Essay of the sixth weekThe Symphony No. 7 by Ludwig van Beethoven in A major op. 92 has been heralded by modern-day Beethoven contemporaries and scholars as a masterpiece of musical artistry and genius. After the piece's premiere, the symphony was performed three more times over the next 10 weeks and garnered immense applause from audiences throughout Vienna. Not only was this piece considered one of celebration and beauty, but composers such as Schubert, Berlioz, Mendelssohn, and Wagner took the stylistic qualities that this symphony displayed and used these characteristics in their own works. This brought Beethoven a highly esteemed reputation as Romanticism was in full swing in Western Europe during this time. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The Symphony, written between 1811 and 1812, could be considered a response to patriotism from the occupation of Napoleonic forces in 1805 and 1809. During this period, Vienna was in a state of recovery and needed inspiration to maintain French control. The premiere of the symphony took place in 1813 at a benefit concert for soldiers wounded in the Battle of Hanau and was dedicated to the musical patronage of Count Moritz von Fries. One of the factors that contributed to the enormous success of the Seventh Symphony is that the listener was less demanding while listening to the performance of this work. The piece could be understood in a simpler context unlike the Sinfonia Eroica which is more complex in nature and function. The second movement in particular stands out from the rest of the four movements because it is considered the pinnacle of instrumental music and was performed separately from the symphony in its entirety. The instrumentation of the symphony includes two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets in A, two bassoons, two horns in A, E and D, two trumpets in D, timpani and strings. The first movement is in sonata form, beginning with the tempo marking Poco Sostenuto, then transitioning shortly thereafter into a faster Vivace in the main key of A major. The introduction of this movement is considered a sort of prologue for the music that follows. This introduction presents a wide range of colors in a wide range that an orchestral ensemble can produce and some consider it an entirely separate movement for this reason. The second movement is in A minor, marked Allegretto, and is in the form of a double variation. There is an ostinato that takes place in this movement and is conveyed through the ensemble as the progression ensues creating beauty with every beat. This iconic ostinato is what makes this movement a favorite among listeners as the material used is humble in rhythm, yet is popular with audiences around the world. The third movement is a joke played in F major, then followed by a trio played in D major. The movement, which is in ternary form, uses an expansion of the form that Beethoven was known for displaying in earlier works such as the Fourth and Sixth Symphony. The fourth movement, marked Allegro con Brio, is also in sonata form. This movement is considered extremely energetic and produces a wall of sound for the listener. The movement is the first for which Beethoven wrote the dynamic marking fff, and instruments such as violins and horns play at the top of their registers adding to the driving nature of this movement. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay This symphony is widely considered a first-rate Romantic work, and it's pretty easy to see why, due to the sheer amount of quality.