IV. Allegro con brio

Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770 in Bonn, Germany and died in Vienna, Austria, in 1827. At the time of Beethoven’s birth, Bonn was part of the Holy Roman Empire.

Beethoven’s childhood was not happy, and it appears that this was the case with much of his adult life as well. Beethoven was unlucky in love and unlucky with his health. A progressive condition that resulted in the complete loss of his hearing by age 46 was a major reason for Beethoven’s unhappiness and despair.

Perhaps Beethoven was feeling more hopeful about his future when he wrote Symphony No. 7. In 1812, soon after the symphony was completed, he wrote a series of love letters (which he didn’t send) to a mystery recipient known only as “immortal beloved”. The premiere of Symphony No. 7 a year later was one of the most successful concerts that Beethoven had ever experienced, and he is said to have called the work “one of the happiest products of my poor talents”.

The finale and fourth movement of Symphony No. 7, Allegro con brio, exudes excitement and energy. This movement remains a favourite with orchestral musicians everywhere.

Worksheet for Primary classrooms

Step 1. Watch the video to learn about other Trumpets

Step 2. Listen to the TSO recording of Allegro con brio

Step 3. Answer 10 questions

Step 4. Download a Word Search