Symphony Hall’s interior, reminiscent of Viennese concert halls, seems like the perfect setting for this weekend’s opening concert of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Under the direction of Principal Guest Conductor Bernard Haitink, the Symphony started its 123rd season with four selections by Beethoven, juxtaposing some of the genius’ well-known masterpieces with more obscure works.

The concert opened with the overture The Consecration of the House. Originally composed in 1822 for the inauguration of the Josephstadt Theater in Vienna, the piece also served as the opening selection for the inaugural concert of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1881. Composed in the later years of Beethoven’s life, its form and inspiration look back at earlier composers, especially Haydn, whom Beethoven himself described as ‘the greatest composer that ever lived.’

Following the overture, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus joined the symphony for a lesser-known masterpiece of Beethhoven’s, Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage. Using two poems by Geothe (who also wrote the words used in the 9th Symphony), Beethoven lets the words lead the music, a homage to the writer.

The chorus and symphony were then joined by pianist Dubravka Tomsic for a performance of Fantasia in C minor for piano, chorus and orchestra. Commonly seen as a precursor to the 9th Symphony, this small masterpiece is often overshadowed by Beethoven’s later works.

The piece starts with a piano fantasia that was improvised the night of the premiere by Beethoven himself and written down after the concert. It then leads into a spectacular choral section that is as glorious as any of Beethoven’s better-known choral works. The improvised introduction and the similarity to the 9th Symphony allow the listener a glimpse into the working mind of the master.

The concert concluded with one of Beethoven’s most familiar works: the 5th Symphony. Although most members of the audience knew every note, phrase and color of this masterpiece, the timelessness of Beethoven’s romantic drama, beautiful harmonies and song-like melodies coupled with the technical and musical talents of Haitink and the BSO brought most audience members to their feet at the conclusion of the concert.

Concert schedules for the Boston Symphony Orchestra can be found at the website http://www.bso.org, and tickets can be purchased online or at the Symphony Hall ticket office.