Favorite Beethoven Symphony

[Rod Corkin]

Well, at a time when he had composed 8 of the nine Beethoven claimed the Eroica was the greatest of these. I wouldn't contradict him here, especially if you hear Savall's recording. One could say the 9th is really in a genre on its own, but is a supreme achievement in itself of course.

[SeriouslyRetro]

I voted 7th and 9th although I only really like the first two movements of those. I don't like the famous final movement of the 9th and only the first three minutes of the 2nd movement of the 7th (after that the rest of 7.2 becomes a dreadful parody of the beginning).

I'm not much of a Beethoven fan though (even though I own all 9 symphonies on disc). I prefer the consistency and logic of Baroque. I thoroughly disagree with Beethoven's idea of putting every emotion in the same piece. A piece should have a consistent mood. My favourite Beethoven piece is the "Moonlight Sonata" because it does have consistent emotion and speed.

[reith]

Originally Posted by SeriouslyRetro

I voted 7th and 9th although I only really like the first two movements of those. I don't like the famous final movement of the 9th and only the first three minutes of the 2nd movement of the 7th (after that the rest of 7.2 becomes a dreadful parody of the beginning).

I tend to agree about the 9th. The first three movements are brilliantly structured and scored (us "students" owe much to Beethoven*) but the 4th mvt? Perhaps were it not for those bits repeated from earlier at the front it might work better. I think of it as a work in its own right but when listening to "the 9th" I usually switch off as the 3rd mvt closes - partly because the start of the 4th mvt is such a rude awakening after the serenity of the 3rd which I reckon ranks at the very top of orchestral Adagio writing.

I voted for the 4th symphony.

* Anyone wanting to start out in orchestration should be looking at Beethoven's work. The 9th in particular is full of details and tips.

[JohannK]

The Ninth reaches within the soul like no other.

[Gazzura]

I was going to vote for No. 9, but I admitted my selection before realising that I shoul've ticked the two I wanted rather than one, then the other.

I did, however, chose No. 5. I've only recently got into Beethoven's works and No.'s 5 and 9 are, to me, outstanding. Unfortunately, apart from No. 7, I haven't heard the others. Also, I can't remember much of No 7, either.

[brightparis]

Difficult to choose which is best.I like all of 'em.

[melissa009]

Harder to chose as i m big fan of him. I like all of 'em very much.
But i voted for No. That is just amazing.