When Vienna’s Court Theatre approached Ludwig van Beethoven with a commission to write music for a revival of Wolfgang von Goethe’s tragic play Egmont, Beethoven responded eagerly. Beethoven revered Goethe, calling him “the foremost German poet,” and Beethoven was also drawn to the subject matter of the play, which revolves around the actions of the Flemish Count Egmont, a historical 16th century figure. Egmont fought to save his country from military conquest by the Spanish Duke of Alba, and was later executed for his actions, but Egmont’s heroism and his self-sacrifice inspired his beleaguered countrymen to continue their fight for freedom. Beethoven, also of Flemish descent, may have seen something of himself in the noble Egmont. The themes of struggle against an oppressor, sacrifice, and abiding love resonated deeply with Beethoven; he later incorporated them into his opera Fidelio.
The Overture begins somberly, with blasts of sound heralding the oppressive power of the Spanish armies. The introduction segues into an energetic Allegro that captures the indomitable spirit of the popular revolt against the Spanish; the music also highlights Egmont’s heroism in the struggle to save his people. There is a noble rhythmic motif, which Beethoven develops throughout, and the overture ends on a victorious shout.
© Elizabeth Schwartz