Beethoven

2968 Words6 Pages

“...to the cast majority of people suffering is still one of the fundamental characteristics of life, and it is their realization that an experience of suffering, pure and profound, enters as an integral part into
Beethoven’s greatest work, that helps to give that work its unique place in the minds and hearts of men.';(Marek, 634) These words of compassion come from J. W. N. Sullivan during Ludwig van Beethoven’s funeral. They express the regret and sense of loss felt by people all over the world as they caught news of his end. Beethoven was and is a cornerstone for music of all kinds in that he combined new color, imagination, structure and expression to further capitulate the evolution of this great form of art. Beethoven was not only a great musician, but also a modest, caring sole. His music brought inspiration and illumination to those who listened and Beethoven wanted it so. It is said that Beethoven “wrote for the public.';(Marek, 413) Those that knew him spoke of his “lion’s voice,'; “broad shoulders,'; “jaws that could crack nuts,'; “square nose like a lions,'; “strong frame,'; and “carriage proudly erect.';(Cooper, 383)
Beethoven lived an interesting and exciting life filled with drama, revolution and innovation. His composition ability was partially influenced by his upbringing; his father’s push to become a musician and his above average education. Beethoven, however, had a gift, or a natural knack, for this form of art which allowed him to become one of the greatest composers of all time.
This paper will dive in to Ludwig van Beethoven’s personal life, chronologically and precisely explaining factors that shaped him into the man he was. After his personal life is thoroughly charted, a shift in content will lead the reader to explore his many works and elements there of. The material will be presented as accurately and objectively as possible, as the use of several biographies and reference materials will support the paper from beginning to end. The first source is “Beethoven: Biography of a
Genius'; and is a detailed account of his life that covers a broad range if information. Source number two is “The Beethoven Compendium'; and is mo... ... middle of paper ...

... own.(Wegeler and Ries, 127)
Others looked at different parts of Beethoven’s contribution.
Beethoven stands between the Classical and Romantic periods which is suiting considering that he combined so many elements of music theory in order to achieve a level of production that is unique and innovative. He is said to be a “man who freed music'; from the shackles of 18th century formal conventionality. He was seen and can still be seen as the man who effected a revolution in music every bit as fundamental as the French
Revolution in politics.(Merek, 306)
A quote written by Liszt, the Arch Romantic, perfectly sums up the impact and importance of Ludwig van Beethoven to not only the music community, but also to the history of music itself: “To us musicians the work of Beethoven parallels the pillars of smoke and fire which led the
Israelites through the desert, a pillar of smoke to lead us by day, and a pillar of fire to light the night. His darkness and his light equally trace for us the road we must follow; both the one and the other are a perpetual commandment, an infallible revelation.';(638)

More about Beethoven

Open Document