(From Birmingham)
The Birmingham Studio Orchestra
Conducted by Frank Cantell
Samuel Saul (Baritone)
Reginald Paul (Pianoforte)
In 1812 a new theatre was opened at Pesth, and two pieces written by Kotzebue-King Stephen, Hungary's First Benefactor and The Ruins of Athens - were performed. For each, Beethoven consented to write an Overture and incidental music, and hence the work now to be heard came into being. Hence is to be explained also the character of the music, with its strong infusion of Hungarian colouring. The work is not, of course, one of the greatest things which Beethoven did in this way, but it makes very pleasant hearing, none the less.
An introductory unison phrase of four notes opens the Andante, after which the energetic first theme is given out by the flutes. A repetition of the opening theme follows, and straightforward development completes the first section of the work.
In the second part, Presto, the woodwind announces the first theme, which is continued by the horns and followed in due course by the second. This is a fine diatonic tune, In consecutive notes throughout, which is further remarkable for the curious resemblance which it bears to the famous melody in the last movement of the Choral Symphony.
Development follows, and the Overture concludes, after several of those sudden and dramatic changes of tempo to which Beethoven was so partial, in brilliant fashion with a final Presto.'
