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.
Available Now
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
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
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
A vibrant program featured alongside Andriessen and Beethoven's contrasting celebrations of human fortitude is Mozart's double Piano Concerto.
Available Now
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
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
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
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.
Symphony.live is a streaming video platform created in collaboration with some of the world’s leading symphonic orchestras. Every month you can enjoy an exclusive performance in Symphony Night Premiere from one of our partner orchestras like the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra from Amsterdam, Budapest Festival Orchestra (Gramophone’s Orchestra of the Year 2022), The Cleveland Orchestra, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Czech Philharmonic and many more. On top of that Symphony.live offers an extensive collection of legendary symphonies and documentaries that go well beyond the music alone.
During the free trial, you get full access to all content on Symphony.live. You can watch and enjoy the weekly performances and all other great concerts and documentaries on the platform. No strings attached. After the trial period, you decide if you want to join Symphony.live for the regular price of $6,99/month or $49,99 (price may vary per country)
Symphony.live is a video streaming service that you can watch online at symphony.live or via our mobile apps for iOS and Android. You can watch directly on your TV via Roku, Android TV, Google TV, Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, and on recent Samsung and LG TV sets.
Symphony.live is currently available in the following locations:
(Europe:) Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom;
(Americas:) Canada, United States of America;
(Asia-Pacific:) Australia, New Zealand;
More platforms and regions will be added soon
Symphony.live offers performances with behind the scenes, stories and interviews. And: a comprehensive symphonic video library, ranging from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to the symphonies of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Mahler. Make sure to tune in every Saturday evening for our Symphony Originals. Through our Symphony Legends series, you'll have the opportunity to gain more knowledge about renowned classical works, as expert storyteller Dominic Seldis presents them. Each month, one of our partner orchestras will perform at a Symphony Night Premiere event, giving you a behind-the-scenes look and allowing you to listen to captivating stories from the orchestra and conductors themselves. We also offer Symphony Night Specials, where you can enjoy a full evening concert specially selected by one of our musicologists. Easily find music that suits your mood. Get recommendations based on your music taste. The library is ever-expanding with new performances, orchestras and stories, so you always have something new to watch!
We attach great importance to good quality of image and sound. Therefore, Symphony.live’s streaming quality is always HD and the sound quality is comparable to other streaming services. A selection of titles has 5.1 digital surround sound available.
You can stream Symphony.live on two devices simultaneously.
You can cancel at any time, directly from your profile page on the Symphony.live website.