The secrets of the world’s most famous symphony - Hanako Sawada
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TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
Eight ferocious notes open one of the most explosive pieces of music ever composed. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony Number Five premiered in 1808, and quickly won acclaim. Its central motif and raw emotionality have continued to resound through the ages. So what exactly makes Beethoven’s Fifth so captivating? Hanako Sawada uncovers the story behind this musical masterpiece.
Try to find as many versions of the central “short-short-short long” motif throughout the piece. Feel free to follow along to and study a visualization or traditional score of the piece as you listen.
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Meet The Creators
- Educator Hanako Sawada
- Director Yael Reisfeld
- Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
- Storyboard Artist Yael Reisfeld
- Animator Yael Reisfeld
- Compositor Yael Reisfeld
- Art Director Yael Reisfeld
- Composer Jarrett Farkas
- Sound Designer Jarrett Farkas
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
- Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
- Production Coordinator Abdallah Ewis
- Script Editor Iseult Gillespie
- Fact-Checker Jennifer Nam
