Ludwig Van Beethoven's Dynamic Emotions Of Ludwig Van Beethoven

In many of his works, Ludwig van Beethoven expresses dynamic emotions that emerge from personal experiences and events that take place in his life. In particular, Beethoven portrays the sorrows of farewell in his Piano Sonata No. 26 in E flat major ("Les Adieux"), Op. 81a. This sonata was written when the French army invaded Vienna, during which an important friend of Beethoven’s had to flee the city. The emotional impact that this event had on Beethoven is thoroughly reflected by the musical composition of his sonata – Les Adieux, specifically in the first movement. In May 1809, Beethoven began composing the first movement of his Piano Sonata No.26 in E flat major. This piece was dedicated to his close friend and greatest patron, Rudolph

26 in E-flat major, Op. 81a is written in sonata form. The movement opens in a 2/4 time Adagio introduction, and begins with a descending E flat major scale consisting of three chords. The syllables “Le – be – wohl!” are written above this three-chord motif and the scale is harmonized to create a tone similar to that played by a pair of French horns. However, contrary to the use of horns in his other works which are used to confidently proclaim a new piece, the sound produced by the descending E flat major scale mimics the natural harmonic series played by French horns but resembles a feeling of distant calling. The soft and subtle tone of the three beginning notes strongly resemble a sense of uncertainty that can relate to the emotions experienced by Beethoven during the departure of a close friend like Rudolph. These three notes serve as an important motif in this movement, and the joining of the left hand accompaniment on the third beginning note introduces a new sentiment to the piece. Rather than progressing in the key of E flat major, the left hand enters in C minor and creates a sense of tragic struggle. Similar to his works such as the Fifth Symphony and the “Pathétique” Sonata, Beethoven uses C minor to represent grievous emotions. The low C used in the opening statement of this movement establishes a darkened atmosphere in which the rest of the piece