Symphony

Symphony No. 3, 'Eroica'

2 upcoming performances in New York

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica” (1803–04) is a turning point in the symphonic tradition, built on the idea of a heroic narrative that is argued, questioned, and finally re-made. Its New York City history runs deep: the New York Philharmonic has performed the work since the 1840s, and it remains a touchstone in the city’s orchestral culture. At David Geffen Hall, Gustavo Dudamel leads the Philharmonic on a program that also includes Frederic Rzewski’s “The People United…,” putting Beethoven’s political-era energy in dialogue with modern protest music. One clear truth in the score is how Beethoven turns struggle into structure, not decoration.