Beethoven · Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, "Eroica"
The symphony that scratched out Napoleon's name
- Key
- E♭ major
- Composed
- 1804
- Premiere
- 1805 Vienna
- Duration
- about 48 min
- Movements
- 4 movements
- Instrumentation
- Woodwinds 2·2·2·2 · Brass 3·2·0·0 · Timpani · Strings
The story behind this piece
Beethoven first intended to dedicate this piece to Napoleon Bonaparte. He saw Napoleon as a hero who would defend the ideals of the French Revolution. But he was deeply disappointed when Napoleon made himself emperor.
According to the recollection of his pupil Ferdinand Ries, Beethoven heard the news in a rage and tore Napoleon's name off the title page. In the end the piece was given the title "Heroic Symphony" (Sinfonia eroica). Separately, his patron Prince Lobkowitz promising a generous fee was also a reason the dedication changed.
It was first played privately at Prince Lobkowitz's palace, then officially premiered on April 7, 1805, at the Theater an der Wien. The 1st movement alone was the largest orchestral movement written up to that time, and the piece is counted as one that changed the face of the symphony.
What to listen for
- Opening of the 1st movement: after two "Bang! Bang!" chords, the cellos present the theme
- 2nd movement, funeral march: slow, heavy music for a funeral procession
- 3rd movement, Trio: three horns sound together like hunting horns. This was a first for a symphony at the time
Listen · Score
Credits