Music with Ease > Classical Music > Concert Guide: Classical Era > Overture to "Prometheus". Op. 43 (Beethoven)

The Prometheus Overture was written for the ballet of the same name, produced for the first time at the Imperial Hof Theater, Vienna, in 1801, and announced as "'Die Geschöpfe des Promentheus' ('The Creations of Promentheus'), an heroic-allegorical ballet in two acts." The overture opens with a brief but impressive Adagio, followed by a melody for oboe. A slow movement leads to an Allegro, followed by a melody for oboe. A slow movement leads to an Allegro, opening with a quick passage in the first violins, accompanied by the other strings. After a vigorous repeat the second subject appears in the wind instruments. The theme is brieftly treated and followed by some vigorous passages. The violin theme repeats and leads to an impressive subject in the basses. The themes are then repeated in order and a stirring Coda closes the overture.