Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany, in 1770. He came from a family of musicians. His father and grandfather worked for the Electors of Cologne. The grandfather, Lodewyk van Beethoven came from Mechelen, Belgium and joined the court orchestra in Bonn

as a bass player. He eventually became the conductor. His son Johann was a professional tenor at the court in Bonn and also played piano and violin. As Beethoven began to exhibited his outstanding musical talent at a young age, his father pushed for him to become a child prodigy. Johann gradually gave up when Beethoven ‘s recitals were only marginally successful. Beethoven's mother then died when he was in his late teens. His mother's death drove his father to become an abusive alcoholic. Beethoven was then forced to take care of the needs of his brothers. These circumstances might have lead to Beethoven's eccentric personality and to the perfection which he placed on himself and his music. "His idiosyncratic working methods, his mournful isolation through deafness and the nobility of his total dedication to his art was what endowed him as almost a mythical figure" ( Hopkins 257). This leads to the creation of many wonderful pieces of music. The most famous of his works are the nine symphonies. His last symphony, especially the choral finale, is now recognized as one of the all time greatest achievements, not just in music but for humanity as a whole. Admired around the world, the symphony has been used countless times to underscore momentous occasions, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The Ninth Symphony was completed in 1823, by which time Beethoven had been completely deaf for years. It's final movement, which is a triumphant setting to Schiller's Ode to Joy, ...

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...e again into a solo quartet as to slow things down. After a break of silence everyone is back again with full orchestration the sound of the timpani shouts through as the music crescendo to a fast paced quick ending. The feeling of happiness and excitement is felt throughout. There is no doubt that the meaning of this piece - the expression of joy is seen here.

This piece is one that really evokes full beauty. I have felt this not only listening to it but also performing it. It has to be one of the hardest but most rewarding pieces to perform. Each vocal part, which is the only part that I can speak from, is extremely difficult. It goes to the upper register of every voices range. The struggle with the notes , the intricate rhythms and the dynamics is worth it all. At the end you have a most fabulous piece that when you sing you feel it's power and it's warmth.