It is doubtful that composer Ludwig van Beethoven could have predicted the far-reaching effect that his “Symphony No. 5” would have on the world through time. Two hundred years after its composition, kids at play still sound that four-note “da, da, da DUM,” as a warning of something ominous.
Of this ubiquitous four-note motif, Beethoven himself commented, “Thus Fate knocks at the door.” The description, forever associated with the work, has earned it the sobriquet “Fate.”
Fate knocks again atthe door this weekend as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of acclaimed conductor Gunther Herbig, performs the “Symphony No. 5.” Two BSO premieres will also be presented ? Bohuslav Martinu?s Symphony No. 6, “Fantaisies symphoniques,” and Felix Mendelssohn?s “Sinfonia No. 10.”
Herbig has been a regular guest conductor with the BSO for 25 years, and these performances are his fourth and final appearance with the orchestra this season.
“Martinu is a composer who [rhythmically] paces his music into Czech folk music,” Herbig said. “They are melodic, but not in the traditional sense. Audiences will find [the Fantaisies] refreshing, very vital [and] full of joy, color and energy.”
Premiered in 1955 by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Martinu?s “Symphony No. 6” “unleashes a full range of emotions and is infused with unique and vivid instrumental colorings,” according to BSO program notes.
Herbig, who noted that all of Beethoven?s symphonies are masterpieces, also commented that “the approach to each is different.” The opening to “Symphony No. 5,” which is so dark and foreboding, climaxes in a final movement that “utilizes the full orchestra as impending doom is replaced with courage and ultimately triumph,” according to the program notes.
“For more than 25 years, Gunther Herbig has been a valued guest conductor of the BSO,” said BSO Vice President of Artistic Administration Jeremy Rothman. “He knows the orchestra, the orchestra knows him ? it?s a special dynamic that comes through in the music.”
IF YOU GO
BSO Celebrity Series/Casual Series: Beethoven?s Fifth
» Venue: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore
» When: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11:30 a.m. Saturday Casual Series*
» Tickets: $25 to $78
» More info: Please call 410-783-8000; *Casual Series program includes Beethoven?s “Symphony No. 5” and Mendelssohn?s “Sinfonia No. 10”
