Belgian National Orchestra & Richard Egarr

In the new format Symponic Date, presenter Thomas Vanderveken reveals the secrets behind the greatest symphonies in the repertoire. In one hour, you'll gain a fresh perspective on those masterpieces.

Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony is arguably one of the most influential works in music history, alongside his Fifth Symphony. In fact, both were premiered on the same evening, each offering a distinct perspective on music. While the Fifth focuses on musical material itself and the abstraction that emerges from it, the Sixth tells a story, explicitly outlined in the titles of its movements. In this work, programmatic narrative takes precedence over formal conventions. Beethoven allows himself creative freedoms that would gradually redefine the boundaries of the symphonic genre. In this Symphonic Date, presenter Thomas Vanderveken invites you to explore what makes this symphony so remarkable.