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Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 Fate Symphony | Christian Thielemann & Vienna Philharmonic

Four iconic notes: the opening of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 is one of the most recognizable motifs in music history. In 2010, Christian Thielemann conducted the "Fate Symphony" with the Vienna Philharmonic in the Wiener Musikverein.

00:00 Intro
00:50 I. Allegro con brio
08:31 II. Andante con moto
19:33 III. Allegro
25:09 IV. Allegro

"Da-da-da-daaa..." – with this legendary four-note motif, Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 – aka the Fate Symphony – carved its place in music history. The nickname originated from Beethoven's secretary and biographer, Anton Schindler. When he asked about the meaning of the opening motif, Beethoven is said to have replied: "This is the sound of fate knocking at the door." Although this story is disputed, what remains undeniable is that Beethoven's Fifth, premiered on December 22, 1808, stands as one of most celebrated works in classical music.

Anton Schindler was a shady character. Though he longed to be a close friend and confidant of Beethoven, the composer often dismissed him. After Beethoven's death, Schindler took many of his manuscripts and notebooks. In his biography, he's believed to have fabricated quotes from these writings and to have interpreted – or even created – events to align with his own perspectives and feelings.

Beethoven left little about his inspiration for Symphony No. 5, as no authentic commentary from him on the work survives. The symphony was written at a time when Beethoven was already suffering from severe hearing loss and tinnitus. His condition began in 1798 and led to near-total deafness sixteen years later. Though his piano career faded, he was by then firmly established as a respected composer in Vienna.

The first sketches of Beethoven's Fifth date back to 1803, a time when he was still captivated by the ideals of the French Revolution: liberty, equality, and fraternity. Rhythms and motifs from revolutionary music found their way into his work, and researchers suggest they likely ins...