Colin Davis conducts Beethoven

It’s 1967 and Sir Colin Davis is giving his all at the podium with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in Beethoven’s monumental  “Eroica” Symphony No. 3. Composed not long after Beethoven expressed his despair at his increasing deafness in a letter to his brother known as the Heiligenstadt Testament, the Third Symphony reflects a period of artistic renewal in which he eventually decided to accept his tragic fate. At the time of this recording, Davis is earning a reputation as one of the most distinguished names in the conducting world and will soon be appointed principal conductor of some of the most prestigious symphony and opera orchestras both in his native England, notably the London Symphony Orchestra, and abroad. His devotion to music and keen eye for detail earned him numerous accolades — including the Queen's Medal for Music and a knighthood — and are reflected in this compelling performance at London’s Royal Festival Hall.