The Symphonies
Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 36
Beethoven's Second Symphony, composed between 1801 and 1802, is a vibrant and energetic work that reveals the composer's developing artistic individuality and growing confidence. Written during a turbulent period in his life, as he struggled to come to terms with his progressive hearing loss, the symphony demonstrates his command of Classical forms while anticipating the bold innovations that would characterise his later symphonic works.
- Premiered
- April 5, 1803
- Where
- Theater an der Wien, Vienna
- Dedication
- Karl Alois, Prince Lichnowsky
- Reception
- Well-received
- Instrumentation
- 2 Flauti; 2 Oboi; 2 Clarinetti; 2 Fagotti; 2 Corni; 2 Trombe; Timpani; Archi
- Bars (total)
- 1208
- On this site
- 186 recordings · average 33:26 · compare all timings →
Movements
- I. Adagio molto – Allegro con brio (D major)360 bars · 1 printed repeat
- II. Larghetto (A major)276 bars · No printed repeats
- III. Scherzo: Allegro (D major)130 bars · 4 printed repeats
- IV. Allegro molto (D major)442 bars · 0 printed repeats