Casual Classics No. 1 - The Anatomy of a Composer: Beethoven's Second Symphony

L. van Beethoven, Septet in Eb Major, Finale
G. Rossini, Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet
L. Cherubini, Symphony, Mvt. III
F. Haydn, Symphony No. 104 in D Major, Mvt. I
L. van Beethoven, Symphony No. 2 in D Major

Though we tend to regard Beethoven’s Third Symphony (“Eroica”) as his first groundbreaking, revolutionary work, his innovative and adventurous ideas are already evident in the Second Symphony. Through snapshots of his mentors and contemporaries, we can trace the musical DNA of this extraordinary work and composer. The early 1800s also saw the rise of instrumental virtuosos; our own clarinet virtuoso Chip Phillips is featured on a showpiece by Rossini.