Soundtracks:
Soylent Green
Fantasia
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Symphony No. 6 in F Opus 68, "Pastoral"
 Beethoven's
6th Symphony was first played in a concert alongside his 5th Symphony,
and surely there are many people who would pay a fortune to witness such
a special premiere. The "Pastoral" symphony presents an image
of "memories from rural times", as Beethoven himself described
it. It is not the first programme piece in history, but it is definitely
one of the most important musical works describing nature and its beauty;
Beethoven elevated it even more by making it a prayer of gratitude to the
All-Mighty for creating the wonderful nature.
The content of the work's five movements:
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1
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Emotions of joy generated by our arrival at the village - a colorful
movement full of themes that Beethoven does not develop as customary in
sonata movements, but merely presents it with fascinating diversity.
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2
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Near the river stream - in which Beethoven pictures three birds talking
to each other.
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3
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The farmer party - happy, cheerful country music.
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4
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The storm and blizzard - a fast, fuming section.
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5
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The shepherd hymn, after the storm - quiet music that returns us to
the lively atmosphere of the piece's beginning.
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The Sixth Symphony is considered a masterpiece from its opening night
and on, and the most familiar nature symphony ever since. Nowadays it is
used in documentaries as accompaniment for scenes presenting the beauty
and innocence of nature. The second movement, emphasizing the birds' conversation,
is particularly beautiful. The quail is represented by the oboe, the nightingale
by the flute, and the cuckoo - by the clarinet.
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