Introduction
Ludwig van Beethoven continues to be one of the biggest names in classical music. Even though he passed away almost two hundred years ago, his music has not lost any of its magnificence and majesty. The music of Ludwig van Beethoven surrounds us even in modern times and I believe we are all the better because of it. Although he lived during the late classical/early Romantic periods his music has survived and thrived, captivating and enthralling modern day listeners with his mega catchy melodies and rhythmic rizz.
Pieces in this Collection
Adagio Cantabile
Fur Elise
Moonlight Sonata
Ode to Joy
Musical Style
The music of Ludwig van Beethoven has been generally agreed by biographers to be in three phases or periods.
First Period:
After moving to Vienna, Beethoven mastered the Viennese style of composition and was gradually making it his own (to coin a popular modern phrase). During this period his works were often larger and more grandiose than his contemporaries, incorporating dramatic dynamics, chromaticism, and tempo variations.
Middle Period:
It was during this period that Beethoven began to notice that he was losing his hearing. Apparently he first noticed it during a somewhat heated argument with a singer! The composing of larger works continued through this period and he also composed his first and only opera Fidelio.
Late Period:
During this time Beethoven returned to the music of earlier times, much in the same way that modern musicians might use samples from music made many years earlier (think Black Pink using Liszt’s La Campanella for example).
Notable Pieces
Beethoven’s two most well-known pieces surely must be Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 and Ode to Joy from Symphony No. 9 in D Minor. Other compositions that deserve and honourable mention are Fur Elise (almost anyone that has had a remote interest in piano has attempted to play the first few opening notes) and the 2nd movement from Piano Sonata No. 14 in C# Minor.
I wish you all the very best with each and every piece!
Josh
