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The Symphonies

Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major »Eroica«, op. 55

Beethoven's Third Symphony, the Eroica, completed in 1804, represents a turning point in the history of Western classical music. With its unprecedented scale, structural ambition and dramatic intensity, the symphony challenged established Classical conventions and helped pave the way for the Romantic era. Its bold innovations, emotional depth and heroic character profoundly influenced subsequent generations of composers, establishing the work as one of the most significant achievements in the symphonic repertoire.

Premiered
Early 1804 (private), April 7, 1805 (public)
Where
Theater an der Wien, Vienna (the public premier)
Dedication
Napoleon Bonaparte, later retracted upon Napoleon's crowning himself Emperor
Reception
Mixed
Instrumentation
2 Flauti; 2 Oboi; 2 Clarinetti; 2 Fagotti; 3 Corni; 2 Trombe; Timpani; Archi
Bars (total)
1853
On this site
186 recordings · average 49:28 · compare all timings →

Movements

  1. I. Allegro con brio (E-flat major)691 bars · 1 printed repeat
  2. II. Marcia funebre: Adagio assai (C minor)247 bars · No printed repeats
  3. III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace (E-flat major)442 bars · 2 printed repeats
  4. IV. Finale: Allegro molto – Poco Andante – Presto (E-flat major)473 bars · 6 printed repeats