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Sinfonie Nr. 4 (B-Dur) op. 60
 Listening samples
Composition
1806
Franz Joachim Reichsgraf von Oppersdorff gewidmet
The Fourth Symphony op. 60 has always been outshone by the great heroic symphonies such as the Third, the so-called "Eroica", the Fifth, the so-called "Destiny Symphony" and the Sixth Symphony, also called "Pastoral Symphony". That is, however, not quite fair as a reviewer of the "Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung" (General Musical Newspaper) concluded in 1812 and called the symphony a clear and straight composition characterised by the ingenuity and energy which was so typical for Beethoven's earlier works. The Fourth Symphony was probably played for the first time during one of the private concerts of Prince Lobkowitz. The programme included the first three Beethoven symphonies as well as a fourth one, still unknown, as the "Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung" announced on March 18th, 1807. One year later, Beethoven dedicated the symphony to Franz Joachim Reichsgraf von Oppersdorff (1778-1818) whom he had met on a journey with Prince Lichnowsky at the Prince's castle Grätz close to Troppau. Oppersdorff lived in Oberglogau, not far from Lichnowsky, and had his own professional orchestra. The Count was a passionate musician and Beethoven intended to dedicate the Fifth Symphony op. 67 to him. According to the customs of that time, dedications were not free of charge. Apart from his name being mentioned on the sheet, the buyer also obtained all rights of disposal for a certain time (usually six months). In exchange, the composer received a sum both parties agreed on. In early 1808, Oppersdorff made several payments in advance for the dedication. When Beethoven then sold the symphony to Prince Lobkowitz (out of financial distress as he apologetically explained Oppersdorff in a letter on November 1st, 1808), he offered the Prince the Fourth Symphony op. 60 instead. (J.R.)
| First editions |
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Originalausgabe, op. 60, Stimmen, Bureau des Arts et d'Industrie, 596 |
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Titelauflage, op. 60, Partitur, Simrock, 2078 |
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Titelauflage, op. 60, Partitur, Simrock, 2078 |
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Titelauflage, op. 60, Partitur, Simrock, 2078; Teilscan |
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Titelauflage, op. 60, Partitur, Simrock, 2078; Teilscan |
Scores
| Written documents |
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Brief an Breitkopf & Härtel in Leipzig, Grätz, 3. September 1806
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Brief an Breitkopf und Härtel in Leipzig, Wien, 18. November 1806 |
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Brief an Nikolaus Simrock in Bonn, Wien, 26. April 1807
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Brief an Ignaz und Camille Pleyel in Paris, Wien, 26. April 1807
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Brief an Baron Ignaz von Gleichenstein in Wien, Baden, vor dem 23. Juli 1807
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Literature
Location of other important manuscript sources
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Berlin: Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Musikabteilung mit Mendelssohn-Archiv
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Tschechien, Nelahozeves: Roudnicka Lobkowiczka sbirka, zamek
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Österreich, Wien: Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, Archiv, Bibliothek und Sammlungen
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© Beethoven-Haus Bonn
E-Mail: bibliothek@beethoven-haus-bonn.de
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