Beethoven's 7th, Allegretto Movement 2

This is one of my most favorite classical pieces……Beethoven’s Symphony 7…..Allegretto Movement 2.

Some people need comfort food…….and I have my favorites, but I have comfort music as well and this is one of the pieces.   I listen to it as I write…..I listen to when I’m stressed……when I’m sad…….or when I long for something that isn’t happening fast enough or more than likely won’t happen at all.

All music at one time or another seems to be my comfort…..but I always return to this piece.

Always.

Beethoven worked on the composition in the town of Teplice, a Bohemian spa town between the years 1811-1812, and dedicated it to Count Moritz von Fries.   The Count was involved with the Vienna Bank.  Beethoven visited his home often and dedicated various works to him.  

This movement is considered to be the most popular of the entire score and when Beethoven debuted the piece it was encored  immediately.

Many times this movement…. the Allegretto…. was performed separately.    I hardly ever listen to the other movements…..THIS is my favorite.

Apparently, Beethoven’s actions during the conducting of the piece made it so popular because “he tore his arms with great vehemently asunder – he jumped in the air.”

Some say this is one of the most perfect symphonies ever written.   I’m not sure about perfect…..but I do love it.

Adore it…….

.....and sometimes when i listen and close my eyes I can see Beethoven's wild movements as he conducted the musicians.