jim henson

The second movement of Beethoven's 7th Symphony was recently used to great effect in the movie The King's Speech. This piece is played while King George VI walks the long walk to give the speech telling his country that they are at war with Germany and continues playing in the background as he gives the speech.

The movie shows his heart wrenching struggle with a severe stammer, making it impossible for him to speak in public or use the newest technology, live radio. He is helped by an unconventional speech therapist who stands directly in front of the King as he confronts the dreaded microphone.

The piece is very ceremonial and processional, but in a mostly understated way.

It is also quite a poignant piece, and very dramatic--perfectly suitable for the climactic scene in the movie.

So, sit back and let the music take you where it will.

Edited to add:  I see there are many alternatives on YouTube of this piece in relation to the King's Speech.

Click here to listen to the real King George VI giving the actual speech, with the 7th Symphony in the background.  Chilling to think what England would be enduring very shortly after this speech was broadcast.

Here is the 7th Symphony as it is played (without Colin Firth's speech, sadly) in the original soundtrack of the movie.



Hat tip to Catholic Key.