Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93

Composer: BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van
  • Beethoven’s eighth symphony was written in 1812 on the heels of his colossal seventh, though they differ quite drastically in character. Symphony No. 8 is the shortest of Beethoven’s symphonies, lighter in overall quality compared to the seventh, and notorious for holding a wealth of aural surprises for listeners.
    • For example, while the symphony is organized into a typical 4-movement structure, there are no slow movements. The piece is playful, even ferocious at times, and seems to harken back to the Classical era more obviously than the composer’s other “late” symphonies.1
  • Symphony No. 8 premiered in Vienna in 1814.
    • Fun fact – Symphony No. 8 is the only one of Beethoven’s symphonies that does not have a dedicatee.2
    • Reception of the piece was warm but not nearly as thunderous as audiences felt about Symphony No. 7. Interestingly, Beethoven considered his eighth to be “much better” than the seventh.3
  • Another interesting note – the ebullience of the symphony is particularly intriguing given that its origins lie around the same time that Beethoven composed his famous “Immortal Beloved” letter, full of drama and heartbreak.4

Sources

  1. Michael Tanner, “A guide to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8,” BBC Music Magazine (2020), accessed January 6, 2023, https://www.classical-music.com/features/works/guide-beethovens-symphony-no-8/.
  2.  Douglas Johnson et al, “Beethoven, Ludwig van,” Grove Music Online (Oxford University Press, 2001), accessed January 6, 2023, https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000040026.
  3. JC, SY, MER, “Symphony No. 8 in F, Op. 93,” Eastman School of Music, accessed January 6, 2023, https://www.esm.rochester.edu/beethoven/symphony-no-8/.
  4. Ibid.

Cut IDs

40107 40300 40474 40743 44991 48556 48564 14696 23687 20372