Review of The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by...

Review of The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Bernard Haitink in 2009 The Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 was composed by Beethoven and was completed in 1808. It is also referred to as â€Å"Pastoral Symphony.† In 2009, Bernard Haitink conducted the performance of the symphony by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. From Haitink’s concert on Beethoven’s sixth symphony, I was expecting to see the original work of composer. The symphony has qualities of both the classical and romantic periods and illustrates composer’s radical ideas as well as highlighting his classical influences. Its programmatic nature is the main romantic feature though the dramatic dynamic changes, as well as the use of percussion and brass, are also†¦show more content†¦Programmatic symphonies occurred primarily in the late- Romantic and Classical period. The repetition of the different subjects is a feature is a programmatic symphony and, therefore, a romantic trait. For example, the ‘bird calls’ produced by the strings in bar 151 are programmatic. Haitink’s traversal of the ‘Pastoral’ is a fine achievement, established on tempi that strike the viewers. On the first movement, he takes it at a flowing, warm tempo. The Orchestra plays radiantly for him. The played symphony has a nice, firm bass line, revealingly enriched at intervals by the horns, and its attention to dynamics is meticulous throughout the whole symphony. The first movement ends in such a way that, the symphony can be heard as a wonderfully civilized and wise account of the performance. The second movement is designed beautifully. Once again the tempo is skillfully chosen. The woodwinds and the strings afford Haitink some fine playing and there are several lovely woodwind solos for the audience to enjoy. The third movement is lithe and light – this is a joyful and well-sprung dance. The subsequent storm is exciting, featuring some thrilling strikes on the timpani. The finale brings an excellent summary of the performance. In Haitink’s experienced hands, the symphony is serene, displaying an inner radiance and warmth. The style is demonstrative and completely natural. The pacing is perfect and the playing is glowing. Even though Haitink shapes