Symphonie Nr. 1 C-dur op. 21

In April 1800 “a new large symphony with full orchestra” was performed in Vienna: The first symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven, the beginning of his symphonic oeuvre, which finally lead to the ninth symphony, a work breaking all limits and deeply awe-inspiring for future composers. Bold for audiences of the time, the First opens with an intent dominant seventh chord, one of many surprises of this work. Although it is Beethoven’s first symphony, he is not afraid to incorporate innovative ideas. His originality and creative ingenuity can already be heard and discovered here. The editor, Armin Raab, plunges into the sources and transmission of this work and presents a scholarly and knowledgeable music text for the New Beethoven Complete Edition. Based on this, the practical performance material by Breitkopf & Härtel constitutes the authoritative reading of Beethoven research.