Beethoven Symphony No 7 in A Major Op 92 Senior PACO Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra

0:00 II. Allegretto
9:40 IV. Allegro con brio

Student program note by Emma Spence, cellist

Ludwig van Beethoven was born in the late 18th century in Bonn, Germany. As a composer, he went through three distinct styles: his earlier more classical style, his middle period and his late period that transitioned towards a more romantic style. His seventh symphony was composed between 1811 and 1812, towards the end of his late period. The work is composed in four movements: Poco sostenuto – Vivace, Allegretto, Presto – Assai meno presto (trio) and Allegro con brio. The work was composed during Napoleon’s domination of Europe and seemingly addresses Beethoven’s feelings of unrest regarding the political climate of the time, imbued with an overwhelming sense of German patriotism.

The second movement, while not overly leisurely, is the slow movement of the work. The use of ostinato throughout the piece and paired with Beethoven’s simple yet memorable memories allows for a very grounded and memorable movement.

The fourth movement is fiery and full of energy. The main theme is a duple variant of the instrumental ritornello in Beethoven's own arrangement of the Irish folk-song "Save me from the grave and wise", No. 8 of his Twelve Irish Folk Songs, WoO 154. The whole movement, written in sonata-form, maintains a fury and energy not unlike a mad dance.

2025-26 Season Senior PACO Orchestra Concert #4
Scott Krijnen, Music Director

May 16, 2026 @Cubberley Theatre, Palo Alto, CA
Recorded by Eden Tan
Sound Recorded by Carol Yang