31 Days of Classical, Day 5: The happier side of Beethoven

Each day throughout July, I'll share with you a piece of classical music. Thirty-one days, thirty-one pieces.

The list is by no means definitive, nor is it necessarily a list of all of my favorite music from the classical world. Every morning, I start my day with music that inspires me in some way, whether I'm inspired by its happiness, its loneliness, the instrumentation, the harmony, the colors, the melody — each piece is special in some way — and offers an opportunity to either hear something you've never heard, or hear something new in a piece you've known your whole life.

Day 5: Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"

I waited five days for Beethoven. Shocking! Beethoven gets a lot attention for his "stormy" side, but for my dollar, Haydn is the only one who could write happier music than Beethoven. You're "assignment" is not 42:17 long, but if you listen to the first 2:22, it might be enough to put a spring in your step.

Beethoven premiered this symphony the same night as his Fifth Symphony, his Piano Concerto No. 4, his "Choral Fantasy", and one other work. It was a four hour concert, which I find hilarious. That's a LONG time, even if all of that music is spectacular. (And it is. In fact, some of it might show up later this month).

Take the 31 Days of Classical Challenge

31 Days is a bite-sized month-long trial of Classical Music from across the spectrum of the wonderful, expansive music we love at Classical MPR. Join the fun by subscribing to the 31 Days of Classical newsletter, or use #31DaysofClassical on Twitter or Facebook.

{% fetch file="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/services/cms/features/ongoing/31-days-of-classical/newsletter-signup-include.shtml" %}

Gallery

Fullscreen SlidePrevious Slide

1 of 1

Next Slide