Wellington’s Victory, Ludwig van Beethoven

Vitoria was the most significant British victory over the French Army before Waterloo, and essentially ended the long Peninsular War. When Beethoven composed his symphony, between August and October 1813, Napoleon’s forces were being driven back across Europe by Allied armies of the Sixth Coalition.

Listen to “Wellington’s Victory” performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.

The composition started out in collaboration with Johann Maelzel, who had invented the panharmonicon, a contraption that was able to play military band instruments of the day. When Beethoven realised how popular the piece was in Europe, and its money-making potential, he re-wrote it for a full orchestra and inserted sounds of cannon and musket fire.

He divided the orchestra in two, representing the opposing British and French sides. For the British, Beethoven used fugues from “God Save the King” and “Rule Britannia.” Drum beats and trumpet flourishes invoke the sound of marching.

Hoping to exploit the British market Beethoven sent his score to the Prince Regent who failed to thank him. But permission was given for the symphony to be performed in London. It became associated with Wellington’s triumph at Waterloo rather than Vitoria and has remained popular to this day. With accompanying cannon and musket fire it forms the climax of the Battle Proms concerts that take place at stately homes around the UK in the summer.