Beethoven and the Symphony

This series of 14 talks describes how Beethoven developed the symphony to express a very broad spectrum of ideas and values. He constantly changed and expanded the symphonic form so that it became a powerful medium of expression for him. First, he transformed elements that were not consistent with his ethic, such as the third movement minuet, which became a “scherzo”. He continued by changing the structure and weight of each movement making them reflect his objectives of liberation, transformation and growth. We will see how he created narratives to support and communicate his message. In the end, his symphonies became synonymous with liberty and fraternity, the pillars of our civilization.

We encourage everyone who watches our videos to ask questions through our Contact Us page. We’re looking forward to your insights!

This series has 14 Talks about Beethoven and the Symphony. The Talks, of varying length, are on average about 50 minutes long.

The cost of the series is a one-time fee of $45. The videos of the talks will be available for one year after payment.

Members will also be able to download a set of the Nine Symphonies conducted by Eduardo Chibás.

  • Biographical data

    Beethoven and his time

    How Beethoven changed the Classical Symphony

    Musical Forms used by Beethoven in the Symphonies

    Tonality

    Sonata Form

    A new vision of music

    Go to Talk

  • The Eroica and Napoleon

    The Eroica and Prometheus

    A leitmotif that guides the Symphony

    The Eroica and Michelangelo’s Sistine ceiling

    Analysis of First Movement

    Go to Talk

  • Analysis of the Second Movement: Funeral March or Transformation

    Analysis of the Third Movement: Rebirth

    Go to Talk

  • Analysis of the Fourth Movement

    Genesis in reverse

    Go to Talk

  • Furtwängler and the Fifth Symphony

    The great challenge: From Minor to Major

    Analysis of the First Movement: The most famous theme

    How that theme is played defines the meaning of the movement

    Analysis of the Second Movement

    Go to Talk

  • Analysis of the Third Movement: The journey to Hell and the great breakthrough

    Analysis of the Fourth Movement: The challenge is resolved

    Ecstasy: Triumph and Catharsis

    Go to Talk

  • A manifest program: The individual and Nature or the individual and the Other

    The dialectic of the 5 movements

    The Narrative

    Relationship with the Fifth Symphony: Two sides of a coin

    Analysis of the First Movement: The pulse of life

    Analysis of the Second Movement: In Mother’s bosom

    Go to Talk

  • The last three movements: Unity

    Analysis of the Third Movement: Too carefree

    Analysis of the Fourth Movement: The Mother as a monster

    Analysis of the Fifth Movement: The Synthesis with the Other

    Go to Talk

  • Context of the composition: A special moment for Beethoven

    The importance of sustained sound

    Analysis of the Introduction: Propulsive rhythm

    Analysis of the First Movement: Radiant rhythm

    Analysis of the Second Movement: Rhythm as Destiny

    Go to Talk

  • Analysis of the Third Movement: Fast rhythm vs. slower repetition

    Intensity vs. depth of vision

    Analysis of the Fourth Movement: Rhythms in conflict

    Go to Talk

  • The strange 8th

    Analysis of the First Movement: Begins with strength and ends in weakness

    Analysis of the Second Movement: Satire

    Analysis of the Third Movement: The absurdity of a Minuet

    Analysis of the Fourth Movement: Compositional virtuosity but no catharsis

    Go to Talk

  • Chronology and historical context

    Wagner and the Ninth Symphony: A new vision

    Analysis of the First Movement: A Cosmic cataclysm

    Go to Talk

  • Analysis of the Second Movement: Where Titans tread

    Analysis of the Third Movement: A synthesis that embraces all

    Go to Talk

  • Analysis of the Fourth Movement

    A Utopian vision is born for a new world

    Ecstasy through masses of sound

    Joy vs. Freedom

    Go to Talk