II. Allegretto scherzando

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 wrote Symphony No. 8 in the latter part of his career, just before he turned 42. There is an interesting pattern to his symphonies, with the even-numbered symphonies being more traditional and “Classical” in nature and the odd-numbered symphonies displaying more of the artistic innovations and passionate expression that Beethoven is largely remembered for today.

Beethoven completed Symphony No. 7 in April 1812 and then completed Symphony No. 8 in October of the same year. Symphony No. 8 is not only one of Beethoven’s shortest symphonies, it is one of his most delightful and Beethoven himself referred to it affectionately as “my little Symphony in F”.

The second of four movements, Allegretto scherzando is cheerful and humorous, with the beat remaining steady throughout.

Worksheet for Primary classrooms

Step 1. Watch the video to explore a Viola case

Step 2. Listen to the TSO recording of Allegretto Scherzando

Step 3. Answer 10 questions

Step 4. Download a Word Search