Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827) was arguably the most influential symphonist of all time. His nine symphonies revolutionized the world's perception of the possibilities and scope of the symphony. With his Third Symphony, the 'Eroica', Beethoven devised a work of staggering creativity and originality, finally bringing 18th century Middle Classicism to a close, ushering in a new era of symphonic music. His colossal Ninth symphony, the 'Choral', changed the course of Western music forever, and had a profound effect on just about every composer who followed in his wake. Listen to the first movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 'Eroica' (RealAudio file) Second movement (RealAudio file) LIVE PERFORMANCES: The Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Curro Above: Ludwig van Beethoven Above: Franz Schubert The other major symphonist of the period, Franz Schubert (1797 - 1828), pursued a different, but certainly no less important, path of symphonic development. The early symphonies, Nos. 1-6, are charming and well-constructed works, but not nearly as groundbreaking as the last two, the Eighth, the 'Unfinished', and the Ninth, the 'Great' (occassionally referred to as the Seventh). With these two symphonies, Schubert explored daring new harmonic and structural territory, forging a uniquely lyrical style suffused with sadness, yet often expressing great joy. The spacious grandeur of the Ninth symphony in particular greatly influenced composers such as Schumann, Brahms, Bruckner, and Mahler. Continue the Quick Tour Previous Page Back to the Quick Tour first page