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Battle Symphony
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Battle Symphony

work by Beethoven
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Quick Summary

The "Battle Symphony," officially titled Wellington's Victory, is a programmatic orchestral work by Ludwig van Beethoven. It was composed in 1813 to celebrate the British victory over Napoleon's forces at the Battle of Vitoria. Beethoven himself conducted its premiere in Vienna on December 8, 1813, on the same program as his Symphony No. 7.

While the symphony was popular at the time, Beethoven himself considered it to be "program music of the worst kind" and of little lasting importance. It is characterized by its explicit depiction of battle sounds and patriotic themes, contrasting with the more abstract and emotionally driven nature of his other symphonies, such as the Eroica or the Fifth Symphony.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
4 Britannica Sources
  1. Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92
  2. Ludwig van Beethoven - Wider recognition
  3. Eroica Symphony
  4. Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67

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