The Life of… Beethoven

The Life of…

Beethoven

December 16, 1770 – March 26, 1827

Biography

Young Ludwig• Bonn, Germany- birth place of Ludwig van Beethoven• His Father Johann and Grandfather Ludwig were both Musicians

and started teaching Beethoven from a very young age.• Beethoven was taught the Violin and Piano along with some other

instruments.

Practice, Practice, Practice

• Young Ludwig was forced to practice for hours at a time almost every day of the week.

• In an effort to discipline him he was physically punished when ever he made a mistake.

• In spite of harsh treatment from his father he never lost his love of music.

Strong Influences• At 9 years old Beethoven was sent to a

musician by the name of C.G. Neefe.• Neefe showed Beethoven a more

detailed look at music that what he was used to.• At age 11 he became Neefe’s musical

assistant and at 12 he published his first work of music.

Christian Gottlob Neefe

Vienna• 1792- Beethoven moved to Vienna in search of possible work in

the field of music.• He quickly learned the art of composition and counterpoint from

well known musicians in Vienna Haydn, Berger, Salieri and Schenk. • Beethoven became good friends with The Prince of Vienna, Prince

Kinsky.• This friendship promised him a yearly income if he agreed to stay

in Vienna.

New Style• 1800-1813 Beethoven learned

the art of High Classical Style.• This new Style is the format

that he used to compose symphonies and concerts during this time in Vienna.

• Beethoven’s popularity grew greatly during the early 1800’s, he was at the peak of his creativity.

Beethoven’s Personal Trials

• At the peak of his popularity his work began to suffer due to his diminishing hearing.

• Social situations were becoming awkward and many of his relationships with friends were affected.

Beethoven’s Personal

Trials Cont.• Beethoven also suffered from financial problems.• Many of his close friends tried to put together a concert in 1815

but because of family problems Beethoven canceled the event.

The Academy• On May 7th of 1824 The Academy

was an important event that celebrated the musicians life.

• Symphony No. 9 was performed and Three of the Missa Solemnis movements were performed.

• Beethoven could not conduct because of his hearing but was onstage to give the tempo’s for each performance.

Near the End

• Beethoven’s health deteriorated quickly and he spent his last days in poor quality living conditions.

• Ludwig van Beethoven passed away March 26th 1827.

Composition History

Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major• Dedicated to Archduke Rudolf• Written from 1809-1810• Premier took place in November of 1810

Prominent Recordings

• The most recent recording for Piano Concerto No.5 was performed by the Detroit Symphony on September 17, 2004 at Neeme Jarvi Hall.

Listening Guide• 1:00-Piano enters first theme: Full orchestra

enters with quick tempo, the melody changes from one instrument to another fairly often. Rhythm is smooth but has moments of strong points.

• 2:30-String instruments reenter quietly: the rhythm remains at a medium pace and melody and harmony are more quite and ominous.

Listening Guide Cont.

• 4:00-Strong chords are played: Strong cords are played followed by a softer version of the same chords, Tempo is slow, and the rhythm toccata as the piano reenters in a surprising manner.

• 7:30-Piano continues in a quick melody solo that accents into a strong entrance by the orchestra that begins to play the original melody, using a march like rhythm

Listening Guide Cont.• 8:30 String instruments play smooth melody with

a strong harmony from the bass. The Rhythm flows with strong chords playing in unison.

• 10:00 the brass plays a chord in a march like rhythm, these alternates between the same chords played by the piano.

• 11:30 Movement in B major: lone bassoon comes in to lead to the melody. Texture is loud and strong

Bibliography• - Steven M. Smith- Ludwig Van Beethoven• http://www.essortment.com/ludwig-van-beethoven-biography-20507.html•  • -Aaron Green- Ludwig van Beethoven• (http://classicalmusic.about.com/od/biographies/p/beethoven.htm )•  • -Edmund Morris- Ludwig Van Beethoven Biography• (http://www.all-about-beethoven.com/beethovenlastyears1.html )•  • -Michael Rodman- Composition Decryption• (http://www.allmusic.com/work/piano-concerto-no-5-in-e-flat-major-emperor-op-73-c7617 )•  • -Dr. Richard E. Rodda- Piano Concerto No.5• (http://www.kennedycenter.org/calendar/?fuseaction=composition&composition_id=2838 )•  • -Josheph Debose- Piano concerto No. 5 in E flat Major• (http://www.classicalconnect.com/Orchestral_Music/Beethoven/Piano_Concerto_No_5/2204 )