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The role of Beethoven’s symphonies in the history of music has been extensively studied and amply demonstrated over the last two centuries. As Jordi Savall and Le Concert des Nations reflected and prepared for this new performance of Beethoven’s complete nine symphonies, they considered a number of essential elements which not only inspired the group, but also influenced their final choices. In their research and performance, the group have taken many considerations into account in pursuit of a genuine return to the sources and the original conception. The principal aim is of projecting in the 21st century the full richness and beauty of these well-known symphonies –all too often presented in an oversized, over-elaborate form, is to restore to these works their essential energy through a proper natural balance between the colours and the quality of the orchestra’s natural sound. In Beethoven’s day, that sound was produced by the stringed instruments (catgut strings and historic bows), woodwind instruments: flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons and contrabassoons; brass instruments: sackbuts, trumpets and natural trumpets and the period timpani played with wooden drumsticks. The resulting brilliance, articulation, balance and revolutionary dynamics form the basis of a dynamism based on a respect for Beethoven’s intended tempi (barring a few rare exceptions) and the phrasing to which they give rise, in accordance with the mood indications and the dramatic narrative sustained by the spiritual power of its own message.