of his most renowned works, and to many people, it immediately reads as “classical music”. Its’ iconic opening motif, with its memorable rhythm 'duh-duh-duh-duuuh', is instantly recognizable.
As part of AHE’s ongoing exploration of Beethoven’s works in historical chamber arrangements, the Ensemble presents the world premiere of William Watts's version of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, arranged around 1820. This unique arrangement is quite unlike any large-scale symphonic recording you may have heard or may be expecting! Played by seven incredibly skilled musicians, Watts’ arrangement was made in Beethoven’s time, and with his blessing.
The Fifth is often referred to as ‘the Fate Symphony’ (German: Schicksalssinfonie). The famous four-note gesture at the opening is believed to symbolise fate knocking at the door. It reflects Beethoven's lifelong personal struggles including his increasing deafness, psychic anguish, and depression.
ABOUT FERDINAND RIES (BEETHOVEN’S RIGHT-HAND MAN)
Ferdinand Ries, renowned as Beethoven’s right-hand man, was not only a brilliant composer in his own right, he played a pivotal role in Beethoven’s life, particularly as the composer's hearing began to decline.
Beethoven regarded Ries as indispensable, relying on his assistance and companionship during difficult times. Their bond endured throughout their lives, with Beethoven imparting his knowledge and skills to Ries, shaping his development as a musician and composer.
ABOUT BOCCHERINI AND NIGHT MUSIC OF THE STREETS OF MADRID
At the composers’ request, Boccherini's Night Music of the Streets of Madrid remained unpublished for years after his death. He felt that the piece was only relevant within Spain (not true!). The work is now one of his most popular and best loved.
Its vibrant, compelling melodies take you straight to Madrid and its bustling streets with their boisterous and colourful nightlife.
Fun fact – the film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World uses the main violin theme from Night Music of the Streets of Madrid extensively. Russell Crowe, as captain of the Surprise, and Paul Bettany as his ship's surgeon play violin and cello in the captain's quarters for their own pleasure and distraction throughout the film, which is directed by Australian Peter Weir.
Image Credit: Helen White
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FERDINAND RIES Flute Quintet Op. 107 in B minor
BOCCHERINI Night Music of the Streets of Madrid Op. 30 No. 6 (G. 324)
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 5 (arr. Watts)
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Skye McIntosh, violin
Matthew Greco, violin
Karina Schmitz, viola
Nicole Divall, viola
Daniel Yeadon, cello
Pippa Macmillan, double bass
Melissa Farrow, flute
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Firstly, its not necessary to be an expert to enjoy our music. There are some fun facts though.
At AHE we play what’s known as a ‘period’ instrument. This is an instrument that was made at the time of Beethoven, Mozart or even earlier, or an instrument made by a master instrument maker that is ‘after’ a famous maker of the past.
Some instruments have survived over time more easily than others. For instance, it is more likely that a very old instrument will be a string instrument and less likely that it will be a wind instrument.
There is a great deal of research and scholarship that goes into the preparation and playing of these marvellous instruments, with their lower and softer sounds.
The benefit to you is that you can enjoy the music in a way that’s as close as possible to the sound world that the composers themselves knew.
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In Beethoven’s time, chamber arrangements were the main way that new music became known in Beethoven’s time.
In a world without recordings, radio or even opportunities to attend concerts outside the larger cities, such arrangements were a vital source of income for composers and helped to make their music well-known.
They were typically played in intimate venues, often by groups of friends or by professional musicians at private concerts.
When we listen to them played today, on instruments that bring us into the sound-world that Beethoven knew, we get a whole new experience of this incredible music.
PERFORMANCES
Select a location & date from the list below and click on the link to book online.
WHAT YOU’LL HEAR
As far as we know, our performance of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony will be a modern-day world premiere – with William Watt’s arrangement for string quintet, flute and double bass, having not been heard live since probably around 1820. There are currently no recordings. It’s a fabulous work and we’ve included below in our Spotify list, a full orchestral recording of the Symphony along with recordings of Boccherini's Night Streets of Madrid and Ries’ Flute Quintet.
DEEP DIVE
Learn more about the Composers and Music in this performance from the following links: