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Fallen Idol

Beethoven looks to Napoleon Bonaparte as the inspiration for a new symphony, but will his hero prove worthy? Presented by Donald Macleod.

Beethoven was fascinated by Napoleon Bonaparte and the ideals of freedom, equality and self-determination he seemed to embody, and embarked on a new symphony in Napoleon’s honour. But had he fatally misjudged his hero?

This week, Donald Macleod follows Ludwig van Beethoven through the years of 1804-1806; the beginning of what many commentators have called his ‘heroic’ phase. Having weathered a profound psychological crisis, triggered by his failing hearing, Beethoven now throws himself into his composing with renewed energy and strength of spirit. However, that same passionate nature also leads to frequent conflicts.

Composer of the Week is returning to the story of Beethoven’s life and music throughout 2020. Part of Radio 3’s Beethoven Unleashed season marking the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.

Variations on an original theme Op 35, ‘Eroica Variations’, Variations I-III.
Rudolf Buchbinder, piano

Symphony No 3 'Eroica', I. Allegro con brio
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ National Orchestra of Wales
Conducted by Thierry Fischer

String Quartet Op 59 No 1, 'Rasumovsky', IV. Thème Russe, Allegro
Escher String Quartet

Symphony No 3 'Eroica', II. Marcia funebre, Adagio assai
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ National Orchestra of Wales
Conducted by Thierry Fischer

Violin Sonata in A major Op 47 ‘Kreutzer’, III. Presto
Veronika Eberle, violin
Oliver Schnyder, piano

59 minutes

Last on

Mon 15 Jun 2020 12:00

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Music Played

  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    15 Variations And A Fugue On A Theme From Prometheus, Op 35 (1-3)

    Performer: Rudolf Buchbinder.
    • TELDEC : 3984-21797-2.
    • TELDEC.
    • 4.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Symphony No 3 in E flat major, Op 55 "Eroica" (1st mvt)

    Conductor: Thierry Fischer. Orchestra: ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ National Orchestra of Wales.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    String Quartet in F major, Op 59 No 1 "Rasumovsky" (4th mvt)

    Ensemble: Escher String Quartet.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Symphony No 3 in E flat major, Op 55 "Eroica" (2nd mvt)

    Conductor: Thierry Fischer. Orchestra: ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ National Orchestra of Wales.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Sonata in A major, Op 47 for violin and piano "Kreutzer" (3rd mvt)

    Performer: Veronika Eberle. Performer: Oliver Schnyder.

Broadcast

  • Mon 15 Jun 2020 12:00

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