...A Biographical Sketch of Ludwig van Beethoven Introduction Ludwig van Beethoven (December 1770- March 1827) was a pianist and composer- arguably the greatest and most influential composer of all time. He made his mark in history with the crucial role that he played in the transition of classical eras in art music. He had a full and varied music career and wasn’t afraid to move his numerous compositions from the tried and tested musical styles. In terms or the world’s greatest, Beethoven only comes second to the likes of Mozart or Bach. Beethoven is best known for his compositions, which include 32 piano sonatas, 5 concertos for piano, 16 string quartets and 9 symphonies (Anderson 1044). He is also known for the composition of other music, choral works and songs. Early Childhood Beethoven was born on the 16th of December, 1770 in Bonn and baptized the following day (Dalhaus & Whittall 6). His father was originally from Brabant, Belgium, but had moved to Bonn where he served as a musician at the local court. Despite his weakness for alcohol, Beethoven’s father was quite influential in shaping the music career of Beethoven as it was through him that young Beethoven was exposed to music. From an early age, Beethoven was taught music by Christiano Gottlob Neefe, a famous opera composer and conductor, and Johann van Beethoven who was his father. Johann envisioned creating a new kind of Mozart in his son and would train him every evening on returning from the court. As a teenager...
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...no longer considered optional. e. audiences were no longer interested in instrumental music. • 4. The woodwinds of the late eighteenth century: a. are very different from the modern counterparts. b. are fundamentally similar to their modern counterparts. c. were made from plastic instead of wood. d. eliminated the use of keys and replaced them with valves. e. were mass produced and were of little value. • 5. Haydn was invited by Johann Peter Salomon to perform his music in: a. Ireland. b. Russia. c. Solomon's temple. d. London. e. Italy. • 6. The "surprise" in the second movement of Haydn's symphony is: a. the only instance of this type of thing in any of Haydn's works. b. only the most obvious of many surprises in the entire work. c. not typical for this serious composer. d. frowned upon by all other composers and musicians. e. involving the tempo and rhythmic elements. • 7. Franz Joseph haydn arrived in London in 1791 as a celebrity. • 8. In Haydn's "Surprise Symphony" the introduction seems to set off a chain...
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...Franz Joseph Haydn Over the course of his 106 symphonies, Austrian composer Franz Joseph Haydn became the principal architect of the classical style of music. Haydn was called the father of the symphony and the father of the string Quartet. He was born March 31, 1732. When he was eight years old, he went to Vienna to sing in the choir at St. Stephen's Cathedral. His younger brother Michael joined him a short time later. Haydn spent a lot of his life as a musician somewhat secluded from the rest of the music world. On May 1, 1761, he went to work for the Esterhazy family where he remained for the next 30 years. Once he left the Esterhazy family, he was well known and worked with a number of composers. Joseph, he did not go by Franz, was also famous for his sense of humor. This affected his music in a few ways. He also knew other very famous composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. He was a very busy man and took many trips throughout his life. By the end of his life he was ill and weak; luckily he was alive to enjoy some of his fame. Haydn died May 31, 1809 in Vienna, Austria as one of the greatest composers of his time. Joseph Haydn had a pretty good childhood. He was born in Rohrau, Austria which bordered Hungary. His two well-known siblings were Michael Haydn and Johann Evangelist Haydn. Michael Haydn was born on September 14th, 1737, and he also became a well-known composer. In 1745 he followed in brother Josephs footsteps and became a chorister...
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...evident from a young age and, exploited by his father as a child prodigy, he made his first public performance at the age of 7 (he was advertised as being 6) in March 1778. Soon after, Ludwig went on to work as the Court’s Organist where his talents were recognised and encouraged. In March 1787 he travelled to Vienna in the hope of studying with Mozart but after two months he had to return home to look after his severely ill mother and alcoholic father. For the next 5 years, Beethoven stayed in Bonn where his musical escapades were funded by Count Ferdinand von Waldstein.1 In 1792, Beethoven moved to Vienna to study under Joseph Haydn. Whilst in Vienna, Beethoven sought to focus on his studies and performance rather than establish a name for himself as a composer. He studied counterpoint under Haydn and received occasional attention from Antonio Salieri. When Haydn left for England in 1794, Beethoven was expected to return to Bonn, but instead he chose stay in Vienna and was financially supported by nobleman who recognised his talents. He earned a reputation as a piano virtuoso and improviser and his first public performance in Vienna came in March 1795 where he performed one of his piano concertos. Shortly after, he arranged the publication of his first works which he dedicated to his patron Prince Lichnowsky.2 Around 1796, Beethoven began to lose his hearing and, on advice from his doctor, he moved to the small town of Heiligenstadt to come to terms with his growing deafness. It...
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...Debussy’s Nocturne French composer and impressionist, Debussy was among one of the most influential composers in the early 20th-century. His use of chromaticism and untraditional scales has inspired many other composers after him. One of his earlier works Nocturnes. no. 1. Nuages aligns with two other works, all three inspired by impressionistic paintings also titled Nocturnes. The name ‘Nuages’ derives from the solemn motions of the clouds all fading to grey, dull light tracing the cloud cover. Debussy’s nocturnes provide various impressions and ideas that lead the listener through a wordless maze of thought. The first thing you will notice about this piece is how mysterious and subtly unnerving it is, starting out with two clarinets and...
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...Haydn Franz Joseph Haydn was born on March 31, 1732 in Rohrau, Austria, Hayden was born to peasant parents and because of this, the enthusiasm towards the history of his life and work can be appreciated. The place of birth was originally known as Tristnik, translated into German, Rohrau, then a sleepy old-world village on the banks of the Leitha, in the heart of a Croatian settlement in Hungary. This spectacular and miracle specialist of the eighteenth century is a conservative of paradoxes and contradictions (Runciman, 1908). Haydn was one of three young men born to Mathias Haydn and Anna Maria Koller. His father, born in Hainburg, was an expert wheelwright who cherished music. He played the harp, while Haydn’s mother sang the songs. Anna Maria was a cook for Count Karl Anton Harrach before she wedded Mathias. A little is known about his ancestors, as for some generations they had been hardworking, honest folk of the peasant class, given to music, but by no means a family of musicians like the famous Bachs. Haydn’s sibling, Michael, likewise made music and got to be moderately well known. His most youthful sibling, Johann Evangelist, sang tenor in the congregation choir of the Esterhazy Court .Haydn had a marvelous voice and his musicality was exact. Johann Franc, inspired by Haydn’s voice, demanded that Haydn’s folks permit Haydn to live with him to study music. Franc was a school essential and the choir chief of a congregation in Hainburg. Haydn’s parents permitted...
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...1 – The symphony is an important genre that was created during the Classical period. Using examples of symphonies by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms, describe two [2] main features of the genre, and describe two [2] important changes or innovations that took place by the time Brahms composed his Symphony no. 1. Two main features of the genre are that there are four movements: sonata allegro, theme and variation, minuet, and then finale or rondo.Fast, usually an allegro and in what became known as sonata form. Slow and often in a simple form such as ternary form. Minuet and trio, a dance borrowed from the Baroque period and in ternary form. Fast and usually an allegro, often light-hearted in style and in a form such as rondo form, theme and variations or sonata form. strings, a woodwind section of a flute, two oboes, two clarinets and two bassoons, with some brass instruments, two French horns, sometimes two trumpets and normally only timpani from the percussion section. symphony no. 5 by Beethoven. Haydn, “Father” of the Symphony, Symphony No. 104 In D Major, “London” and Mozart, Symphony no. 40 in g-minor all focused on absolute music. Brahms began composing his Symphony no. 1 in 1854 and completed it in 1876 which was during the romantic period. The range of musical materials used by composers expanded enormously. Romantic composers looked for a greater freedom in the design and structure of their music, and more intense and personal expression of emotion. Melodies...
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...Individualism, which some claim dates back centuries in America and other western cultures. Individualism, which some claim dates back centuries in America and other western cultures. Sonata form (also sonata-allegro form or first movement form) is a large-scale musical structure used widely since the middle of the 18th century (the early Classical period). Sonata form (also sonata-allegro form or first movement form) is a large-scale musical structure used widely since the middle of the 18th century (the early Classical period). Symphony is an extended musical composition in Western classical music, normally thought of as being written for orchestra Symphony is an extended musical composition in Western classical music, normally thought of as being written for orchestra Lyricism-gentle or romantic emotion, expressed in writing or music. Lyricism-gentle or romantic emotion, expressed in writing or music. Symmetrical is not restricted to the visual arts. Its role in the history of music touches many aspects of the creation and perception of music. Symmetrical is not restricted to the visual arts. Its role in the history of music touches many aspects of the creation and perception of music. Classical are generally accepted as being between about 1750 and 1820. However, the term classical music is used in a colloquial sense as a synonym for Western art music, which describes a variety of Western musical styles from the ninth century to the present, and especially...
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...The following analysis attempts to develop and expand on purported ideas and views of the philosophical perspective of the Middle Ages. The case involves a five year old boy named Hans who has a phobia of horses. Since the family lived opposite a busy coaching inn, that meant that Hans was unhappy about leaving the house because he saw many horses as soon as he went out of the door. When he was first asked about his fear Hans said that he was frightened that the horses would fall down and make a noise with their feet. He was most frightened of horses which were drawing heavily laden carts, and, in fact, had seen a horse collapse and die in the street one time when he was out with his nurse. It was pulling a horse-drawn bus carrying many passengers and when the horse collapsed Hans had been frightened by the sound of its hooves clattering against the cobbles of the road. In this paper, Hans’ behaviour will be discussed from a viewpoint of the Middle Ages Philosophy. Medieval philosophy refers to philosophy in Western Europe during the “medieval” period, the so called “Middle Ages.” The notion of a “Middle Age” was introduced in the fifteenth century for the period between the decline of classical pagan culture in Western Europe and what was taken to be its rediscovery during the Renaissance. It was a combination of classical pagan philosophy, mainly Greek but also in its Roman versions, with the new Christian religion. While the influence of classical pagan philosophy was crucial...
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...Composed in 1801 and published in 1802 in Vienna as opus 28, "Grande Sonate pour le pianoforte", the nickname "Pastorale" was given quite late, towards 1838, by the Hamburg based publisher Cranz, the same who named the Sonata opus 57 "Appassionata". Carl Czerny reports that the composer said to his friend Krumpholz: "I am not satisfied with what I composed until now. I will go now to other directions." Yet, still after Czerny, the Andante of the Pastorale Sonata, was one of the composer's favorites, he played it quite often and re-published it in a shortened and fingered version in 1820 in a "Methode pour le pianoforte". Critics at the Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung wrote on December 8, 1802, that the first and third movements are "original and even strange and extravagant." The subtitle is perfectly justified. We know how Beethoven was keen on the nature. In a letter to Therese Malfatti he writes: "what a joy for me when I can wander around forests and bushes. Among trees and rocks! No other can love the nature as I do. Woods and rocks only can bring the man the echo he was expecting." Sister of the sixth symphony, also "Pastorale" started in 1805, in this sonata is found the same serenity and idyllic joy. Allegro The themes are all lyrical. A very peculiar beginning on a repeating pedal note D which strangely acts not as the tonic but the root of dominant 7th to the key of G major. The first right hand chord (C-natural - F-sharp - A) comes highly unexpected. It almost...
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...The violin is very popular. Even today the instrument still fascinates many musicians and manufacturers. The violin originated about 1550 in Northern Italy. A period called the golden age of violin making. Stringed instruments first were recorded in Europe in the medieval ages. By “stringed” we refer to instruments played with a bow. Earliest Violins were most likely the Renaissance fiddle, and lira da braccio. The violin was initially used for vocal and dance. The Viola was the preferred bowed string instrument for ensembles before the violin became popular. In the 17- century composers like Monteverdi began to use the violin in instrumental ensembles, they eventually replace the Viola. The group of Orchestra instruments has been developed in order to satisfy new ideas of sounds that emerged in Italy. Earliest noted violinmakers were, Gasparo da Salò, Giovanni Maggini, Antonio Stradivari, Giuseppe Guarneri and Jacob Stainer. Modern day violinmakers have not been able to successfully copy the techniques they used to produce the same quality sound of violins that was made during the 17- century. Gasparo da Salò’s real name is Gasparo Bertolotti. Gasparo Bertolotti was born in Salo, on Lake Garda, in Brescia, Italy. A dedicated craftsman, He got credit for making the violin. He is considered to be the founder of the Brescian school of violinmakers. he was formerly credited with having developed the violin in the shape we now know it. His instruments are...
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...Beethoven had won many patrons and aristocrats, who helped him with shelter, food and funds. It was also because of them and their public relations, Beethoven had easier access to venues for performances. In his adulthood, he experienced deafness. In his letter to his Friend, he confessed his disability. He also said, “In my profession it is a terrible handicap”. He lived alone in a country side. He experienced all the tragic moments in his life, his father died due to alcoholism and his mother died when was young. However, his weakness became his strength. He used his surrounding environment and his life experiences as an inspiration for his works. For instance, the loss of his mother and his unpleasant years as a child gave ways too many...
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...Least we Forget A Bibliography and an Appreciation To A Social Inspiration; Ludwig V. Beethoven LEAST WE FORGET Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Germany in 1770 and died in 1827 at the age of 56, the funeral rites took place at the church of the Holy Trinity. It is estimated that between 10,000 and 30,000 people attended… When I think of this I can’t begin to imagine that type of influence, and type of appreciation he had. In a time where there was no radio stations or Televisions, and telephones where still a couple decades away, 10,000 to 30,000 people attended one man’s funeral on paper news and word of mouth. Beethoven was no regular man, but yet a man born with talent. Beethoven who was brother of seven whom only three brothers survived making Beethoven the eldest; began learning music at a young age from his father, musician at the Court of Bonn. He Showed talent right away, and on March 26th 1778, at the age of 7 in a half, Beethoven gave his first know public performance, at Cologne. His talents surpassed his father’s ability at a young age and needed more talented teachers. He later began to learn under several renowned Instructors but things didn’t really pick up until he fell under the teachings of Gottlob Neefe. The reason that Neefe’s ability to coach Beethoven were so notable is because Neefe knew people and would began to bring the piercing stature of the young man to public interface. So began the attention of philosophers...
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...The Juilliard School in Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City held a free concert at Morse Hall. It was a Chamber Music Recital featuring chamber music students of Sylvia Rosenberg of the Juilliard School. Three pieces were performed, each played by different students. The first two pieces, Piano Trio No. 3 in C Minor and String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59, No. 3 “Rosumovsky”, were composed by Ludwig Van Beethoven in 1795 and 1808, respectively. The performers of the first piece were Lisha Gu on the violin, Nan-Cheng Chen on the cello, and Han Chen on the piano. In the second piece, there were two violinists, Matous and Simon Michal, a violist, Matthew Sinno, and a cellist, Patrick Hopkins, who performed this piece. The third piece was the Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81, which was composed by Antonín Dvořák in 1887. This was performed by Charles Yang and Julia Choi on the violin, Jenni Seo on the viola, Jennifer Choi on the cello, and Jie Yuan on the piano. The concert was held in Morse hall, which was a small concert hall for small performances. This provided a comfortable experience for the audience and the performers. There were many different people in the audience but mostly comprised of elderly people. Most of the audience wore business casual for their attire. Before each piece was played, the piano was adjusted as well as the seats on stage. People were only allowed to come in or leave the concert hall between pieces. All the pieces were from...
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...invite and why? A fascinating dinner party bound to be characterized by riveting conversation must include three awesome historical figures from different epochs who represent great human accomplishments: the pioneering explorer Christopher Columbus, the enduringly popular Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and industrial magnate Henry Ford. These three have influenced my worldview; I draw inspiration for my future from how they conducted their lives. Genoan explorer Christopher Columbus had an audacious vision to sail westward in order to gain access to the riches of the East. He fought for his vision, thereby prevailing upon the Spanish Monarchs for sponsorship. Four voyages to the New World inaugurated for the first time in history continuous European involvement in the Western Hemisphere. Though not a scholarly man, his actions relegated to a by-gone era all those backward theologians still insisting the Earth was flat. A bold strategy combined with deft skills intervened in the arc of history: never again would East and West be separated. W.A. Mozart was a prolific and influential composer. During a career cut short by an untimely death at 35, he prodigiously composed over 600 works in every major genre of the Classical era, many of which remain unrivaled for their lyricism and genius. Haydn said of him, “posterity will not see such a talent again in 100 years.” Indeed, Mozart’s last year witnessed some of my favorites, including The Magic Flute and his unfinished yet hauntingly...
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