1808 - Beethoven - Vienna - This date.

Actually in just a few hours and 202 years ago to the day, Beethoven strode on stage to conduct his 5th Symphony for the first time.  The work is commonplace in our knowledge to the point that it is almost a cliche.  By most standards it isn't difficult to play and is tackled by orchestras of every level.  All to the good.  Perhaps, just perhaps, what makes this work so good is that it is pretty simple and for each musician and perhaps each audience of every sophistication, there is a different level of emotion and intellectual interest.  It is simple and elegant.  I'll put the first movement out for you as follows. it is an interesting visual by the way.  This work hit the world on one of the shortest days of the year (daylight) and has been something of a beacon of light ever since.




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