It was the high point of Leipzig’s tenth anniversary celebrations of German reunification – Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, performed by the Gewandhaus Orchestra Leipzig and conducted by Herbert Blomstedt. The commemorative concert was held in the St. Nicholas Church on October 9, 1999.

A key moment in history occurred in Leipzig – the former GDR’s second-largest city – on October 9, 1989, when some 70,000 Leipzig residents overcame their fear of their authoritarian state to demonstrate for freedom, and increased democracy. This ‘Monday demonstration‘ as it would become known ran peacefully, despite mounting political tensions, and would become one of the events that lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, one month later.

The demonstrators' rallying cry of "Wir sind das Volk!“ – we are the people – was picked up again for this concert, where the fateful turn of history was to be commemorated with this performance of Beethoven's Fifth, also known as his 'Fateful Symphony'. It‘s said to have received the additional epithet by way of a bon mot from the composer himself. Speaking of its four opening notes and their famous rhythm, Beethoven is reported to have said "Thus, fate knocks at the door!"

This interpretation by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, conducted by Herbert Blomstedt, is positively ponderous in tempo, meaning one can listen intently to each twist and turn of Beethoven's symphony. In commemoration of that crucial day in Leipzig so shortly before the shift in the tide of world politics, this artistic choice certainly works to underscore the slow turning of fate.

(00:00) I. Allegro con brio
(07:45) II. Andante con moto
(17:49) III. Allegro
(26:21) IV. Allegro

© EuroArts

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