Beethoven Symphony No. 7 for chamber music ensemble

1. Poco sostenuto – Vivace (A major)
2. Allegretto (A minor)
3. Presto – Assai meno presto (trio) (F major, Trio in D major)
4. Allegro con brio (A major)

Ludwig van Beethoven himself conducted the premiere of his Symphony No. 7 during a benefit concert on 8 December 1813 in Vienna for the soldiers who had been wounded in the Battle of Hanau. This irresistibly rhythmical symphony, later called the ‘apotheosis of the dance’ by Richard Wagner, radiated such enormous vitality and energy that all present were immediately won over. The second movement, which the audience interpreted as a funeral march for the fallen, had to be repeated. Beethoven’s 7th Symphony has remained popular ever since.