Conducting Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 'Eroica'

Abstract

To achieve the composer's intention, a conductor needs to examine and evaluate several factors in order to interpret the composition for the performance as well as planning the performance. Conducting Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 'Eroica,' the conductor should research the composer's biography to understand his thought behind the composition; scrutinize the composition and orchestration through document study, score analysis, listening and observing live performances and several media sources; synthesize the score to evaluate tempo, balance, articulations, and dynamics. Interpreting is done along with an in-depth consideration of other external factors including orchestral size, performance level of the musicians, performance venue, and rehearsal time frame. Then, the planning for rehearsal management could take place, beginning with the smallest unit of self-rehearsal to the largest unit of full orchestral rehearsal.