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Masur Conducts Beethoven: Symphony No. 8 in F Major

DW staff (bo/kjb)September 12, 2008

The light-hearted nature of Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony, might well demonstrate that the great composer had a good sense of humor.

https://p.dw.com/p/FFQk
Kurt Masur
Masur conducted all of Beethoven's nine symphonies at the 2008 BeethovenfestImage: Christophe Abramowitz

Evident throughout the work are many passages that could best be described as musical jokes. He began the work in the summer of 1812, shortly after completing the Seventh Symphony, and finished it in only four months.

Performing is the Orchestre National de France, conducted by the legendary Kurt Masur. This concert was part of a series where the complete nine symphonies of Beethoven were presented as part of the 2008 Beethoven Festival in Bonn.