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Posted Sep 13, 2012, 8:04 am

Dave Irwin TucsonSentinel.com

The University of Arizona is offering a full orchestra performance Saturday of Ludwig van Beethoven’s popular Pastoral Symphony for only $5.

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68, premiered in 1808. Beethoven intended to portray his own subjective view of nature and simple life in the country. It was his first break with the classical symmetry of four movements. This personal statement through music of the relationship between man and nature was more in line with the early 19^th Century’s growing Romantic movement.

Beethoven, who enjoyed trips to the Austrian countryside, titled the work, “Pastoral Symphony or Recollection of Life in the Country.” He also gave its five movements descriptive titles:

• “Awakening of cheerful feelings upon arriving in the country”
• “Scene by the brook”
• “Merry assembly of country folk”
• “Lightning, thunderstorm”
• “Happy grateful feelings after the storm”

In addition, a taste of Britain and France

The concert will also feature two shorter works by British composer William Walton and French composer Gabriel Fauré.

Sir William Walton’s “Crown Imperial: Coronation March” was first performed at the coronation of England's King George VI in 1937. It was also used at Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953 and as recessional music for the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.

Gabriel Fauré wrote incidental music for the play “Pelléas et Mélisande” in 1898. Edited into a suite, it is a prime example of late Romanticism in France, leading to the modern styles of Debussy and Ravel.

Dr. Thomas Cockrell will conduct the student orchestra. Cockrell is director of orchestral activities and holds the faculty position of the Nelson Riddle Endowed Chair in Music.