About Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven, the iconic creative genius, defied convention and physical limitations to push the boundaries of form and expression in his art. As one of the most influential composers in the Western classical tradition, Beethoven overcame deafness to create a vast body of work, including 9 symphonies, 35 piano sonatas, and 16 string quartets. Born in Bonn in 1770, he displayed musical talent from an early age, nurtured by renowned composer Christian Gottlob Neefe.
Beethoven's early career in Vienna showcased his virtuosity as a pianist through captivating public and private concerts. Despite his increasing deafness, the piano remained central to Beethoven's creative life, serving as his instrument of choice to push the boundaries of dynamics, expression, rhythm, and technique. Each of Beethoven's nine symphonies, composed with unwavering dedication, stands as a testament to his engagement with the symphonic form, with each symphony displaying its own distinct and innovative character.
During the period from 1803 to 1812, often referred to as his "middle" or "heroic" period, Beethoven experienced a burst of creativity, crafting some of his most celebrated works. It was during this time that he composed his powerful third symphony, Eroica, initially dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, whom Beethoven admired but later disavowed. Other notable compositions from this era include the iconic Symphony No. 5 with its unforgettable opening motif and Symphony No. 7, renowned for its energy and optimism.
In addition to his symphonic masterpieces, Beethoven's music from this period included the beloved Moonlight Sonata, symphonies No. 6 and 9 (featuring the uplifting Ode to Joy), and his monumental Catholic mass, the Missa Solemnis. These works showcased Beethoven's extraordinary talent and artistic vision, leaving an indelible mark on the classical music landscape.
Beethoven's compositions transcended genres, including songs, canons, variations, and opera. Influenced by the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, his works evoked struggle, revolution, and the sublime. His music resonated at significant events such as the Congress of Vienna. By his death in 1827, Beethoven's genius was celebrated across Europe.
Today, Beethoven's musical legacy thrives globally, with his compositions captivating audiences and inspiring countless musicians. His artistic vision continues to resonate, as his sketches and manuscripts offer valuable insights into his creative process, inviting ongoing analysis and interpretation. Step into the world of Ludwig van Beethoven, where extraordinary talent, innovation, and resilience converge to create an unparalleled musical legacy that spans generations.
Discover the music of Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony Originals
Available Now
Beethoven's ninth in Montreal
Payare conducts Beethoven's masterwork along with a pair of pieces for choir and orchestra by Brahms; including Song of Destiny, whose themes evoke fate and consolation.
Available Now
Wild and Stormy Nights
Nathalie Stutzmann transports you to a dusky, foreboding realm, where hope and light are at perpetual odd with fierce storms and undulating shadows.
Available Now
A German Double Bill
Leonidas Kavakos takes center-stage for a blazing rendition of Brahms' Violin Concerto, followed by Beethoven's'Pastorale' Symphony conducted by Daniel Harding.
Available Now
An Ode to Heroes
A vibrant program featured alongside Andriessen and Beethoven's contrasting celebrations of human fortitude is Mozart's double Piano Concerto.
Concerts featuring Beethoven
Available Now
A Rich Program with Salonen and Fray
Star-conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the Orchestre de Paris in a program of Classical compositions by Beethoven and Bach along with impressionistic works by Debussy and Ravel.
Available Now
Dohnányi Meets Helmchen
With 84 year old Dohnányi at the podium and 32 year old Martin Helmchen at the piano, Beethoven’s 3rd Piano Concerto shines at the Salle Pleyel in Paris.
Available Now
Igudesman & Joo: Clash of the Soloists
A comical and virtuosic program where the duo of Igudesman & Joo eschew tradition in favor hilarious antics and entertainment more commonly found in spectator sports.
Available Now
Beethoven's Coriolan Overture and Symphony No. 1 with Maestro Labadie
A Beethoven celebration in Montréal commemorating his 250th birthday with soprano Karina Gauvin and Bernard Labadie; with former conducting the OSM in the composer's 1st symphony.
Choose your subscription plan
Frequently Asked
Questions
What is Symphony.live?
Symphony.live is a video streaming platform committed to uniting the world’s orchestras. We believe in demystifying the wonderful world of classical music, striving to make it more approachable for diverse audiences through innovative viewing experiences. Our growing family of orchestras and their stories are at the forefront of everything we do. We curate a diverse array of concerts, playlists, in-depth explorations, and more. Our family of orchestras includes The Cleveland Orchestra, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Czech Philharmonic, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, and others. This is your chance to get closer than ever to the music you love!
How does the free trial work?
For a 7-day free trial, curious users can try Symphony.live for free. During these 7 days, you can enjoy all of our content in full - and with no strings attached. During the trial period, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to join us or not, so feel free to cancel at any time. There are two types of subscriptions we offer: monthly ($6,99/month) and annual ($49,99/year).
Note: prices may vary per country.
How/where can I watch Symphony.live?
With Symphony.live, you can watch anywhere, anytime. As well as accessing online through Symphony.live, you can take your favorite concert experiences with you wherever you go, thanks to our mobile apps for iOS and Android.
You can also watch directly on your television via Roku, Android TV, Google TV, Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, and on recent Samsung and LG TV sets.
Currently, we are available in the following locations:
(Europe:) Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom;
(Americas:) Brazil, Canada, Mexico, United States of America;
(Asia-Pacific:) Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea;
Note: more platforms and regions will be added soon.
What content does Symphony.live offer?
We would like to think there is something for everyone at Symphony.live. Whether you're a history buff looking to explore some of history's greatest musical minds, a connoisseur of the concert hall looking for your favorite performance, or simply looking to throw some relaxing classical music on in the background while you work, we’ve got you covered. From exclusive concert performances to deep-dive documentaries and our very own Close Up series, we ensure the classical music fan never runs out of content to watch. Plus, our hard-working team of experts regularly curates hand-picked playlists for every mood you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re in the mood for Vivaldi or Zimmer, you will never get bored; we are constantly revamping our collection with new music!
What quality does Symphony.live offer?
We understand the importance of experiencing classical music in mint condition. To help with your immersive experience, we always strive to provide you with the highest quality possible. We also have a selection of 5.1 digital surround sound available. Moreover, through our Wolfgang collaboration, select concert videos come with captions, enriching your viewing experience by providing a deeper understanding of the beautiful music on your screen.
How many devices can stream simultaneously?
You can stream Symphony.live on two devices simultaneously.
How can I cancel?
You can cancel at any time, directly from your profile page on the Symphony.live website.
How can I contact Symphony.live if I need account support and/or troubleshooting?
If you need support about your account, billing details, or encounter problems, please go to our help & support section or send a mail to support@symphony.live