Composer

:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

1811

Average_duration

:

22:39

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

König Stephan, Op. 117 is a choral work composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1811. It was written to commemorate the coronation of King Stephen I of Hungary, who was canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church. The work is also known as the "Hungarian Coronation Mass" or "King Stephen Overture." The premiere of König Stephan took place on August 7, 1812, in Pest, Hungary, as part of the coronation festivities. The work was performed by a large orchestra, choir, and soloists, and was conducted by Beethoven himself. The audience was reportedly very enthusiastic, and the work was well-received. König Stephan consists of three movements. The first movement is an overture, which begins with a slow introduction featuring a solemn chorale. This is followed by a lively and energetic main section, which features a Hungarian-style dance rhythm and a prominent role for the brass section. The overture ends with a triumphant coda. The second movement is a choral setting of the Latin hymn "Veni Creator Spiritus," which is traditionally sung at coronations. Beethoven's setting is grand and majestic, with a full choir and orchestra. The soloists sing the verses of the hymn, while the choir joins in for the refrain. The final movement is a march, which was intended to be played during the coronation procession. It is a lively and festive piece, with a prominent role for the brass section and a catchy melody. The march ends with a grand flourish, bringing the work to a triumphant close. Overall, König Stephan is a celebratory and patriotic work, designed to honor the new king and his country. It showcases Beethoven's skill as a composer of choral and orchestral music, and his ability to incorporate nationalistic elements into his compositions.

More....