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Beethoven Symphony 8 Program Notes

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93

Sandwiched between the rhythmic fireworks of the Seventh Symphony and the monumental grandeur of the Choral Ninth, Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 in F Major, completed in 1812, is often affectionately dubbed his "Little Symphony" or "Little F Major." Yet, despite its more modest scale compared to its colossal siblings, it is a work brimming with sparkling wit, classical elegance, and a playful, almost mischievous spirit. It's a testament to Beethoven's astonishing versatility and his deep reverence for his Classical predecessors, Haydn and Mozart, even as he continued to push musical boundaries.

A Period of Creative Contrast

Beethoven composed his Eighth Symphony concurrently with the Seventh, often working on both in the same period. He wrote a significant portion of it during a productive summer spent in Linz, Austria. While the Seventh Symphony explored a powerful, almost Dionysian energy, the Eighth represents a return to a more compact, genial, and often humorous classical style. It's as if, having just unleashed a titan, Beethoven then decided to craft a miniature masterpiece, demonstrating his complete command over diverse musical expressions.

The premiere of the Eighth Symphony took place on February 27, 1814, at a concert in Vienna organized by Beethoven himself. While the audience had been captivated by the Seventh Symphony at its premiere a few months earlier, the Eighth, with its more subtle humor and less overtly dramatic themes, received a somewhat cooler reception. This reportedly irked Beethoven, who, when

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