Chapter 14:Beethoven

Between Classicism and Romanticism

Key Terms

Classicism

Romanticism

French Revolution

Eroica Symphony

Classic to Beethoven Timeline

Classic-Romantic Timeline

Music and Individual Emotion

In the 19th century, music was taken seriously as an art on the highest level for the first time in European historyMusic, more than any other art, could mirror one’s inner emotional life19th century music was emotionally more direct & unrestrained than ever beforeComposers took on a new, exalted role•The composer as genius (or high priest)• Individuality & personality were prized

Beethoven (1)

The most significant, iconic figure in music history•The tough, angry genius staring down

adversity•Producing one deeply expressive masterpiece

after another

Music “came of age” with Beethoven•His works struck listeners as a revelation

His music has enjoyed uninterrupted popularity from his day to the present

Beethoven (2)

Music was never taken so seriously before Beethoven

Listeners were also awed by his personal struggles – especially with deafness

A new concept of artistic genius emerged•Composer no longer a talented craftsperson•Now a great soul who suffered & created for all

humanity•Music now existed in the highest reaches of

the artist’s spirit

Between Classicism and Romanticism

Beethoven’s roots were firmly Classical•A student of Haydn with a lifelong commitment

to principles of Classical style

But Beethoven treated those principles with creative freedom•He filled older structures with a new sense of

excitement, urgency, & striving•These qualities signal Romantic stirrings•Beethoven’s music is instantly distinguishable

from Haydn’s and Mozart’s

The French Revolution

Ideological impact of French Revolution on Beethoven’s generation was enormous• Ideals of freedom, liberty, & equality

Beethoven admired Napoleon as hero of the Revolution•He also identified with this man of humble

beginnings who rose to the top by virtue of his natural gifts & abilities

But Napoleon betrayed the Revolution•Proclaimed himself emperor in 1803

Beethoven’s Eroica

Beethoven wrote a descriptive symphony called Bonaparte•Written to honor Napoleon the hero•Beethoven’s breakthrough work - the first to

show his full individual freedom as an artist

When Napoleon was crowned Emperor—•Beethoven scratched out the title in a fury•Now dedicated to the “memory” of a great man•Remains a monument to Beethoven’s heroic

striving & inner triumph