Beethoven loved nature and took walks among it almost daily. Notes in his sketchbooks reveal that he took ideas for his sixth symphony from sounds he heard on these walks. Beethoven noted feelings and scenes he wished to convey in the movements of the symphony, though he was careful to specify that they were “more an expression of feeling than painting.”
- Awakening of happy feelings upon reaching the countryside.
- Scene at the brook
- Cheerful gathering of the country folk.
- Thunderstorm.
- Shepherd’s song. Happy, grateful feelings after the storm.
Awaken your happy feelings of being in the countryside when Beethoven takes you there with his “Pastoral” Sixth Symphony, today’s Midday Masterpiece at 2:00 pm.