b'Program Notescontinuedhis Symphony No. 101, The Clock, from 1793-4. Beethovens hushed sonorities, thin texture and static motion create a dramatically suspenseful opening, quite similar to the opening of the Leonore Overture No. 3 from the same year. The first movement Allegro vivace that bursts out of the introduction has the boisterous, anticipatory energy of an opera overture, exhibiting a mix of cutesy charm, startling interruptions, and moments of grandeur. The serene cantabile melody of the second movement Adagio begins with rhythmic figure ticking along underneath. Beethoven showcases the silky tone of the clarinet for the bittersweet aria that contrasts the warmth of the first theme. The third movement Minuet and Trio has the five-part form used in many of Beethovens middle period scherzos in which the Trio, in this case a wind chorale with string commentary, appears a second time in its original form, in alternation with the Minuet. The unexpected accents and rhythmic complexity of the minuet give it a catchy playfulness, followed by the last movement, which is pure delight. In a moment of Haydn-esque humor, the moto perpetuo figure in the strings is taken up unexpectedly by the bassoon.Instrumentationone flute, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two trumpets, two horns, timpani, and strings Duration30 minutes~Nell FlandersAssistant Conductor Princeton Symphony Orchestra, 2018-2021Visiting Lecturer in Orchestra Studies University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2021-presentprincetonsymphony.org/ 16/ princetonfestival.org'