Göteborgs Konserthus Canceled: Beethoven-maraton

Event has already taken place

Experience Beethoven’s all nine symphonies in one day! In a unique event Gothenburg’s two large orchestras will merge to celebrate Beethoven’s 250th anniversary. In this concert we will expreience the Symphonies no. 7, 2 and 9 in Gothenburg Concert Hall.

Has Beethoven gone mad! That was the reaction after the first performance of the Seventh Symphony. Many people had thought so before, but now this?

However, one should take it with a pinch of salt. Is there anything more poignant than the second movements passacaglia with its hypnotically repetitive theme? It is used frequently today in films, television series and advertising. And who can resist the glowing energy of the final? A simple folk dance that accelerates to such a pace for the couple on the dance floor that they end up collapsing in each other’s arms. Beethoven is perhaps approaching madness.

Many ingredients for Beethoven’s upcoming symphonies can be traced back to the previous symphonies: here Beethoven became Beethoven and no one else. “In the second symphony there is material for 20 works,” he said later and he was right. It is full of ideas and whims, like a child or a teenager who can’t stop talking about their thoughts and impressions, and it is fantastic to listen to.

Some of the melody fragments from other symphonies appear in the Ninth Symphony, the crown of his work. The poem “Ode to Joy” by Schiller,who was also regarded as an opponent of power, captivated Beethoven. He felt it as a symbol of the revolution, a call for brotherhood and love. Such an important subject required the greatest of forces: an orchestra, a choir and vocal soloists. It became a symphony that crossed all boundaries and is an epic 70 minutes. And of course, the last movement’s Ode to joy is fantastic, but do not forget the three previous movements. They are just as enjoyable as the great Finale.

A marathon requires liquids and nutrition.

Although Beethoven himself is said to have put the music before his social lfe, there is every reason for you to meet over some food or something to drink during a full day in the company of his symphonies. The Concert Hall and Opera’s restaurants are open, so book in advance and take a breather between the concerts or during the break.