Composer of the Week: Beethoven: Hero

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Composer of the Week

Music: Classical

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An informative guide to composers' lives and their music.

An informative and accessible guide to composers' lives and their music.

Composer of the Week: Beethoven Unleashed: Hero: Fallen Idol

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Beethoven Unleashed: Hero

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Beethoven is inspired by Napoleon, but will his hero prove worthy? With Donald Macleod

Beethoven looks to Napoleon Bonaparte as the inspiration for a new symphony, but will his hero prove worthy? Presented by Donald Macleod.

Beethoven was fascinated by Napoleon Bonaparte and the ideals of freedom, equality and self-determination he seemed to embody, and embarked on a new symphony in Napoleon’s honour. But had he fatally misjudged his hero?
 
This week, Donald Macleod follows Ludwig van Beethoven through the years of 1804-1806; the beginning of what many commentators have called his ‘heroic’ phase. Having weathered a profound psychological crisis, triggered by his failing hearing, Beethoven now throws himself into his composing with renewed energy and strength of spirit. However, that same passionate nature also leads to frequent conflicts. 

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.

Variations on an original theme Op 35, ‘Eroica Variations’, Variations I-III.
Rudolf Buchbinder, piano

Symphony No 3 'Eroica', I. Allegro con brio
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Conducted by Thierry Fischer

String Quartet Op 59 No 1, 'Rasumovsky', IV. Thème Russe, Allegro
Escher String Quartet

Symphony No 3 'Eroica', II. Marcia funebre, Adagio assai
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Conducted by Thierry Fischer

Violin Sonata in A major Op 47 ‘Kreutzer’, III. Presto
Veronika Eberle, violin
Oliver Schnyder, piano

Composer of the Week: Beethoven Unleashed: Hero

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Donald Macleod follows Ludwig van Beethoven through his 'heroic' phase, the years 1804-06.

Donald Macleod follows Ludwig van Beethoven through the years 1804-1806, the beginning of what many commentators have called his 'heroic' phase.

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