Beethoven · Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major
A hidden gem caught between two giants
- Key
- B♭ major
- Composed
- 1806
- Premiere
- 1807 Vienna
- Duration
- about 34 min
- Movements
- 4 movements
- Instrumentation
- Woodwinds 1·2·2·2 · Brass 2·2·0·0 · Timpani · Strings
The story behind this piece
In the summer of 1806, Beethoven stayed at Prince Lichnowsky's estate in Silesia. Count Oppersdorff, whom he met there, was a fan of Beethoven's Second and commissioned a new symphony, and that is how this piece came about. It was first played privately at Prince Lobkowitz's residence in March 1807.
Sandwiched between the grand No. 3, "Eroica," and the dramatic No. 5, "Fate," it is still one of the less often played of the nine. But it has a bright, mischievous charm.
What to listen for
- Introduction to the 1st movement: though the piece is in B-flat major, it hides its key for a long while and begins as if walking through fog. Then it suddenly bursts out fast and bright
- End of the 2nd movement: the accompaniment rhythm heard throughout is played, at the very end, by the timpani alone
- 4th movement: a perpetual-motion finale where sixteenth notes roll on without a pause
Listen · Score
Credits