Heroic Beethoven at Napier Municipal Theatre

Story
The first four notes of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony comprise one of the most famous moments in the history of music. Just like ‘fate knocking at the door’, in this concert they signal the arrival of an evening of heroic and exhilarating music under the baton of the talented Bulgarian conductor Danail Rachev. It was in his late twenties that Beethoven began to develop hearing problems – the cruellest of afflictions for such a musical genius. Considering putting an end to it all, Beethoven instead completed one of his sunniest works – his Second Symphony – a work where he looks back to his early triumphs and hints at future glories. In the overture to The Ruins of Athens, the Greek gods return to Athens only to find the ancient city lying in ruins. Composed as a diplomatic celebration of the modern city of Pest, this resplendent overture is the perfect way to start our celebration of Beethoven.

Sound
With dark melodies and searching rhythms, Beethoven begins The Ruins of Athens Overture with a tone of despair that transforms into music that is majestic and gloriously optimistic. The Symphony No. 2 in D major has an unwavering freshness, with music that is often leisurely and always richly expressive. Such vital, energetic music is heard again in his miraculous Symphony No. 5. With its insistent ta-ta-ta-TUM, we can well agree with E.M. Forster when he wrote, ‘Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is the most sublime noise that has ever penetrated into the ear of man.’