The Symphonies
Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, op. 60
Composed in 1806, Beethoven's Fourth Symphony is often overshadowed by its monumental predecessor, the Third Symphony (Eroica), and the revolutionary Fifth Symphony that followed. Nevertheless, it is a work of remarkable elegance, vitality and sophistication, combining Classical clarity and formal balance with Beethoven's increasingly individual approach to harmony, rhythm and orchestration.
- Premiered
- March 1807 (private), April 1808 (public)
- Where
- Burgtheater, Vienna (the public premier)
- Dedication
- Count Franz von Oppersdorff
- Reception
- Well-received
- Instrumentation
- Flauto; 2 Oboi; 2 Clarinetti; 2 Fagotti; 2 Corni; 2 Trombe; Timpani; Archi
- Bars (total)
- 1354
- On this site
- 187 recordings · average 33:50 · compare all timings →
Movements
- I. Adagio – Allegro vivace (B-flat major)498 bars · 1 printed repeat
- II. Adagio (E-flat major)104 bars · No printed repeats
- III. Allegro molto e vivace – Un poco meno allegro (B-flat major)397 bars · 2 printed repeats
- IV. Allegro ma non troppo (B-flat major)355 bars · 1 printed repeat