’’Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents.’’ - Ludwig van Beethoven
’’Life can’t be all bad when for ten dollars you can buy all the Beethoven sonatas and listen to them for ten years’’ - William F. Buckley, Jr.
INTRODUCTION TO BEETHOVEN
Who is Beethoven?
Every one who listens to music knows him, as he is the one of the greatest composers (probably the greatest) of all time. Well, almost everyone apart from those who think ignorance is bliss. Ludwig Von Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany, started taking music lessons at the tender age of 4. His father was an alcoholic and it made his life a struggle during the most important adolescence. After moving to Vienna, he blossomed into a budding artist. Christian Gottlob Neefe taught him the intricacies of music. Beethoven met Wolfgang Amadeus (Theophilus Gottlieb) Mozart and had a privilege of learning from the best for some time. He also learned with Joseph Haydn in Vienna. Dreamy tranquility and serene euphony emanating from his composition won over the hearts of the Austrian aristocratic families. Later he hearing ability impaired and finally he lost the sense completely. All the while, this maestro/genius churned out great music; composition after composition; note after note.
He was rebellious enough to not to have dedicated his prized piece of work “Eroica” to Napoleon Bonaparte, under duress. There is a saying by Tom Stoppard that “If Beethoven had been killed in a plane crash at the age of 22, it would have changed the history of music... and of aviation” Such is the impact he had made. Although he lived for 57 years before his death, he had made such an impact in history that no one will ever surpass him. Never, ever!
In his life time he wrote an opera called Fidelio, 10 symphonies (9 numbered and Wellington’s Sieg), 5 Piano, 3 violin concertos with a Trio, 32 sonatas, 17 quartets and many more. He is the most analyzed Musician ever. What makes him enigmatic is that some of his best pieces were made whilst he was deaf.
Now coming to the task at hand, Let us analyze the topic at hand. Shall we?
MY INITIAL TAKE
Beethoven or any composer’s music for that matter is for those who can live with soft, tender music that can lighten the heart, relax your mind with its movements and tempo. If you are a heavy metal fan or a person looking for lyrical beauty with the music by side, this may not impress you. You may have to take it lightly.
For me, as I am a hooked up fan, I can go on about this “must have” piece of music. I incidentally have a cassette I had whilst in college and a CD that I own now.
MUSICAL TRACKS – LIST & ANALYSIS
- Symphony no 5 in C minor, Op. 67: 1st movement, Allegro con brio
=>The Album begins with a bang with this monumental piece. This is not the complete symphony but a beautiful movement. You can always listen to this. This has been repeated time and again in so many movies for dramatic themes. This gives a great introduction to the album.
- Bagatelle for Piano in A minor, Op 59 ’’Fur Elise’’
=>I am sure everyone reading this review would have listened to this masterful piece. Every New Piano student’s night-mare and listener’s dream. The music “tin…tin..tin.. tin.. tum-tum-ta-tum..” See, I am having tough time to represent the jingle in words. This is one of my all-time favorite pieces of music. This is dedicated to Therese Malfatti, an Austrian Royale.
- Symphony no 3 in E flat major, Op. 55 ’’Eroica’’: 3rd movement, Allegro vivace
=>A great movement from one of the most prized pieces of music work. The tempo itself is quite unexpected and wonderful.
- Sonata for Piano no 8 in C minor, Op. 13 ’’Pathétique’’: 2nd movement, Adagio cantabile
=>This is another wonderful one. One of the best sonata’s after Moonlight Sonata, in my opinion, this is an incredible piece of work.
- Concerto for Violin in D major, Op. 61: 3rd movement, Rondo
=>This violin concerto is a dreamy one. What can you say about this maestro who can liven up the mood with the use of a single instrument, yet give you so many emotions in a single minute.
- Sonata for Piano no 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 no 2 ’’Moonlight’’: 1st movement, Adagio sostenuto
=>This is the best sonata by the maestro and is the best loved compositions by Beethoven. This is just out of the world.
Symphony no 9 in D minor, Op. 125 ’’Choral’’: 4th movement, Finale
=>This is the most inspiring and uplipting piece of music you will ever hear in your lifetime. I am very serious about it and am ready to take a bet. :) This along with the much familiar ’’The Ode to Joy’’ gives you goose-bumps and chillness in your face. I am sure you will be relaxed and mesmerized everytime you hear it. A classic piece of music. (Creme de la crème)
Symphony no 6 in F major, Op. 68 ’’Pastoral’’: 1st movement, Allegro ma non troppo
=>This is a bustling piece with whistling winds and flawless flowing strings with gentle tempo with wonderful music.
Concerto for Piano no 5 in E flat major, Op. 73 ’’Emperor’’: Finale, Rondo Egmont, Op. 84: Overture
=>This piece of work is grand and alternates between a piano and a symphonic orchestra. One of the best concertos played.
MY CONCLUSION
All of them have only the best pieces of movements that are tasted by everyone. You have minor to major variations, which gives you a difference between darker sound (minor) and the major sound meant for happier and lighter piece.
On any given day, play this music and it will make yo for your day. This exceptional piece is a true mind-relaxant and a psychedelic enhancer. Music is the only ambrosia I go for along with books and this is one of the best pieces of music I own to listen to.
SOME QUOTES BY THE GENIUS
Music — The one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.
Recommend to your children virtue; that alone can make them happy, not gold.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE GENIUS
=>For Biography of Beethoven go to
https://search.biography.com/print_record.pl?id=1340
&
https://geocities.com/beethoven409/biography.html
END-LINE
I Hope you liked the review. Comments are welcome.
©Kalil
’’I can feel that my strength is growing...I want to seize fate by the throat. It won’t bring me low!’’ - Beethoven on his deafness.