Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’: Opening chords

This video presents a chronological survey of the first two chords (E-flat major) of Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony, as heard in recordings from the 1920s to the present day. You will notice not only different tempos, but also different tunings (the three orchestras using original instruments are the lowest), acoustics (Toscanini’s are especially dull) and instrumental balances. The people who put this compilation together may in fact have too much time on their hands, but it was well used here, and we thank them.