Symphony No. 9: Music's Impact On Music

Music today has been shaped throughout history by famous composers, pieces of music, historical moments, and the introduction of new and innovative ideas. Historical pieces such as Symphony No. 9 by the famous composer, Ludwig van Beethoven have changed the dynamics of music as well as exemplified moving cultural themes that have been reiterated throughout future generations. This beautifully composed symphony came at a time of transition for the music culture and resonated perfectly with the cries for help after the French Revolution. More specifically the last movement of Symphony No. 9 wonderfully represents the impact music has on cultural forces and public opinion.

Composers throughout history have produced music based on the political

9 was a masterpiece created by Ludwig van Beethoven. Many social and cultural aspects of Beethoven’s environment shaped his professional life and pieces of his work. Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany and at twenty-two years old he moved to Vienna, Italy (“Ludwig van Beethoven”). Growing up, Beethoven’s father began teaching him music at young age and continued to practice his musical abilities throughout his childhood. At the early age of 7, he performed his first public recital and when he was 10 he withdrew from school to study music full time with Christian Gottlob Neefe, the newly appointed Court Organist (“Ludwig van Beethoven”. He also managed to support his mother and two younger brothers by performing as the Assistant Court Organist (“Ludwig van Beethoven”). Being surrounded by music and practice his entire life molded him into the musician he became in his professional life. Because Beethoven grew up during the American and French Revolutions, there are many traces of this angst and shout for unity demonstrated in his music. Traces of these historical events can be found in some of his music such as Symphony No. 9, Wellington’s Victory, and Eroica (Forney 181). Another fascinating puzzle piece that shaped Beethoven’s professional life was the loss of his hearing when he was still in his twenties. Beethoven struggled with a sense of isolation but never let his loss of hearing stop him from achieving his musical goals and aspirations. Shockingly, some of his most important works were composed during his last ten years of his life, when he was unable to hear (“Ludwig van