Beethovenās Second Symphony
ā±ļø Approx Reading Time: mins
Berliner Philharmonica - Sir Simon Rattle. Listen on Apple Music Classical
Beethovenās second symphony is a beautiful composition with lots going on. This post specifically looks at the fourth movement.
Whatās so interesting about the fourth movement? Well, just last week I spent at least three hours waiting patiently, trying to spot a certain bird in a bush. I was not to see this bird as after hours and hours I gave up. The bird in question is the Cettiās Warbler (pronounced āChettysā) which is well known for being a nightmare to try and spot. You hear this bird miles off, itās got such a powerfully and instantly identifiable song you canāt help but look for it.
The Cettiās warbler song is characterised by a short motif of about 6 notes projected clearly and powerfully. Itās unmistakable. Now, it might be a coincidence, but Beethovenās 4th movement of his second symphony starts with an opening motif which sounds suspiciously like the song of the Cettiās.
Beethovenās Rambling Walks
Beethoven spent a lot of time out of the city at his brothers residence which was surrounded by nature. He frequently went on mad rambling walks through the country where he probably came up with a lot of his genius ideas. Could Beethoven have heard a Cettiās and took inspiration from it? There is a good chance he did. It might not have been conscious as pointed out by David Turner in his book, āWas Beethoven a Birdwatcherā, but itās almost certainly what inspired the opening bars.
Go listen to the movement and the bird song and see if you pick up on it. Itās remarkably similar! As much as I love Beethoven, I think the Cettiās warbler does it better!
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--- Created by Niall Bell (niall@niallbell.com)