Abstract

Beethoven's "Symphony No.6" was completed in 1808, personally named the "Pastoral", in front of each movement adding a short text title which is a rare way in Beethoven’s creation. This symphony and his Symphony No.5 ("Destiny") were completed at the same time, but there is a strong contrast between them. Symphony No.5 describe people, while Symphony No.6, a work full of descriptive content, describe natural landscape and is loved by people for this reason. When the work is played for the first time, Beethoven said: "More the expression of feeling than painting."

The "Symphony No.6 (Pastoral)" contain concept "pastoral", which means itself in Western culture, and discuss "pastoral, pastoral drama, pastoral literature, idyll, and program music".

The symphony consists of five movements, the first movement " Awakening of cheerful feelings upon arrival in the countryside", Allegro ma non troppo; the second movement "Scene by the brook", Andante molto mosso; the third movement "Merry gathering of country folk", Allegro ; the fourth movement (transition) "Thunder, Storm", Allegro ; the fifth movement "Shepherd's song, cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm", Allegretto.

This thesis will deeply study in five general direction. The first part is Beethoven's Symphony Overview and Biography. The second part is the meaning of the word "Pastoral" in Western culture. The third part is to discuss "program music". The fourth part is the background of the creation of "Symphony No.6 (Pastoral)". The fifth part is the study of musical score of "Symphony No.6 (Pastoral)". I look forward to researching this symphony in these five general direction, and comprehend more about this composition.

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Graduation Concert

1.A.Corelli(1653-1713): Concerto Grosso in g minor, Op.6. No.8 (Christmas Concerto)

2.E.Grieg(1843-1907): Aus Holbergs Zeit Suite,Op.40

3.B.Britten(1913-1976): Les Illuminations,Op.18