Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 Pastoral | Stefan Soltész & Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra

A symphony for true lovers of nature: Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, 'Pastorale' by Ludwig van Beethoven (complete symphony). It’s being performed here by the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Stefan Soltész, at the 2021 Beethovenfest in the World Conference Center Bonn (WCCB).
(00:00) I. Allegro ma non troppo: 'Awakening of Cheerful Feelings upon Arrival in the Country'
(12:03) II. Andante molto mosso: 'Scene by the Brook'
(24:40) III. Allegro: 'Merry Gathering of the Country Folk'
(27:43) IV. Allegro: ‘Storm Movement'
(31:36) V. Allegretto: 'Shepherd's Song. Glad and Thankful Feelings After the Storm'
Beethoven composed his 6th Symphony about nature in 1807 and 1808. The Symphony No. 6 in F major, op. 68 has five movements, not four, and along with the usual tempo indications, Beethoven gave them descriptive headings too.
The 6th Symphony, known as the “Pastoral," begins with "Awakening of cheerful feelings upon arrival in the country," to be taken at an "Allegro ma non troppo" speed (fast but not exceedingly so). But there are actually many tempos, moods, feelings and effects in the first movement of Beethoven's Sixth. One thing is missing, though: that forward thrust so typical for Beethoven; the struggle and the passion in striving for a goal. Instead, the main theme is repeated, and in parts of the first movement, time seems to slow down and even stand still. The Symphony No. 6 isn't a graphic musical depiction of nature, though. As Ludwig van Beethoven personally wrote above the first movement: "More an expression of feeling than tone-painting."
Use your imagination while listening to the second movement of Beethoven's Sixth, and you can hear ripples on a creek and birds tweeting. To make it clear, Beethoven added a description, "Scene by the Brook," to go with the tempo heading "Andante molto mosso" (as though walking, much movement). Beethoven only rarely explained his music, but in this case, he added: "It's left to the listener to figure out the situations. Anyone who has any idea of life in the countryside can discern the composer's intent even without titles or headings." For the musicians, Beethoven goes into greater detail, writing in the score that the calls of the nightingale, the quail and the cuckoo are rendered by the flute, the oboe and two clarinets.
The triple-movement episode begins with a "Merry gathering of country folk," with "Allegro" (fast) the specified tempo. Altogether, the Symphony No. 6 in F major, op. 68 anticipates what later went by the name of "program music:" music that describes a situation or tells a story. In the "merry gathering" we hear an oom-pah-pah village band that doesn't quite play together but, for that, is all the more boisterous. "My decree," wrote Ludwig van Beethoven: "Stay in the countryside. My unfortunate hearing problem doesn't plague me here. It's as though, in the country, every tree was speaking to me. Holy, holy! Who can express it all? Sweet quietude of the forest!"
That sweet quietude comes to an abrupt end in the fourth movement of the Symphony No. 6 in F major, op. 68. It's titled "Thunder storm," and the composer specified it to be taken at a fast clip, "Allegro." It's the shortest but most dramatic movement in Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony. Thunder, screeching wind and a downpour are all clearly audible, while images come to mind from Walt Disney's 1940 animated film "Fantasia," where the Greek god Jupiter gleefully hurtles bolts of lightning and makes terrified villagers flee for shelter.
After the merry gathering of the country folk and the storm comes the finale of Beethoven's Sixth, titled "Shepherd's song. Cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm," with the Italian tempo mark "Allegretto" (moderately fast).
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[@notaire2]

Wunderschöne und lebhafte Aufführung dieser scheinbar idyllischen doch wesentlich perfekt komponierten Sinfonie mit seidigen Tönen aller Streicher, milden Tönen aller Holzbläser und brillanten Tönen aller Blechbläser. Der erfahrene Dirigent leitet das perfekt trainierte Orchester im relativ schnellen Tempo und mit angenehmer Dynamik. Wahrlich hörenswert!

[@Mystikan]

This is Beethoven's second best opus, surpassed only by his 9th Symphony. It has been one of my favourite pieces since early childhood, and my love for it has never diminished; I've heard it a thousand times, and every time is still as magical as the first time I heard it, as a small boy.

[@Ar-Rahman61]

My favourite opus …. Pastoral

[@veroniquemarsaudon7227]

@@Ar-Rahman61 same for me! Véronique

[@veroniquemarsaudon7227]

same for me Véronique

[@shin-i-chikozima]

The depths of Beethoven’s diversity is unfathomable and immeasurable This splendor of words can not attach it

[@aztergaming2071]

It’s crazy how beethoven imprints images on our mind through music alone 🥰 truly a legend

[@seanmcconnell58]

It's the perfect Easter piece!

[@TheSheiban]

There are very few opinions I hold so strongly that I refuse to budge on. Beethoven's 6th symphony is one of those strong opinions. It's a masterpiece and a joy to listen to

[@josephlow1102]

Heartily second that

[@katrinat.3032]

I third that!

[@zerodegrekelvin2]

It is good to see conductor smiling to the musicians, very good performance!

[@Stefan_G.]

Beethoven paßt immer. Frohe Ostern allerseits!!!

[@francescopolverino2901]

Le nove sinfonie di Beethoven, sono le 9 meraviglie che l'uomo abbia tramandato a tutte le generazioni del mondo

[@annalatter7098]

I HAVE ALL OF BEETHOVEN, LOVE ALL.

[@katrinat.3032]

Loved this piece for decades! I love it’s pulsating quality. Played superbly!

[@Artist_Aejoo]

최고입니다 훌륭합니다♡

[@arturocastaneda3347]

Excellent performance, conducted vivaciously with Hungarian flair. Don’t expect a Hermann Scherchen style of tempi, this is more in the von Karajan concept.

[@abeerelazab6066]

Beethoven's music is very profound 💖💖💖💖🌹🌹🌹🌹🥰🥰🥰

[@katrinat.3032]

It is! When I listen to Beethoven with my eyes closed I see and feel so much! Colors, shapes. Architecture. I can’t even explain it but I experience it!

[@janel342]

Just like your remark😊

[@user-go6bh2fx9r]

美しい音色に心癒され、幸せな気持ちになれます。感謝！！

[@artsaarloos8398]

A superior presentation.

[@JamesSheppard-wk3qb]

Ahh, Beethoven!!! What better sound to wake up to in the morning, especially the k I I'm o

[@luciacalvo5336]

Un mago il flautista! ❤❤❤

[@fulgenjbatista4640]

🕊🌟🕊 This is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL A major DELIGHT. It's one of my favourites EVER Since I was a kid & my Dad played it for us After watching Disney"s Fantasia. 🙏💜🙏 💜🎵💜

[@katrinat.3032]

I’m almost 60 and remember listening to this with my dad. That’s why it’s my favorite 🙂

[@gmfeuillage4641]

Je n avais pas écouté cette 6eme depuis longtemps ! Superbe quelle douceur quelle tendresse je suis émerveillée

[@lenanielsen5903]

Thank you for an absolutely wonderful performance with Beethoven's Pastorale🍃

[@aaronjorgefridman5662]

Imposible no conocer la belleza de esta sinfonía. Pero no conocía esta orquesta ni su director. Excelente. No sorprende: la mayoría de las orquestas del centro europeo lo son, aunque un poco más al occidente no las conozcamos

[@megbailey8567]

I first heard this gorgeous symphony as a kid ... Disney's Fantasia (of course) I have had a soft spot for it ever since

[@jamestaylor6053]

Same here, my brain was ingrained with these beautiful vivid picturesque melodies ever since.

[@donnawiseman5234]

Very beautiful, great afternoon listening. Thank you 🙏 to the Orchestra and Conductor.

[@neusbarrera6401]

If I would have to choose only one of his symphonies this would be my favorite one!! When I listen to it I can imagine people attending Mass on a sunny Sunday morning and afterwards going on a relaxing walk in the fields!!

[@mariainesdeandradealcantar3263]

BEETHOVEN:agarrou o destino pela garganta e venceu!!!!!!!graças ao universo, temos LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN PRA SEMPRE!!!!!!!!!

[@litoboy5]

GREAT

[@rebeccachu2724]

I have listened to Beethoven's 6th many times but this is the first time that the repeat in the 3rd movement "merry gathering of country folks" is omitted. Hence the entire symphony lasts just a little over 40 minutes.

[@joseantoniovalerio7858]

Hermosa simfonia de Beethoven, la escuchaba con mi papá en mi juventud; por cierto acabo de suscribirme a DW 👍👏👏🙏

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Es maravilloso oírlo. ¡Gracias por ver y escuchar y manténgase en sintonía! 😊

[@vilmardias1881]

Lindo espetáculo.

[@donnawiseman5234]

So very beautiful ❤thank you and God Bless you for such lovely music.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

😊

[@susannevonversen3268]

Ich liebe diese Musik ..Vielen Dank

[@huangamy5277]

What's matter ? So exiting I never see that ! I Run !

[@dicostigan1449]

Perfect!

[@RechtsstaatBRD]

der applaus klingt irgendwie unverhältnismäsig dumpf für das was und wie es aufgeführt wurde. vielen herzlichen dank an das teilen und aufführen des werkes :-)

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Gerne, vielen Dank fürs Ansehen und Zuhören! 😊

[@Lotuswhite2911]

i will go back power off everywhere The fuss of the rattling heart will be free to back to me or from me straight lines fired will ignore i will go back Go to the outskirts of the indifferent body two hands and two feet I will cut my head will be infinitely smaller will darken the darkness sensitive to sound will respond immediately to odors Distinguish each taste will open the skin wide Above all else, it will rest your eyes I no longer live to work will work to live will survive to live it will be dark when it gets dark ...

[@anenglishmanplusamerican7107]

It is so fast paced Nothing against the conductors, but they play it really fast.

[@hanschang7358]

Same feeling, maybe it's this conductor's style. But, played beautifully

[@aurelianojosemonteiro1398]

Obrigado amigos!

[@user-vx9bv9es3x]

Life!!!!

[@brahimd8683]

👍❤

[@shin-i-chikozima]

Whenever I listen to No.6, I remember a haunting memories of my birthplace‘s countryside. It was the dance of countless fireflies that I saw as a child with my late beloved mother. No.6 has the scent of Beethoven‘s aesthetics and my mother‘s nostalgic memory

[@shin-i-chikozima]

To this day, no other piece of music has come along that surpasses this masterful depiction of nature's transition of coutrysides. There is not a speck of doubt or a trace of hesitation or cloudiness in this captivating performance FromTokyo

[@linayer]

Disney's Fantasia is the best they could ever do for a cartoon

[@orlandow.8037]

No início do último movimento, o câmara deveria focalizar o solista, porém focalizou as costas do maestro. At the beginning of the last movement, the cameraman should focus on the soloist, but he focused on the conductor's back.

[@user-sf2pr7fz4h]

Çok hoş

[@gary7448]

學店産生多少有用的指揮家是重要的學校嗎

[@MJNewsChannel]

💖💞💗💘

[@rebeccachu2724]

Still wondering if the omission of the repeat in the 3rd movement in this performance of Beethoven's 6th symphony conducted by Stefan Soltesz was intentional.

[@edwardweaver1467]

Full piece? Let's look.

[@javiervelascomarquez3225]

Alosno.

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

The audio is damaged...seems they are playing on a space shuttle... Beethoven is giving me the best thrilling emotions whatever, sounds like...traveling in space fans, untill we get so lucky to leave this planet... let's try to save the only home we have Ok?

[@alfredo3440]

Was ist der Sinn des Lebens? Man kann ihn nicht ergründen. Aber wer Beethovens Pastorale hören durfte, kommt der Antwort schon sehr nahe. Wer die Pastorale in seinem Leben hören durfte, hat nicht vergebens gelebt. Die Pastorale ist mehr wert, als all der schnöde Tand, hinter dem die Menschen herjagen.

[@huangamy5277]

Number 6 ?

[@user-ij4ht1wm6d]

템포가 빠르다는 말이 많은데요 그보다는 현의 질감이 나쁘다는 생각이 듭니다 6번 교향곡 특징이 목관의 음색이 가장 아름다운 베토벤 교향곡으로 알고 있는데 제 귀엔 정리되지 않은 현의 기분 나쁜 음색만 들리는군요 보통 교향악단의 실력을 좌우하는 건 금관파트의 실수빈도라는 인식이 많지만 최상위 수준에선 결국 현의 질감에 달려 있다고 생각합니다

[@vicentbosch]

Molt malament la realització. En lloc de mostrar als solistes, sols enfoquen al director. Un zero a l'encarregat!

[@KMHill]

Performances are excellent in this concert series, but the audience reaction is usually deadbeat and lethargic. Wonder why their enthusiasm feels so lukewarm.

[@user-vh1vt4zg2z]

海

[@edwardweaver1467]

What?