There are few composers as all known as Beethoven. The themes of his compositions surround our lives. Simplified, they are some of the first songs we learn as children, and yet in their fullness, are inescapably complex and thought-provoking. They have influenced our technological culture as well; in 1931, Beethoven’s 5th symphony was produced on the first commercial 33 1/3 r.p.m. LP, and later, the first-generation of compact disks were designed to have a duration of 75 minutes - the perfect length to record his 9th Symphony on. His works have been heard at major historical events, including a performance at the fallen Berlin Wall, and at the beginning of radio news broadcasts during World War 2.
Beethoven’s prominence began while he was still alive. Stories and quotes show that Beethoven knew his own greatness. Stories …show more content…
Consider his Eroica Symphony (Symphony No. 3 in Eb Major, Op. 55), written between 1803-1804. “Heroic”, the themes, harmonies, and rhythms all lead the audience through a picture of a war hero. Indeed, Beethoven wrote the Eroica Symphony to honor Napolean. Scholars speculate over the political implications of this work, as Beethoven had struck later, upon hearing of Napolean’s self-declaration of emperor, struck Napoleon’s name from the manuscript and chose to, instead, dedicate the song “Composed to celebrate the memory of a great man”. Indeed, many see Beethoven’s works as making political statements, a man writing songs with a political ambience. Could it be, perhaps, that these are a depiction of a political culture, rather than political statements in themselves? Regardless, these works continue proving the humanity of Beethoven’s works, for humanity is found in the everyday of life. If Beethoven truly was trying to make a statement about politics, then isn’t that still an expression of
Beethoven’s prominence began while he was still alive. Stories and quotes show that Beethoven knew his own greatness. Stories …show more content…
Consider his Eroica Symphony (Symphony No. 3 in Eb Major, Op. 55), written between 1803-1804. “Heroic”, the themes, harmonies, and rhythms all lead the audience through a picture of a war hero. Indeed, Beethoven wrote the Eroica Symphony to honor Napolean. Scholars speculate over the political implications of this work, as Beethoven had struck later, upon hearing of Napolean’s self-declaration of emperor, struck Napoleon’s name from the manuscript and chose to, instead, dedicate the song “Composed to celebrate the memory of a great man”. Indeed, many see Beethoven’s works as making political statements, a man writing songs with a political ambience. Could it be, perhaps, that these are a depiction of a political culture, rather than political statements in themselves? Regardless, these works continue proving the humanity of Beethoven’s works, for humanity is found in the everyday of life. If Beethoven truly was trying to make a statement about politics, then isn’t that still an expression of