Beethoven Symphony 3 Analysis

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Ludwig van Beethoven once said “Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.” Beethoven is known as one of the greatest composers of the classical era who was not afraid to push the boundaries of the music world. But who was the man behind the music? Beethoven’s life was filled with many obstacles beginning at a young age. This can be heard throughout all of the music he writes. One piece in particular is Symphony No. 3 also known as Sinfonia Eroica. Beethoven was born in December, 1770 in Bon, Germany. His parents were Maria Magdalena Keverich and Johann van Bach. At the time of his birth his father had recently become the concertmaster of the orchestra of Prince Heinrich of Prussia . He had 5 siblings …show more content…

From a young age his father taught him to piano and violin. His father wanted him to be a child prodigy like Mozart and was said to be very strict on Beethoven. His father pushed Beethoven and it is said that neighbors would hear a small boy crying from their home. With the constant, over bearing pressure to become the best musician, young Ludwig showed great potential with his skill and creativity. He did not become known as a child prodigy has his father had hoped . For being so young Beethoven was still extremely talented and at only 7 years old he performed his first concert in …show more content…

The symphony was first dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, a French military and political leader who promised hope and prosperity for the people. Beethoven highly respected Napoleon but that changed when Napoleon made himself emperor. On the cover page of the symphony Beethoven had torn the spot where Napoleon’s name had been leaving a torn reminder of who Napoleon had become. Sinfonia Eroica was the first symphony of its kind. It was twice the length of former symphonies; the first movement alone is the length of previous symphonies written. It is four movements, Allegro con Brio, Marcia funebre: Adagio assai in C minor, Scherzo: Allegro vivace, and Finale: Allegro molto. He used a larger dynamic contrast compared to his previous symphonies. What truly set this apart from past works is Beethoven’s use of characters. Throughout the symphony there is a battle of good and evil heard throughout. This is the first symphony to have a subject; the “the celebration of a

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