Symphony no. 4 & 5

Symphonies No. 4 and No. 5 are orchestral works by Ludwig van Beethoven, composed in 1806 and 1808 respectively. Musically they exemplify Beethoven's middle-period shift: Symphony No. 4 retains a classical poise and transparent orchestration, while Symphony No. 5 employs compressed, motivically driven architecture, heightened rhythmic insistence and expanded dynamic and orchestral contrasts that mark a significant development in early 19th-century symphonic practice.