The seventh symphony is a real »Apotheosis of Dance«, as Beethoven admirer Richard Wagner proposed. Since its premiere, this work’s popularity has never diminished. When the symphony in A major was played for the first time in 1813, Beethoven celebrated one of his biggest successes with this work. Its premiere attracted Vienna’s musical elite, while star composers like Antonio Salieri, Ludwig Spohr, Johann Nepomuk Hummel and Giacomo Meyerbeer were part of the orchestra. What makes the seventh symphony so unique compared to previous ones is Beethoven’s rhythmic and harmonic approach. His seventh symphony expresses happiness, joy and a zest for life.