Watch Beethoven - Symphony No. 4

"Beethoven - Symphony No. 4" is a stunning performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Fourth Symphony by the French musical ensemble Les Dissonances, conducted by David Grimal. Shot in high definition, the film captures the live concert performed in the legendary Salle Pleyel in Paris in 2014, which marked the beginning of Les Dissonances' ambitious Beethoven cycle.

The film starts with a brief introduction by David Grimal, who talks about the significance of Beethoven's music and how the Fourth Symphony reflects the composer's transition from the classical to the Romantic era. The camera then takes us backstage, where we see the musicians preparing themselves for the concert, tuning their instruments, and discussing the challenges of playing Beethoven's music.

As the lights go down, the orchestra enters the stage, and the performance begins. The first movement is marked by its powerful and majestic strings, which slowly introduce the main theme. The orchestra's precision and intensity are remarkable, as they smoothly transition from the Adagio introduction to the Allegro main theme. David Grimal conducts with passion and energy, bringing out the various nuances of the different instruments and sections.

The second movement is a delicate and melancholic Andante, in which the woodwinds take center stage. The oboe and the clarinet introduce a graceful melody that is echoed by the strings, creating a beautiful and emotional atmosphere. The musicians play with great sensitivity, and the camera captures their expressions and gestures, adding to the emotional depth of the performance.

The third movement is a lively Scherzo that showcases Beethoven's sense of humor and playfulness. The brass and percussion instruments take the lead, creating a rhythmic and joyful theme that is repeated in different variations. The musicians seem to be having a lot of fun playing this movement, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

The final movement is a triumphant Allegro ma non troppo that brings together all the themes and motifs introduced in the previous movements. The strings and the woodwinds engage in a lively dialogue, while the brass and percussion provide a strong and powerful backdrop. The orchestra's energy and intensity build up gradually, culminating in a thrilling finale that leaves the audience cheering and applauding.

Throughout the film, the camera captures not only the musicians' performances but also their interactions and emotions. We see the intensity in their eyes as they play, the smiles on their faces as they share a moment of musical magic, and the subtle gestures of communication between the different sections. The camera work is excellent, with dynamic angles and close-ups that give us a sense of the musicians' individual styles and personalities.

The sound quality is equally impressive, capturing the full range of the orchestra's dynamics and nuances. The editing is seamless, allowing us to experience the performance as if we were in the audience, without any distracting cuts or jumps.

In conclusion, "Beethoven - Symphony No. 4" is a superb film that showcases the virtuosity, passion, and emotion of Les Dissonances' performance of one of Beethoven's masterpieces. David Grimal's direction and the musicians' impeccable execution create a powerful and unforgettable musical experience that will appeal to classical music aficionados and newcomers alike.

Beethoven - Symphony No. 4 is a 2013 music movie with a runtime of 33 minutes.