Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 'Eroica'

with commentary by Iván Fischer

Iván Fischer conducts the Concertgebouworkest in Ludwig van Beethoven’s powerful Symphony No. 3 ‘Eroica’. You can watch the performance with or without Iván Fischer’s commentary.

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 ‘Eroica’

Ludwig van Beethoven wrote his Symphony No. 3 between 1802 and 1804. Inspired by the French Revolution, he wanted to dedicate the Third Symphony to Napoleon, who at the time was seen as the liberator of the people. When Beethoven heard that Napoleon had crowned himself emperor in May 1804, he was appalled. He fiercely crossed out Napoleon's name in his manuscript – in fact, so violently that he tore the paper. The Third Symphony was no longer to be called ‘Bonaparte’, but ‘Eroica’.

Iván Fischer, conductor

Iván Fischer has been a welcome guest conductor with the Concertgebouworkest since 1987. Fischer’s way of working, which is as unusual as it is committed, and the musicians’ enthusiasm and virtuosity always result in very special performances. You can watch the performance of Beethoven’s Third Symphony with or without Iván Fischer’s commentary. The conductor’s fascinating explanation takes you straight to Beethoven’s time.

watch the concert without commentary

 

 

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 ‘Eroica’

Ludwig van Beethoven wrote his Symphony No. 3 between 1802 and 1804. Inspired by the French Revolution, he wanted to dedicate the Third Symphony to Napoleon, who at the time was seen as the liberator of the people. When Beethoven heard that Napoleon had crowned himself emperor in May 1804, he was appalled. He fiercely crossed out Napoleon's name in his manuscript – in fact, so violently that he tore the paper. The Third Symphony was no longer to be called ‘Bonaparte’, but ‘Eroica’.

Iván Fischer, conductor

Iván Fischer has been a welcome guest conductor with the Concertgebouworkest since 1987. Fischer’s way of working, which is as unusual as it is committed, and the musicians’ enthusiasm and virtuosity always result in very special performances. You can watch the performance of Beethoven’s Third Symphony with or without Iván Fischer’s commentary. The conductor’s fascinating explanation takes you straight to Beethoven’s time.

watch the concert without commentary

 

 

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