Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Symphony No.8 in F major, Op.93

Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony is sometimes seen as lightweight, lacking in depth, in danger of being dwarfed by Beethoven’s grander symphonic statements, such as the groundbreaking ‘Eroica’ (3) and ‘Choral’ (9) symphonies. Even Beethoven referred to it as his ‘little symphony in F’. The work is reminiscent in character of the earlier symphonies of Mozart and Haydn. This sense of ‘looking back’ might suggest that the work is quite traditional, however on closer inspection the symphony pushes boundaries and subverts expectations in typical Beethovenian style.

DURATION 26 minutes

YEAR OF COMPOSITION 1812

THE WORLD IN 1812...

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The work is bookended by these subversive quirks in form. The opening is sudden for a work in a classical style launching straight into the first theme with no introduction, not even an introductory chord. The climax of the finale is comically outsized, particularly for a so-called ‘little’ symphony, ending with an audacious number of repeated F major chords.

The central movements also break both with convention and with Beethoven’s previous symphonies. There is no slow movement, instead a brisk second movement with an unrelenting ticking motif in the woodwind parts that many listeners interpreted as a parody of the metronome. The third movement is in the style of a minuet, a traditional courtly dance, a form often used in the symphonies of Haydn and Mozart but only this once in Beethoven’s symphonic output. This old style is invigorated by unpredictable accents and shifts in volume. The third movement perhaps best encapsulates the symphony as a whole, a reference to the past enlivened by the unexpected.

By Jack Johnson (© NYOS, 2022)

Further Listening

Haydn – Symphonies

Haydn elevated the symphony and moulded it into a form that captivated composers for the next 150 years. There are over 100 to choose from, many with nicknames including ‘The Clock’ (101), ‘The Surprise’ (94) and ‘The Farewell’ (45).

Key Of Musical Terms

Metronome – a device that provides a steady pulse, often a ticking sound, to help a musician stay in time.