Beethovens seventh symphony

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 is extroverted, energetic and emotionally charged. When Beethoven composed the symphony, Napoleon had besieged Vienna, which had a deep impact on Beethoven. The second movement has been interpreted as a tribute to human suffering, and the finale as a triumphantly inspired victory. With its powerful rhythms, it is one of his most muscular symphonies.

After hearing Schumann’s Overture to Scenes from Goethe’s Faust, Franz Liszt wrote that the music had made a “most beautiful and powerful impression.” Times of sorrow and distress were at least temporarily behind Schumann, and he soon wrote his dreamy and passionate cello concerto. “I cannot compose for the virtuosos; I must try something else” – and that is what he did in this music. 

The cello soloist is German-French Nicolas Altstaedt and the conductor is Philippe Herreweghe, who specialises in early Romantic music. They have performed together on several occasions and are now making their debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra together.