Essay On Beethoven Symphony 14

Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the greatest composers in the world during the Classical and Romantic periods. He was born in Bonn, Germany in 1770. He moved to Vienna in 1792 to study with Classical composer, Haydn. He lived in Vienna as a freelance musician and composer. By the end of the eighteenth century, he had mastered his own musical language and composed piano sonatas, string quartets, and symphonies. At the time, Vienna was a very artistic city filled with theaters, opera houses, and churches. Many people were amateur musicians who enjoyed playing and listening to music. This kind of lifestyle was perfectly suited for Beethoven and his virtuosity on the piano. He attracted attention from many people and became a recognized individual …show more content…
14.” This piece is more commonly known as the Moonlight Sonata and was even popular at the time of its publication in 1801. This piece contains three movements: the first is slow, the second is a conventional minuet and trio, and the third is a presto. Beethoven utilized lots of dynamic and tempo contrasts between the three movements. The first movement is very slow and contains a lamenting melody. All of this movement is played very softly. The third movement is very fast and has a tremendous amount of sforzando notes. This piece demonstrates Beethoven’s ability to compose virtuous and complex phrases, powerful dynamic contrasts, and expressive melodies. During the middle of his career, he began to experience several personal crises, such as the significant loss of his hearing. His style became much more dramatic and expressive. His pieces became longer and were bolder. One prime example is Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5.” In this piece, Beethoven utilizes a four-note motive that appears in all four movements. He was able to connect all four movements in this way and tell a story that paralleled his own personal struggles. The dynamic contrast and unity of this piece makes it stand out among symphonies of the Classical

Show More

Related Documents: Essay On Beethoven Symphony 14

Essay on Music: Johannes Brahms