Everything you need to know about Beethoven’s nine symphonies

Beethoven composed some of the most famous symphonies in the world. While his Symphony 5 is a classic, his other symphonies were also very good. Some of his greatest works were composed while he was going deaf. Here’s a guide to Beethoven’s nine symphonies.

Read: Difference between Symphony music and Symphony orchestra.

Symphony No. 1 in C major

Beethoven was about 25 years old when he composed this work, so this is definitely not his greatest work. However, you can hear hints of Mozart and Haydn in the symphony.

Symphony No. 2 in D major

Dramatic opening, lightning-quick strings and, in the second movement (about ten minutes), you get to hear some seriously sad moments.

Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, ‘Eroica’

Many consider the third symphony as a work that kick-started the Romantic period in music. The Eroica (Beethoven’s title) no longer aimed at an elite audience. Beethoven initially dedicated the work to Napoleon, but withdrew it after Napoleon declared himself Emperor of the French.

Symphony No. 4 in B flat major

It was never going to be easy to match the popularity of the ‘Eroica’. But Symphony No. 4 has some poignant writing in it, especially the second movement which is actually a melancholic masterpiece.

Symphony No. 5 in C minor

Beethoven Symphony No. 5, like the Eroica, was a visionary work and is considered one of the most famous symphonies. You will instantly recognize the initial notes, but do listen to all the movements for maximum enjoyment. It seems Beethoven worked on creating this masterpiece for 12 years.

Symphony No. 6 in F major, ‘Pastoral’

This Symphony proves that Beethoven was a romantic composer at heart. Besides, the inspiration for this symphony came directly from nature.

Symphony No. 7 in A major

By now, people were eagerly waiting for Beethoven’s symphonies (as he could hardly do anything wrong with them). Beethoven’s seventh also received a positive response.

Symphony No. 8 in F major

While not as famous as his other symphonies, the eighth was Beethoven’s favourites (he called it ‘my little symphony in F’), and it does feature some delightful themes.

Symphony No. 9 in D minor, ‘Choral’

An epic symphony, the biggest one ever composed (at the time). Note that by this point, Beethoven was almost entirely deaf.

Read: Beethoven vs Mozart – Who Was the Greatest?