Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 | Herbert Blomstedt and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig

It was the high point of Leipzig’s tenth anniversary celebrations of German reunification - Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, performed by the Gewandhaus Orchestra Leipzig and conducted by Herbert Blomstedt. The commemorative concert was held in the St. Nicholas Church on October 9, 1999.
A key moment in history occurred in Leipzig - the former GDR’s second-largest city - on October 9, 1989, when some 70,000 Leipzig residents overcame their fear of their authoritarian state to demonstrate for freedom, and increased democracy. This ‘Monday demonstration‘ as it would become known ran peacefully, despite mounting political tensions, and would become one of the events that lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, one month later.
The demonstrators' rallying cry of "Wir sind das Volk!“ - we are the people - was picked up again for this concert, where the fateful turn of history was to be commemorated with this performance of Beethoven's Fifth, also known as his 'Fateful Symphony'. It‘s said to have received the additional epithet by way of a bon mot from the composer himself. Speaking of its four opening notes and their famous rhythm, Beethoven is reported to have said "Thus, fate knocks at the door!"
This interpretation by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, conducted by Herbert Blomstedt, is positively ponderous in tempo, meaning one can listen intently to each twist and turn of Beethoven's symphony. In commemoration of that crucial day in Leipzig so shortly before the shift in the tide of world politics, this artistic choice certainly works to underscore the slow turning of fate.
(00:00) I. Allegro con brio
(07:45) II. Andante con moto
(17:49) III. Allegro
(26:21) IV. Allegro
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#beethoven #symphony #blomstedt

[@cosmlayla]

The genius of Beethoven! A gift to humanity!

[@wolfgangklawonn5091]

Yes, indeed.

[@senoldemirel545]

I wish all the peapul can understand that. I think at that time the world will be much better.The humanity will rün to beatiful days.I am sure.

[@user-qm4oe8zr3v]

ts

[@marcopologambogialvarenga7792]

@@wolfgangklawonn5091 O maximo

[@marcopologambogialvarenga7792]

Uma das maravilhas de Minas

[@user-df6td2dq8j]

Это в высшей степени гениальное симфоническое произведение величайшего из музыкантов в истории человечества стало первой классической музыкальной композицией, которую услышал ещё в детстве и был потрясён силой её гармонии, красоты, величия, всепоглощающего очарования, граничащего с благоговением перед могуществом звукового океана, музыкальным цунами обрушивающегося на слушателя в первой части этого бессмертного шедевра. Ведь в пятой симфонии по сути сконцентрирована вся духовная составляющая человеческой жизни, включающая и ту часть пути, которая находится за пределами земного существования. Страстность, упоение в борьбе, красота, любовь, стремление к счастью, радость и ощущение праздника, когда силы добра побеждают зло - душа и сердце разрываются от гаммы чувств, захлёстывающих при погружении в восхитительный бетховенский мир, звуковое великолепие которого не сравнимо ни с чем! Блистательный оркестр и прославленный дирижёр своим искусством творят чудеса, поднимая монументальное произведение великого классика на фантастическую, непревзойдённую высоту! Наслаждению нет предела!

[@user-xg9hp8mk7p]

Лиш тільки прочитання прізвища Beethoveen потребує нової транскрипції з поваги до генія... А не па-мацкальскі далі продовжувати БетхОвен та й БетхОвег (наголос на О). Вашої МАЦКАЛОТИ в европах уже багато... Німецьку, нідерландську уже чують і чують, ЯК вимовляти слід прізвище Beethowveen...😊😊😊

[@michailkotin6964]

​@@user-xg9hp8mk7pУспокойтесь. Человек, который так пишет, войну поддерживать не станет 😊😊😊

[@user-uc7ll5sb2z]

СПАСИБО большое за чудесную музыку это гениально слов нет❤️👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋💐

[@kenkoeder]

I love most of Beethoven's work especially this one and his 9th with choral. This is pure power.

[@briannovak-mcsweeney9109]

Yesterday,February 12,2023 my wife Julie and I experienced the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra,conducted by 95 year old maestro HERBERT BLOMSTEDT.Magnificent.There were members in the orchestra who were yet to be born when he began his ten year tenure here in 1984.God bless you Maestro Blomstedt!!!!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Thank you!! Lovely to hear that he is still conducting. I, as a swede, thought that he had completed his long journey with music. At 95 one has the right to do so. But he is still going on, as you tell us. Wonderful!

[@briannovak-mcsweeney9109]

@@staffanolofsson8201 You are welcome! It was quite wonderful.He is conducting seated on a piano bench,but no matter.Magnificent and really very emotional.Hard to say who was the most delighted...the audience,the orchestra,or Maestro Blomstedt! Greetings from San Francsco...we pray he can return next season. Brian

[@dougcargill6730]

I lived in San Francisco during his tenure and I will never forget the Maestro’s interpretation of Bruckner, Dvorak, Sibelius, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Beethoven.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

This was October 1999, now it is October 2022, and Maestro Blomstedt is still conducting, now 95 years old. Whar a wonderful life together with music!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

I have looked for his coming events 2023. Unfortunately I find for example these words: "Unfortunately there are no concert dates for Herbert Blomstedt scheduled in 2023." So perpahs his long music journey is near the end. I wish him a good life at home with lots of music and memories!

[@TheAtheist22]

Yes, Brilliant to see people going strong till the, unavoidable, end.

[@giftyitama5787]

I thought this was a year ago This is what happens when you dresss well You look timeless

[@TheAtheist22]

@@giftyitama5787 Nothing lasts.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

@@TheAtheist22 Yes, the memory, in coming generations. As we remember Beethowen and our parents.

[@Selcuk.Aytimur]

I am sick, headache, a bad stomach and hurting body...This conductor, the orchestra and the fifth was a therapy. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@DWClassicalMusic]

We are very happy about that!

[@andremiranda9599]

God bless your health, sir

[@dmitryburkov3759]

Good laxative or emetic?

[@kathrynpatriciawilkinson318]

I hope you are now well. I find such music makes life bearable. The music is a great pleasure. XX

[@fjames208]

indeed 👍

[@jasonquinlan731]

Blomstedt always looks like he's having a good time when he's conducting.

[@joemancini2988]

During his tenure in San Francisco in the 1980’s, I had the distinct pleasure of both hearing the Maestro’s work and personally connecting with him after performances. He was always gracious and happy to receive a dedicated public. Once, after a wonderful Bruckner 8th, we went backstage afterwards, and I told the Maestro that I had never heard a better Bruckner 8th. The Maestro seemed thunderstruck to hear such praise. He threw his head back, looked at me, and said, “Really?” Yes, really, Maestro. God bless you and your continuing good work.

[@john-carlosynostroza]

Wonderful share. Thank you

[@samitobribiesca6320]

L'ORCHESTRE FANTASTIQUE HISTORIQUE , LE DIRECTEUR GRANDIOSE, BEETHOVEN C'EST JUSTEMENT A GÉNIE MERCI PER ÇE PARTAGE !!!

[@goblinsRule]

Listening to Beethoven early in the morning to get your mind worked up and chilling with Mozart in the evening to cool things off

[@josephdondero6275]

The conductor is clearly enjoying himself. For good reason, this is an excellent performance. 🎉

[@berlinzerberus]

I entirely agree!

[@matthewv789]

This is one of the best recordings and interpretations I know of, as I have come to expect from Blomstedt. The sound is wonderful.

[@woodywomanpecker]

Prima.

[@ivanheck1987]

Really the sound is wonderful.

[@albinojuanbazzanella6142]

Blomstedt is one of my favorite conductors. His performances are perfect!

[@baobo6969]

So do I, and I was so luck to meet him once in person in SFS.❤❤

[@klassischmusik]

No matter how many performance will be performed and how many conductor will conduct this genius masterpiece no one will match and reach the level that only Herr Herbert Blomstedt reached because simply he is the only one that reaches the way that this Symphony should be and must be performed! I am very selective in a sense that's really hard and difficult to my ear can be pleased but he did it! Only him who did it.

[@fabiopeluso3688]

I didn't know this orchestra and the director, it was a special surprise. Wonderful interpretation of one of the most famous pieces of music ever.

[@user-hl3pc5ts6m]

Oh ! beautiful Beethoven Sym.No.5 , I love this tempo so so so much, Blomstedt' s breathing, long note and rhythm articulation are veryveryvery easy to enjoy them.

[@madguitar1086]

I have always loved when the conductor goes “Bang!” and the bang actually happens on the next beat.

[@berlinzerberus]

A conductor - masterful!

[@hernangogol343]

This Fifth Symphony I will call it. The Symphony of JUSTICE! Beethoven was an absolute Philosophical Genius. Who put his Philosophical transcendental ideas into MUSIC! not WORDS! he was the Ultimate! The truly Guardian of the Classical Music. His face in Heaven, probably it's pure LIGHTNING! ⚡! 🙄

[@user-qp5sb4zv7b]

Bravo! Sehr gut, sehr klassisch gespielt!

[@Carmen3D]

waaaaw ... 15 years i hear this symphony .... its immortal for ever !

[@briananderson8428]

Good Lord the 3rd mvmt is delicious... Also, as a former non-professional flute player, I must give a Shout Out to the principal flute player here. She has achieved perfect timing with the orchestra and also an astounding Beethovenian flute tone. Brava. An A+. The entire Woodwind Section is stupendous. Thank You to Maestro Blomstedt for having a solid idea about how this symphony should go and for following through on that idea. You clearly were not merely "dialing it in". For that, and for your musical ideas about Beethoven's 5th, I thank you.

[@trutwijd]

I was thinking the same. She really shines with her solos.

[@nicholasharshbarger4454]

I’ve always thought the third movement of this symphony was really underrated. The melody at the beginning that is intentionally reminiscent of that of the first, while remaining interesting and unique is simply sublime. Then the fugue in the middle is one of Beethoven’s finest in my mind, which is followed by the repetition of the opening melody which begins the whole journey again. As the icing on the cake the movement ends with a wonderful soft pizzicato and solo clarinet and flute rendition of the opening melody which really adds a sense of finality to the movement. Despite being the shortest of the piece, the third movement is does a simply wonderful job of building to a conclusion that is both inevitable, and refreshing: a perfect postlude for the second, and a stirring prelude to the fourth. Beethoven truly was a master of his craft.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

As a swede I have always admired Herbert Blomstedt. His conducting in this Beethoven is a show in itself, even if he is not aware of it. He only follows his intentions of how this music shall be played, he has no intention at all to take some place in advantage of the music he conducts, he is only a humble servant of this music. It is all in his head, and therefore no sheet music for him.

[@alexmccullough6549]

That's for sure

[@staffanolofsson8201]

In his apparition Herbert Blomstedt is the eagle watching over his domains. In his music he is the most understanding and supporting eagle we ever have come to know. Thank you maestro for your lifelong commitment to classical music. This Beethoven, symphony no 5, is the perfect example of how gorgeous this cooperation can be.

[@bude_kantin_1]

Amazing

[@julianbermejodepablo5850]

Jamás me cansaré de escuchar estas maravillas del genio de Bonn

[@MikeDrewYT]

So many members of the audience absolutely rapt, *actively* engaged. I've never seen an audience doing so much active listening. I don't know if that had something to do with the occasion for this concert, but it *must* have mostly to do with the vitality and focus of the performance. Remarkable video.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thanks for your kind words! Make sure to check out our other videos, too!

[@gaelomorales8626]

Buena música Ok

[@mariagiovannacoletto3229]

​@@gaelomorales8626yv

[@praaht18]

Fabulous.

[@carloslaguensbermejo9812]

Magistral interpretación de la célebre Quinta Sinfonía del genial compositor alemán Ludwig van Beethoven que es sin ninguna duda una de las obras más importantes de toda la historia musical. No tengo palabras para definir acertadamente la sabiduría que posee el legendario director de orquesta sueco-estadounidense Herbert Blomstedt que a pesar de tener en la actualidad 94 años todavía continua en activo como Maestro Invitado de las más prestigiosas orquestas mundiales. BRAVO !!!! Saludos desde España.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Saludos desde Alemania.

[@antonioguerrero5119]

Eso lo manatiene vivo.

[@karinamartinez3427]

La música es una gran medicina!..... la buena música, por supuesto!.... saludos desde Colombia :)

[@josejriveracarrasco3656]

🙀

[@ferminsamuelrodriguez]

Magnífica ejecución y genial dirección.

[@user-km3kl7mi6u]

Even though it is a small orchestra, it is amazing that it is playing powerfully.

[@andresfelipeayala1995]

An awesome performance of this conductor! 😉👍🏽

[@t.t240]

日本でも､なじみの深い指揮者《ﾌﾟﾛﾑｼｭﾃｯﾄ》さん､決め細かで誠実感は､今でも素晴らしい『Cond』です！･［Orch ］各ﾊﾟｰﾄの研ぎ澄まされた､歓喜溢れる名演に感銘致しました。👏👏‼

[@notaire2]

Wunderschöne und spannende Aufführung dieser ewigen und perfekt komponierten Sinfonie mit gut vereinigten und perfekt entsprechenden Tönen aller Instrumente. Der letzte Satz klingt besonders spannend und auch überzeugend. Der intelligente und unvergleichliche schwedische Dirigent leitet das ausgezeichnete deutsche Orchester im gut analysierten Tempo und mit dramatisch kontrollierter Dynamik. Wundervoll und atemberaubend zugleich!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Vielen Dank für diesen ausführlichen Kommentar!

[@user-hf5wf6bp9n]

Very well done! No interference in the music makes it high quality audio, thank you very much

[@georgescharles9832]

Magnifique interprétation. Chapeau bas.

[@josemenezes9264]

Sublime. Europe's spirit at its best.

[@user-ig2nq5je5k]

Beethofen ist Superstar auf alle Zeiten.

[@user-gz9yo7jq8t]

믿을 수 없을만큼 아름답고 박력넘치는 연주입니다. 블롬스테트 지휘자님! 150살까지만 건강하게 사셔요

[@LionWSG]

❤ ich Liebe Ludwig Van Beethoven über meinen Tod hinaus. Mein Engel 💞💐

[@primoklabauter2887]

Das ist so eine wunderbare und absolut geniale Musik, kongenial gespielt vom Gewandhausorchester unter der Leitung des phantastischen Herbert Blomstedt. Da ist eigentlich keine Steigerung mehr möglich, das ist das alleroberste Fach im Regal. Eine gute halbe Stunde musikalischer Rausch mit großem Abhängigkeitspotential, aber nicht gesundheitsgefährdend. Ganz im Gegenteil, Labsal für die Seele, die mit dieser Musik Flügel bekommt. Einen riesengroßen Dank an die DW, daß Ihr dieses Masterpiece ins Netz gestellt habt.

[@amarildonascimento_oficial]

Simply wonderful!!! What a great energy!!!

[@daning9764]

Orchestra not huge but the sound is

[@user-kb3hp2qu8k]

Thanks.　ホールが凄いですね。こんなホールでヴェートーベンのシンフォニーが聴けたらなぁ。これは、文字通り夢物語になります。

[@curtisgrindahl446]

For a video captured over 22 years ago, this is amazing. I was drawn to the performance both because I know of Mr. Blomstedt from his tenure with the San Francisco Symphony but also because when I bought a CD set with Beethoven symphonies I selected a modest priced set with him as conducting the Dresden Staatskapelle. I've been listening to it of late, doubtless filling those shelter-in-place days created by COVID and omicron. This amazing music is exactly what the doctor ordered. This performance is first rate. Thanks DW for all the wonderful things you offer through KZbin.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@maryf259]

Hard to believe it was so long ago, it sounds so fresh…and the setting is just beautiful. Bravo!!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

A message from Brian Novak I found: Yesterday,February 12,2023 my wife Julie and I experienced the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra,conducted by 95 year old maestro HERBERT BLOMSTEDT.Magnificent.There were members in the orchestra who were yet to be born when he began his ten year tenure here in 1984.God bless you Maestro Blomstedt!!!!

[@user-xb8sx5jw3t]

素晴らしい演奏ですね。

[@zerodegrekelvin2]

Thank you for the context of this concert and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, for all of us who lived under communist regime, it was a miracle to see East and West Germany reunified without violence.

[@ShowCat1]

Conductor and orchestra among the greats.

[@helenlydon678]

Wow! It's been years since I listened to Beethoven's 5th and this is the best recording I've heard. Such lament and power and well, just listen to it. I have the late 60's Karajan/BPO and Rattle's/LSO recordings but Blomstedt/GOL will now be my go to. It's simply breath taking.

[@MetalClassicalRocks]

Blomstedt is an absolute pleasure to watch. ❤

[@charlesbarry971]

One of the great compositions of Beethoven. He was musical genius. His music will never die

[@HS-cl7bi]

love his smile, also very wonderful interpretation good performance thanks

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thank you for watching!

[@gerzonsosa9406]

BRAAAAVOOOO maestro Blomsted.

[@tsiryolivarajaonarisoa9932]

L'interprétation du deuxième mouvement est incroyablement réussie. Puis la flûtiste est superbe.

[@michaelcoatney2568]

How Beethoven's music does minister to the soul ❤

[@petertalbot7261]

His best symphony. A musical genuis

[@azores-pv6ft]

Remarkable performance. Great orchestra. Great conductor and greater director of videography. Thanks DW for providing another great classical performance.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thank you☺

[@bikkies]

An excellent performance in every regard.

[@ozdenvezir3257]

I have never heard a better performed and directed rendition, congratulations.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

We're glad you enjoyed it. Make sure to follow us in order to not miss out in the future 😊

[@user-tv3pb7dk2c]

ブロムシュテットさんの指揮のゲヴァントハウスの演奏を教会で聴くことができるのだから素晴らしい環境だな。そして指揮者もオケも実力を存分に発揮した見事な演奏だった。

[@mimitesten5555]

It’s as if I’m hearing this for the first time in my life, 69 years. Every note every tone, every nuance was as perfect as if Beethoven were conducting it himself. The venue and the acoustics lend itself to the absolute perfection of his ninth symphony.

[@JackOkie]

That's the wonderful thing about Classical music - the old "warhorses" can still be heard as if they were new and fresh compositions.

[@alexandrebraga9863]

Timeless music! Epic performance of the Maestro! So thankful for being alive and get to know both...

[@richardprice8348]

I first heard this symphony when I was around age 7 when I listened to it on my brother's 78 rpm portable phonograph and fell in love with classical music. I am now age 80 and still love Beethoven's 5th symphony.

[@ralphoperaphile]

The thing about Beethoven is that no matter how many times you have heard his music as soon as you re-listen you are captivated.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thanks for sharing these memories with us.

[@vasilenegrea506]

E precum ceasornicul....cred că nemții sunt cei mai specialiști în Beethove!

[@ralphoperaphile]

@@vasilenegrea506 Dar Blomstedt este un suedez-american!

[@JamesSheppard-wk3qb]

PHEW!! No words can express the emotion I have after hearing this AGAIN!!! Words can only be expressed through hearing this magnificent artistry!!! Thank you Father for gifting us with the genius that is Beethoven!!!

[@user-su5dt4ql9k]

素晴らしい❢苦は苦、しかし明るく！前向きに、嵐に向かう〜愉しさ、素晴らしい演奏でした。Thank you.

[@dr_know]

Beethoven was and remains to be a friend to people who endure hardships, and thru their perseverance, they succeeded and won for themselves. ✍🏻

[@user-de3cz4ox6v]

청춘의 싱그러움을 노년임에도 잃지 않는 연주라고 생각합니다. 감사합니다.

[@richardwestwood8212]

Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach are the fountain of eternal youth, the neverending spring.

[@zarriki]

Thank you for such a gift! 😍

[@gabyhashem1526]

One of the best recordings I ever heard ! Seems to be one of the roads to Paradise !

[@gregoriokuhn9146]

Todas las sinfonías de Beethoven son una joya. Esta interpretación y dirección me parece magistral. Bravo 💪

[@renaudpontier]

Excellente interprétation, dense, nerveuse mais sans excès. Tempo parfait. Son de grande qualité. Parfait!!

[@victorgomez6932]

Magnífico Desde Guatemala 🇬🇹

[@petersurdo4984]

All of these talented people coming together to create art greater than themselves individually.

[@sergiobarraza1806]

La sonoridad, la acústica, los pizzicato, los crescendo, la ejecución, la dirección, es todo perfecto en este video! Gracias por tal rendición de talento ❤

[@ahmedshahat4619]

Incredible composition, great performance 👏

[@user-hk2oy6eo3r]

Nous vous remercions pour ce video! Magnifique, prodigieux chef-ďoeuvre!

[@jorgecorbalan9782]

Te amo Ludwig…

[@graograman]

God I love that crescendo in the end of the third movement, impeccably glorious

[@fernandsanchis9881]

Wonderful version of this sublime symphony! Thanks!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

😊

[@chipwaterman5759]

Majestic Magnificent Marvelous Master of music ! Love the beauty of the highlights and lower peaceful sections of this fantastic favorite 🤗🙏☀ places me in the air of tranquility ! Powerful ! 😀🌠🤗

[@TheJojoaruba52]

So well done…sublime… Thank you. All the sections were so talented.

[@fabiusgraco5296]

Simplesmente indescritível. É de arrepiar! Bravíssimo, Blomstedt💐💐👏👏👏

[@joshqim3110]

These videos always inspire me to be more disciplined, seeing people master their craft like this. Especially seeing conductors like Blomstedt who radiate so much competence and wisdom. Great music to play in the background while studying!

[@joseluisr5951]

Me gusta mucho precioso Interpretación.Felicidades .

[@gsuwvsv2921]

As always, a nice start to a busy day. Tomorrow is a day of national thanksgiving for us, and I know many who are adding you and your music to that list of things we are thankful for. all the best!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thank you for your kind comment. We wish you all the best as well. Stay tuned!

[@simonschermann6957]

bravo HERBERT BLOMSTEDT et LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

[@hermanverheij8682]

Beethoven Symphony Symphony No.5 vind ik leuk.

[@kucherisspb6687]

Спасибо)Это прекрасно)

[@senoldemirel545]

Thank you for this music That's marvellous 👍👍👍👍

[@emigdioluisgarciaaguilar2738]

Maestros en lo más lindo de la vida, la MÚSICA !!!

[@user-hk2oy6eo3r]

❤

[@simonschermann6957]

Génie artistique de la musique, sourd la moitié de sa vie!💝💖💙💜félicitations àherbert

[@m25l02e51]

Gracias por alegrarme la mañana. ❤️❤️❤️

[@ayersonequepodiayhoypuedo]

Esta sinfonía es una hermosa obra de arte , bajo la inspiración de un genio como lo es Beethoven , que le dio vida a un tema musical que permanecerá con nosotros, por los siglos de los siglos Amen.

[@asadbajwa8957]

the Looks of Herbert emulate the music merely through the looks

[@santiagoolguin8566]

Excelente música y poderosa desde un inicio gracias a Beethoven un genio de la música

[@daviddowling9830]

The concentration of these musicians is to me simply amazing,such talent,wonderful to listen to but watching them perform is so restful.

[@jesuscuevasdelavega4938]

Bravísimo Maestro

[@user-ns4cw2vz2g]

Як майстерно виконано геніальний твір великого Бетховена! Вражає робота диригента! Просто блискуче! Спасибі всім артистам за це високе мистецтво! Вітання з України.❣💙💛

[@Ericmf08108]

This is a great tempo!

[@guillermorodas8380]

Hermosa interpretción , muy actual , ligera, fresca muy hermosa!

[@normanhall8435]

This piece always overwhelms me. I feel I am with the mighty Gods of all eras. This playing of the No, 5 is as good as I have heard. Wonderful.

[@joellepodwysocki9558]

MAGNIFIQUE ,BRAVO.👏