Keeping pace with the times: Beethoven’s Second Symphony of 1801/02 is generally seen as marking the conclusion of his first creative phase, influenced by Mozart and Haydn. At the same time, with its irrepressible zest, surging exuberance and martial sounds, it is a well-rounded mirror on a new century in turmoil. “A slim Greek maiden between two Northern giants”, is how Robert Schumann described Beethoven’s Fourth. Completed in 1806 and highly popular during the composer’s lifetime, this symphony that has a cheerful and idyllic overall atmosphere to it – a reflection of one of the most carefree and happy phases in the composer’s life – is less often played today.
