Program

Ludwig van Beethoven, Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus, Op. 43

Ouverture: Adagio – Allegro molto con brio

5. Adagio – Andante quasi allegretto

16. Finale: Allegretto – Allegro molto

Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major, Op. 60

1. Adagio – Allegro vivace

2. Adagio

3. Allegro vivace – Trio

4. Allegro ma non troppo

Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67

1. Allegro con brio

2. Andante con moto

3. Scherzo. Allegro

4. Allegro

Charles Munch conducts Beethoven

Symphonies No. 4 and 5, Prometheus (1959-1961)

Subscribers

Cast

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Charles Munch — Conductor

Program notes

This film features some of the earliest televised concerts with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and their Music Director, Charles Munch.

While the material has been restored using the greatest care and state-of-the-art techniques, certain visual artefacts and distortions remain in some instances due to the age of the film. Despite this, it remains of exceptional musical interest and historic value.

This performance of extracts from The Creatures of Prometheus is a rare one, Munch having only conducted the ballet at the BSO in one season. He breathes life into his performances of Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5, which are executed with excitement, exuberance and panache.

A closer look: featured composers

Ludwig van Beethoven

Further listening: featured works

Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major, Op. 60

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer)

Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer)