Symphony No. 3 in E♭ major, Op. 55 ‘Eroica’ – Ludwig van Beethoven

Symphony No. 3 in E♭ major, Op. 55 ‘Eroica’ by Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven completed his third symphony in 1804, with the first public performance of the symphony occurring in April 1805 at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna.

The work is comprised of four movements:
I. Allegro con brio 00:02
II. Marcia funebre: Adagio assai 14:49
III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace 31:56
IV. Finale: Allegro molto 37:42

While Beethoven was composing the third symphony, Napoleon Bonaparte had been confirmed as First Consul of France – bringing stability to the ravaged nation. In the eyes of Beethoven, Napoleon embodied the positive principles of the French revolution, in particular the ideals of democracy and anti-centralised power. As such Beethoven dedicated the symphony to Napoleon Bonaparte.
Due to the possibility of losing the commission for the work, Beethoven decided to instead dedicate the symphony to an Austrian prince, but still titled the work ‘Bonaparte’.

Upon hearing that Napoleon had crowned himself emperor of France, Beethoven tore the title page of the symphony to pieces and exclaimed:

“So, he is no more than a common mortal! Now, too, he will tread under foot all the rights of Man, indulge only his ambition; now he will think himself superior to all men, become a tyrant!"

Beethoven then changed the title of the symphony for the final time to the ‘Eroica’ Symphony, simply meaning ‘Heroic’ symphony.