Can people avoid fate? And if they can, how can someone overcome their fate? Beethoven's symphony No.5 in C minor, Op. 67, has the nickname "Fate symphony" or "They symphony of destiny," because he told one of his students that the beginning of this symphony illustrates how "fate knocks at the door."
When he composed this piece, Beethoven was in his mid-thirties and was having a hard time. When he was about 28 years old, his hearing had been failing gradually, which gave him great pain and depression. In addition, the world at large was marked by the Napoleonic Wars in which Napoleon's troops occupied Vienna, where Beethoven lived.
When Mozart met Beethoven at 16 years old, he said, "One day he will give the world something to talk about." Indeed, Beethoven left this great music piece. Since first performed in Vienna in 1808, this symphony became one of the most popular compositions in classical music. It comprises four movements: Allegro con brio, Andante con moto, Scherzo, Allegro and Allegro. The first movement opens with the four-note motif, one of the most famous in western music. Throughout the symphony, this rhythmic motif is repeated and contributes to the overall unity of the music.
The composer's secret sorrows, dreams, oppressions from outside, and enthusiasm are melted in this piece. According to the view of considering "fate" as its theme, a heroic life struggle is represented in the progression of emotions, from the famous opening in C minor to the triumphant C major coda of the last movement. It is a journey of knowing one's fate and dealing with it. To know how Beethoven handled his fate, you have to listen to this 30-minutes-long outstanding piece and see what it says to you.
By Yoha Lee
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