Symphony no. 5 in C minor, op. 67
The Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 (occasionally known as the Fate Symphony, German: Schicksalssinfonie), is a symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven between 1804 and 1808. It is one of the best-known of all symphonies and one of the most frequently played. First performed in Vienna in 1808, the work achieved its strong critical reputation not long afterward; E. T. A. Hoffmann described it as "one of the most important works of the time".
The 5th Symphony has 4 movements. It begins with a distinctive 4-note "short-short-short-long" motif, often characterized as "fate knocking at the door", the Schicksals-Motiv (fate motif). Sometimes this motif is remembered as "da-da-da-dum" or "da da da DUM".
Movements
- (Arr. for Orchestra by Gustav Mahler): I. Allegro con brio
- (Arr. for Orchestra by Gustav Mahler): II. Andante con moto
- (Arr. for Orchestra by Gustav Mahler): III. Scherzo. Allegro
- (Arr. for Orchestra by Gustav Mahler): IV. Allegro
Recommended recordings
- Wiener Philharmoniker · Carlos Kleiber (1974) YouTubeSpotify (subscription)
- Berliner Philharmoniker · Herbert von Karajan (1963) YouTubeSpotify (subscription)