Symphony No. 6 in F Major (Pastoral Symphony), Op. 68
Ludwig van Beethoven
Work background
Researched classical background
Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony follows five connected ideas about a visit to the countryside: arrival, a brook, a gathering, a storm, and thanksgiving. He described its purpose in terms of feelings rather than exhaustive imitation. Birdlike woodwind calls and the storm provide vivid details, but the score also develops its themes symphonically. The final three movements continue without the usual full pauses.
Inspiration and creative background
Beethoven supplied movement headings describing country life and emphasized the feelings aroused by those scenes.
Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 ("Pastoral") - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Hear the transformation from the storm's turbulence to the last movement's sustained sense of release.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1807-1808
The main composition period preceded the 1808 premiere alongside the Fifth Symphony.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Pastoral Symphony
Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 ("Pastoral") - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 ("Pastoral") - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.