Beethoven - Symphony No.4 in B Flat Major, Op. 60

Beethoven's Symphony No.4 in B Flat Major, Op. 60
Some people state that the odd numbered symphonies of Beethoven are majestic, while the even numbered symphonies of Beethoven are peaceful. This is especially the case with Symphony No. 4 in B Flat Major, as it contrasts heavily with heroic Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major and tragic Symphony No. 5 in C Minor.

Robert Schumann stated that this piece was "a slender Greek maiden between two Norse gods." This is explainable, as when he wrote this symphony in 1806, it was the most tranquil moment of his life.

Count Franz von Oppersdorff was the relative of Beethoven's patron, Prince Lichnowsky. When the Count traveled to Lichnowsky's summer home, he managed to meet Beethoven, who was having a summer vacation. Von Oppersdorff listened to Beethoven's Symphony No. 2 in D Major, and liked it so much that he offered a great amount of money for Beethoven to compose a new symphony for him.

Beethoven went to work, using the cheerful mood of the Second Symphony. The dedication was made to "the Silesian nobleman Count Franz von Oppersdorf''.

Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized 17 December 1770 - 26 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist. The crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.

Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of the Holy Roman Empire, Beethoven moved to Vienna in his early 20s, studying with Joseph Haydn and quickly gaining a reputation as a virtuoso pianist.

His hearing began to deteriorate in the late 1790s, yet he continued to compose, conduct, and perform, even after becoming completely deaf.

Creative Commons license: Public Domain.