Beethoven: Coriolan Overture, Op. 62 (with Score)

Ludwig van Beethoven: Coriolan Overture, Op. 62 (with Score) Conductor: Claudio Abbado Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra The Coriolan Overture (Ouvertüre zu Coriolan), Op. 62, is a composition written by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1807 for Heinrich Joseph von Collin’s 1804 tragedy Coriolan. The structure and themes of the overture follow the play very generally. The main C minor theme represents Coriolanus’ resolve and war-like tendencies, while the more tender E-flat major theme represents the pleadings of his mother to desist. Coriolanus eventually gives in to tenderness, but since he cannot turn back having led an army of his former enemies to Rome’s gates, he kills himself.