During his stay in Bohemia, fixing his health in the spas of Teplice, Beethoven wrote two symphonies. One of them, Symphony No.7, lovingly named by Richard Wagner “The Apotheosis of Dance” is considered to be one of the brightest examples of Beethoven’s artistic wisdom.
On the day of premiere in 1813, Beethoven chose to be himself the conductor of his musical child. They say that during the moments of highest emotional peaks, while introducing the fortes, the master would literally jump up in the air in excitement. The symphony, especially the finale, is all about sheer energy and powerful rhythms.
It’s not often that at the premiere of a symphony like that, the audience asks for encore. However, this is exactly what happened in December of 1813. The composition was so well-received that people asked for more. However, the most love went to the second movement Allegretto, which was encored on that day. Compared to the other parts, Alegretto is the most sombre and heavy one. But it is exactly this movement that became the most popular for years to come.
In an attempt to perhaps make it sound more cheerful, Joachim Horsley arranged it in a Cuban Rumba style. Here’s what came out as a result:
 |
| Cuban Rumba dance |
It’s not often that at the premiere of a symphony like that, the audience asks for encore. However, this is exactly what happened in December of 1813. The composition was so well-received that people asked for more. However, the most love went to the second movement Allegretto, which was encored on that day. Compared to the other parts, Alegretto is the most sombre and heavy one. But it is exactly this movement that became the most popular for years to come.
In an attempt to perhaps make it sound more cheerful, Joachim Horsley arranged it in a Cuban Rumba style. Here’s what came out as a result: