WDR Sinfonieorchester
Conductor: Jukka-Pekka Saraste
Recording date: 26.02.2018 – 03.03.2018
More than 200 years ago, Ludwig van Beethoven decides to break new ground – again. Ludwig is somewhat of an outdoor fanatic, so he packs his 6th symphony full of landscapes, animals, wind and weather. Almost like a movie inside your head.
The 1st movement starts on a peaceful countryside. Like a picture painted for your ears. Maybe a bit to romantic in times of climate change? Just skip to the 4th movement, there is lightning and storm, served by a big orchestra.
Yet Beethoven’s intention is not about the picture, but the emotion. And his emotions are very strong about nature: “How happy I am to wander between bushes, forests, herbs, rocks and under the trees, no man can love the countryside like I can.”
The term “Pastorale” existed even before Beethoven’s 6th symphony. It was coined to describe music that resembles dances of shepherds or the sound of shawm. And Beethoven makes good use of that in his symphony.
Simultaneously Beethoven was working on a very different symphony though. His extremely famous 5th (“du-du-du-duuumm!”) is pretty much the hard rocking opposite to the serene 6th symphony.
