Artur Schnabel’s dictum that great music is always greater than it can ever be performed is never more apposite than with Beethoven, the ultimate restless ... long lyrical line – makes his point.

Whether Beethoven saved his best symphony for last is a matter of opinion ... But though those numbers 1 through 9 may look neat when lined up, the symphonies didn’t fit so into four programs.

Watch the video to learn more about the exposition, development and recapulation of Beethoven’s Symphony no. 1.

Beethoven repeats theme 1 in the first violins, cellos, basses and bassoons while the rest of the orchestra play a C major chord. Beethoven’s first symphony also includes other important movements.

Abbado has been in semi-permanent revolt against the Italian school of Beethoven interpretation. In these vibrant Rome performances he achieves an intensity of effect his hero Furtwängler just might ...