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Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony No. 1
In 1800 Ludwig van Beethoven composed his Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 in Leipzig. The Symphony was first sketched between 1795-1798 and was reworked later. Although Franz Joseph Haydn was his mentor, Beethoven knew that he was compelled to follow his own innovative path. He wrestled with his feelings of guild and sorrow about the relationship he had established with Haydn, knowing that he would create music of which Haydn would not approve. It is known that Haydn was hostile toward Beethoven's post-1800 compositions. Much to his disappointment, Beethoven decided to gradually discontinue their friendship.
The Symphony No. 1 remained one of the most popular pieces during his lifetime because he had adhered to the Classical Style established largely by Haydn. But Beethoven departed from Haydn's view of 18th century instrumentation by adding clarinets. His innovative orchestration led Beethoven to use the timpani in the Andante cantabile movement of Symphony No. 1, whereas it had never been heard before in a slow movement of any Haydn Symphony. Beethoven's use of instrumentation and orchestration reveal his vision as a musical innovator.
-- program notes by Laurien Jones