Ludwig van Beethoven

Symphony No. 6 F Major op. 68

The symphony was first performed together with Symphony No. 5 (in C minor) at a concert given from Beethoven's works in the Theater an der Wien on the 22nd December 1808. Both symphonies were namely completed at the same time. This accounts for the fact that their number got mixed up on the printed programme of the concert. The parts which appeared in 1809 as well as the opus numbers (67-68) contain already the final sequence. The full title of the symphony reads as indicated in a letter of the composer to his publisher: 'Pastoral-Sinfonie oder Erinnerung an das Landleben, mehr Ausdruck der Empfindung als Malerei. ' (Symphony pastoral or remembrance of country life, anexpression of emotions rather than painting.) The titles of the movements which were given their ultimate form after long meditation on the part of Beethoven appeared in the printed violin part. The symphony is dedicated to the Prince Lobkowitz and Count Rasumowsky. The present edition is based on the above mentioned parts as well as the score which came out in print in the composer's lifetime yet, i. e. in 1825. Apart from these sources other, early editions have also been taken into consideration.