"Thus fate knocks at the door ," Beethoven is said to have said about the motto-like beginning of his Fifth - whether true or legend, with this work it becomes fateful, political and revolutionary. It is regarded as perfectly formed and complete in its design: the archetype of a symphony. This is probably why it has been orbiting the universe on board a space probe since 1977, Beethoven's memorial year, preserved on a gilded record as a human finest hour for future or extraterrestrial life. While Beethoven's symphony was written in the context of the Napoleonic Wars, Richard Strauss wrote his Metamorphosen 80 years ago, shortly before the end of the Second World War. Impressed by the cities lying in ruins, especially bombed-out Munich, he composed this expressive late work, a lament for 23 solo voices.

Oliver Gruhn

Events

Past events

26 - 28 Oct, 2025

2nd Philharmonic Concert / Fixed Points · Norddeutsche Philharmonie Rostock

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