(leader, Paul Beard ). Conductor, Sir Adrian Boult
Before an audience of H.M. Forces in a hall in the South
Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 in F, the lightest, shortest, and most easy-going since the No. I in C, is typical of the composer's vein of rough, untamed humour. The airy, piquant second movement is unique among the whole of Beethoven's works. No less attractive and beautifully wrought is the third movement, which is virtually a Minuet and Trio.
Of the magnificent Finale, which is brilliant and vigorous to a degree. Paul Bekker has said ' the composer abruptly discards the comic mask and abandons make-believe. The laughter of a wholly untroubled spirit, absolute humour unconnected with any world of actuality, is here revealed in music. Compared with it, Haydn's most exquisite whimsicalities appear clownish and provincial.'