Issue date: 09 Nov, 2020
MUSIC. MUSIC GENRES. CLASSICAL
A stamp that can be listened to is the new issue that Correos dedicates to classical music.
The stamp, in the form of a vinyl disc, can be put on a record player to reproduce Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 performed by the Madrid Festival Orchestra, conducted by Albert Skuratov.
Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn in Germany on 16 December 1770, meaning this year it is 250 years since he was born.
The piece of music reproduced by the stamp was composed between 1804 and 1808. This symphony is both one of the most popular works in classical music and one of the most frequently performed. It comprises four movements: beginning with a sonata-allegro form, continuing with an andante and ending on an uninterrupted scherzo which makes up the last two parts. Since it was first performed in the Theater an der Wien in Vienna on 22 December 1808 and conducted by the composer himself, the composition has taken on a notorious prestige that continues into the present day.
Classical music emerged as a break with the strict rules of baroque music, which was characterised by its horizontal structure where several melodies overlapped each other simultaneously.
It serves as a contrast to the previous period with a lighter composition, and the fact that it only has one main melody to guide all instruments. This means that the same rhythm is preserved in a succession of vertically structured chords called homophony.
Going back to vinyl records, in recent years, the volume of sales has reached figures that haven’t been seen since the 90s.
This stamp features classical elements such as a symphony by Beethoven and the form of vinyl record, whilst at the same times boasts the innovative feature of having a stamp that you can listen to on a record player.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.