April 2025
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Program Notes | Discover Beethoven’s Eroica

Family Concert: Discover Beethoven’s Eroica
By Laurie Shulman ©2024

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Program

Markus Stenz conductor
Diego García host
New Jersey Symphony

Beethoven Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 (“Eroica”)
        Allegro con brio
        Marcia fuenebre: Adagio assai
        Scherzo: Allegro vivace
        Finale: Allegro molto

Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 (“Eroica”)

A hallmark of great music is its ability to say something powerful to us no matter how many times we have heard it. For a few listeners, this will be a first acquaintance with Beethoven’s magnificent “Eroica” Symphony, which is certain to make a powerful impression. For most of us, a performance of this masterwork is a visit with an old and dear friend. Now more than two centuries old, the “Eroica” sounds fresh and immediate throughout its forty-seven minute duration. Concise motives are building blocks for the heroic first movement. Principal oboe is the soloist in the somber Marcia funebre. Beethoven limits himself to one theme in the scherzo, but puts it through its paces. Listen for the horns’ section solo in the “hunting call” trio. Beethoven used the famous finale theme for two other variations sets. Heroism, surprise, drama, solemnity, humor: the “Eroica” has them all.

In this performance, host Diego García will walk the audience through each movement, giving clues and tips for what to listen for in this path-breaking symphony. Whether this is your first or fiftieth time hearing Beethoven’s “Eroica,” we hope you’ll discover something new in this performance!

Extended Notes and Artist Bios