"Beethoven, Mozart, Bach and Saint Saens - what better way to wind up a successful year"

“One of my best works”, said Beethoven of his Seventh Symphony. Another composer, however,  thought “The extravagances of Beethoven’s genius had now reached the ‘non plus ultra’, and Beethoven must now be ripe for the madhouse”. There was a lot going on in Beethoven’s mind as he composed this symphony, it has to be said. His mental state had driven him to a health spa - his deafness was increasing, a deep love affair had collapsed, and his financial state was embarrassing. On the brighter side Napoleon’s conquests were starting to fail (he despised Napoleon) and this gave him a deal of joy. All the associated emotions at this time came together in this symphony which, as another tilt at Napoleon, he premiered at a benefit concert for soldiers who had been wounded in a recent battle in which Napoleon was routed. It was this seventh symphony that was the feature work in this year’s final session.

Works by Beethoven Mozart, Bach and Saint-Saens made up the rest of our November programmes – what better way to wind up a successful year.

​A big ‘thank-you’  to the class of ’24 whose appreciation provided the impetus that has kept the music coming. Roll-on 2025!

Bill Squire.

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Here are the links to the notes and recordings for November:

Session Notes 8th November
Nicolai -Overture to the Merry Wives of Windsor
JS Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No.3
Beethoven - Symphony No. 8
Mozart - Concerto for Flute and Harp
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Session Notes 22nd November
Mozart - Overture to The Magic Flute
Beethoven - Symphony No.7
Saint-Saens - Cello Concerto No.1