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The Symphonies

Symphony No. 6 in F major »Pastorale«, op. 68

Composed principally between 1807 and 1808, Beethoven's Sixth Symphony, the Pastoral, occupies a distinctive place in his symphonic output through its evocative portrayal of nature and rural life. Inspired by the composer's deep affection for the countryside, the work combines vivid musical depictions of natural scenes with an intensely personal expression of human emotion. Its innovative five-movement structure and imaginative orchestration helped establish it as one of the most influential examples of programme music in the symphonic repertoire.

Premiered
December 22, 1808
Where
Theater an der Wien, Vienna
Dedication
Prince Lobkowitz and Count Razumovsky
Reception
Well-received
Instrumentation
Flauto piccolo; 2 Flauti; 2 Oboi; 2 Clarinetti; 2 Fagotti; 2 Corni; 2 Trombe; 2 Tromboni; Timpani; Archi
Bars (total)
1538
On this site
187 recordings · average 41:52 · compare all timings →

Movements

  1. I. Erwachen heiterer Empfindungen bei der Ankunft auf dem Lande (Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside) – Allegro ma non troppo (F major)512 bars · 1 printed repeat
  2. II. Szene am Bach (Scene by the brook) – Andante molto moto (B-flat major)139 bars · No printed repeats
  3. III. Lustiges Zusammensein der Landleute (Merry gathering of country folk) – Allegro (F major)468 bars · No printed repeats
  4. IV. Gewitter, Sturm (Thunder, Storm) – Allegro (F minor)155 bars · No printed repeats
  5. V. Hirtengesang. Frohe und dankbare Gefühle nach dem Sturm (Shepherd's song. Cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm) – Allegretto (F major)264 bars · No printed repeats