Edition 83 - Pastoral Symphony

The first movement of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony is "Allegro ma non troppo", depicting the awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside. This symphony is a hymn of gratitude to Nature. A love letter to the natural world. 

The second movement of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony is "Andante molto mosso", portraying a scene by the lake. It begins with the strings playing a motif that imitates flowing water. 

The third movement of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony is "Allegro", presenting a merry gathering of country folk. The tiny inviting villages of Center of Portugal are attracting younger generations, gaining a brand new life. These villages are the epicentre of a stress-free lifestyle. In Portugal, we celebrate life with food, sitting at the table with our beloved ones! Food for body and soul.

The fourth movement of the Pastoral Symphony, "Allegro", is the part where Beethoven calls for the largest instrumentation in the entire piece. It depicts a violent thunderstorm with painstaking realism. The (Grand) Canyon of Nazaré is a place of inner storm that nevertheless creates world's most powerful and beautiful waves!

The fifth movement of Beethoven's 6th Symphony is Allegretto, depicting the joyful shepherd's song full of cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm. In Montemuro Mountain, in the surroundings of Viseu, you can be shepherd for a day and experience these happy feelings!