Beethoven symphonies

In 2020 the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique (ORR) performed Beethoven’s complete symphonies across Europe and the US to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth and the 30th anniversary of the ORR. The New York Times declared, “This is how to do a Beethoven Symphony Cycle,” and El Pais described our performances as “pure musical joy”.

Due to the pandemic, our concerts in London and Athens were cancelled, but we are delighted that we will perform Beethoven’s complete symphonies at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, and a selection of his symphonies at the Philharmonie de Paris, in May 2024. Our performances will also feature Beethoven’s Mass in C major, the first of two masses he composed, and the Overture from his only full-length ballet The Creatures of Prometheus.

The Monteverdi Choir will join the ORR for performances of Beethoven’s Mass in C major and Symphony No. 9 alongside star soloists Lucy Crowe (soprano), Alice Coote (mezzo soprano), Allan Clayton (tenor) and William Thomas (bass).

The Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique’s recordings of Beethoven’s symphonies have been described as a “tour de force… played at white heat”, “glorious” and “magnificent” by Gramophone magazine.

Beethoven composed his nine symphonies over 25 years – from 1799 to 1824. The symphonies trace a fascinating course through Beethoven’s development as a composer from his Viennese period, influenced by the classical tradition of Mozart and Haydn, through to his revolutionary and experimental late period. Beethoven’s process of composition meant wrestling not just with musical ideas but also with political and humanitarian themes. During these uncertain times, perhaps more than any other composer, he gives us a feeling of triumph over adversity.