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The classical period of music
The classical music era
Essay of classical period in music
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Ludwig van Beethoven The Classical era was a time for order, objectivity, harmonious proportion, and noble simplicity. The switch between the ways of the old world and the beginning of the new world was what constituted the characteristics that shaped this era. Major changes were brought into the world; advances in science and ideas, the changing of aristocratic sovereigns in Europe, style of art and ways of thinking. However, a major part of the Classical era that changed was music. This new era brought with it a handful of new musicians and composers, such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. These musicians practiced music in an era of experimentation and change, and paved the way for future musicians and composers. One of these musicians, …show more content…
He endured a very unhappy childhood, due to his father’s alcoholism and harsh, abusive treatment. Despite of this, Beethoven became very talented at a young age, learning how to play both the violin and clavier. In addition to lessons from his father, he took lessons from various organists in Bonn. In 1781, Beethoven withdrew from his normal schooling in order to study music full time. Christian Gottlob Neefe, a newly appointed Court Organist, became Beethoven’s new teacher. By June 1782, Beethoven became assistant Court Organist next to Neefe, and by 1783 his first composition was published, titled “Nine Variations on a March by Dressler”. In the same year, he was also appointed to the Bonn opera. (3) In 1787, it was becoming quite clear that Beethoven had extraordinary talent, and in order to make progress, arch-bishop elector Maximillian Francis sent Beethoven to Vienna to study with Mozart. During this trip, it is said that Mozart was highly impressed with the young Beethoven, reportedly saying to colleagues that “this young man will make a great name for himself in the world” (3). After five weeks the trip to Vienna was cut short for Beethoven; his mother had fallen ill, and died shortly …show more content…
The major characteristics of this period were “transcendental, extra-musical associations, free treatment of forms, blurring of dividing lines and interpenetration of movements, many tempo changes, loose sense of stinct movements” (4), in addition to the use of counterpoint and fugue, tracing back to influences of Handel and Bach. Beethoven also went to extreme use of tempo. At this point in his life, Beethoven had come to terms with his deafness, and most of the music written in the Late Period was written for an intimate group of people who close to him, rather than an audience or the public. These works were not as popular as the Middle Period works, due to the intimate forms they were written in. The major works of this period included the Missa solemnis, the Ninth symphony, and the late string quartets.
Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven both flourished in their compositions of classical music; however, their genre of music differed considerably. Bach was a German composer during the Baroque time era of western music which is estimated to have taken place during 1600 to 1750. It was during this time that he composed prolific church organ music which included such works as the Mass in B Minor, much scared choral music, and the St. Matthew Passion, as well as composing over a thousand works in nearly every musical genre except opera. On the other hand, Beethoven was a German composer whom began to emerge during the classical era of western music twenty years after Bach. This era took place throughout the years1750 and 1830. The large quantity of arrangements, over two hundred works in numerous musical genres composed by Beethoven was significantly influenced by his predecessors, onset of deafness, and his highly personal expression of intellectual depth. Such works include the first an...
Beethoven’s early life was one out of a sad story book. For being one of the most well-known musicians one would think that sometime during Beethovens childhood he was influenced and inspired to play music; This was not the case. His father was indeed a musician but he was more interested in drinking than he was playing music. When his father saw the smallest sliver of music interest in Beethoven he immediately put him into vigorous musical training in hopes he would be the next Mozart; his training included organ, viola, and piano. This tainted how young Beethoven saw music and the memories that music brought. Nevertheless Beethoven continued to do what he knew and by thirteen he was composing his own music and assisting his teacher, Christian Neefe. Connections began to form during this time with different aristocrats and families who stuck with him and became lifelong friends. At 17 Beethoven, with the help of his friends, traveled to Vienna, the music capitol of the world, to further his knowledge and connection...
Ludwig van Beethoven was born in the town of Bonn, Germany on December 16 of 1770. Bonn is located in western Germany on the Rhine River. Beethoven showed an affinity for music at an early age. His father, Johann, taught Ludwig to play the piano as well as the violin. Johann did this in hopes that his son would become a prodigy, and then reach fame like Wolfgang A. Mozart. Unfortunately though Beethoven mother died when he was seventeen. In addition to his mother’s death Beethoven’s father developed an alcohol problem. To escape these problems Beethoven found a job tutoring the two children of the von Breuning family. This relationship proved to be beneficial to Beethoven. The matriarch of the family happened to be well liked in the town of Bonn, so she introduced Beethoven to a few important people.
Beethoven slowly began showing his emotions, and feelings, but very subtly. His work began to have a very sublime feeling to it, very deep and not knowing what to expect. It was after those first two that Beethoven had a big life crisis. (Sayre 407) He then began seeing life as a shorter journey than previously sought, and stopped caring about what consequences would arise from what he wanted to do. Which was to show strong emotion in his music. It was his escape from his impending doom, which was becoming deaf. He released music very quickly over the next decade. This shows how Beethoven’s own life experiences changed the direction of his
Beethoven was born and raised in the city of Bonn, although this date of birth is uncertain he was baptised on December 17, 1770 and in the culture at the time, babies were baptised within 24 hours of birth; so one could argue he was born December 16. Beethoven stubbornly believed he was born in 1772 and denied it even when shown official papers that proved otherwise. His father Johann van Beethoven was a musician in the court of the Elector of Cologne but was known more for his alcoholism. Beethoven 's mother, Maria Magdalena van Beethoven was many times described as a gentle, shy, and warm hearted women. Beethoven was the oldest in his family he had 7 siblings, but only two of his younger brothers survived, Caspar, born in 1774, and Johann,
Many prominent musicians produced major works during the romantic period. Among these are Beethoven, Strause, and Bach. But the musician that I think had the most impact, was Franz Schubert. Franz Peter, born on 31 January 1797 was one of fourteen children born of Franz Theodore Schubert and Elisabeth Vietz, four of which survived. He grew up in an apartment that daily converted to a classroom in which his father taught several elementary school classes. He received a thorough basic education; his father being a good teacher, and son being a bright student. From his father Franz also learned to play the violin, and from his brother he learned the piano. The family, indeed, was a very musical one; family "String Quartet Parties" were well known in the part of Vienna in which they lived. But soon young Franz learned all that his family had to teach him. Later, any neighbors who could play any instruments were drawn in and the quartet became a little orchestra. At nine years old, this inquisitive little boy auditioned and was accepted for a position as a chorister in the Royal Court Chapel Choir (which would later become the 'Vienna Boys' Choir). The young chorister gained the attention of Antonio Saliere, who saw to the nurture the young boy's education. After leaving the choir, he continued as a student at the school for one unhappy year. Schubert returned to live at home where it was decided that he would help his father teach. This did not last long. A disastrous episode with an unruly pupil was the last straw and Schubert at age nineteen left teaching and his home to pursue what he loved, composing. He moved in to the...
During the classical era the social function of music began to change from earlier aristocratic and religious connections toward more public and secular activities associated with the middle class. The rise of public concerts, the spread of commercial opera houses, the growth of music publishing, the increased number of musical pieces composed and played were all direct effects of the changing musical times.
Luke 6:45 states, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” This is very true of Ludwig van Beethoven because what he believed affected his music. Beethoven was an extremely famous composer who helped transition the Classical era into the Romantic era. Composing from age 12 until his death in 1827, his music reflected his character. Although he is often considered a musical genius, which he is, his lack of God, and his lack of a spiritual life centered in Christ, affected his music, his view of life, and how he was remembered.
Mozart, Beethoven and Joseph Haydn are considered the three main composers of this time. The Classical Period took place from 1750-1820. During this time, scientific advances changed the world view. People gained faith in the power of reason and began undermining traditional authority. Music and visual arts stress balance and structure. String, woodwind and some keyboard and brass instruments were used in this era. Classical music shows a contrast in mood, both between and within movements. It also shows flexibility in rhythm, by using multiple rhythmic patterns in a piece. Classical music is mostly homophonic, but with frequent shifts. Classical music also has a tuneful, easy to sing melody. Emotions were expressed in shades of dynamics, which was related to the development of piano. In the Classical era, orchestras grew in size (though they’re still smaller than today’s). Instruments worked in four movements: fast (first), slow (second), dance-related (third), and fast (fourth). Public, ticket buying concerts became common and the rise of the music instrument manufacturing industry began. Vienna became a place where musicians came to study and seek recognition. The most common compositional forms during this time were sonatas, concerti, and
Extraordinary genius and exceptional composer, Ludwig Van Beethoven was one of a kind. Suspected to be born December 16th, 1770 in Germany, Beethoven began his musical career at an early age (Berg). Not only, but today Beethoven is still regarded as one of the most groundbreaking, respectable, and influential composers of all time. Thanks to Beethoven, the Classical era had its transformation from secular compositions to more non-secular forms of music made mainly for enjoyment, which is known as the Romantic Era (Ledyard). In fact, Beethoven is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the Romantic Era.
...cal and romantic eras. He is one of the most well-known composers of all time. By the last decade of his life, Beethoven was almost completely deaf. He gave up conducing and peforming for audiences, and instead took to composing.
The Renaissance period of history occurred during the 15th and 16th centuries. Renaissance in its basic definition means rebirth. According to Merriam Webster, renaissance formally means, “a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary). Renaissance is the title given to the period of great change in music and art. The Renaissance period ushered in a culture of music that the public could enjoy. Most importantly it was a period that encouraged musicians and composers to create music and take risks with voices, instruments and notes.
Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany and baptized December 17, 1770. His father, Johann, was born in 1740 and sang soprano in the electoral chapel where his father was chapel master-Kapellmeister. Johann married Maria Magdalena in 1767 and she gave birth to Ludwig Maria two years later. Six days after birth, Ludwig Maria died. Yet, a year later, Maria Magdalena gave birth to Ludwig van Beethoven. Five other children were born, only two surviving-Caspar Anton Carl and Nikolaus Johann.
Music Appreciation has broadened my view to listen to different eras of music that I was not accustomed to. It was pleasant listening, reading, and learning about different periods of music. This course has given me an exceptional amount of knowledge on different styles of music, identifying different elements in music as well as learning about legendary composers who have influenced music throughout history. Not only has music been around for decades, it has developed a history of great composers who have left an imprint in history by their extraordinary compositions of music they developed during their times of glory, like Ludwig van Beethoven. In this essay I will discuss how Beethoven is known as one of the greatest, ingenuity composers of his time and how the classical period is so fascinating to listen to and learn about. In addition, I will also discuss how Music Appreciation has reshaped the way I perceive and listen to different styles of music that have been created throughout history.
Ludwig van Beethoven was born at 515 Bonngasse, Bonn, on December 16, 1770. The previous sentence is the closest guess as to where and when Beethoven was born. There are records of Beethoven being baptized on December 17, 1770. “…the exact date of his birth is not known…” (William) Beethoven’s mother is not well documented however it is known that she died when he was sixteen. Beethoven’s father however is somewhat documented. His father is said to have been a violent drunk who would force Ludwig to play music for his own enjoyment. At the age of 17, in 1787, after playing music some in public performances and being taught by various teachers, Ludwig left Bonn and went to Vienna, the music capitol of the world at the time. This move resulted in Mozart taking Ludwig as his pupil. Beethoven later described Mozart’s piano playing as “…fine but choppy, with no legato.” (Lockwood) The death of Beethoven’s mother prompted him to move back to Bonn and support his family. Here he made friends with Stephan von Breuning and “Doctor Franz Wegeler, who wrote one of the first biographies of Beethoven” (William) Doctor Wegeler was obviously very close with Beethoven, it is believed that he was one of the first people Beethoven told of his fear of oncoming deafness. During the end of Beethoven’s stay in Bonn, Joseph Haydn was travelling through and heard a performance of Beethoven’s and was impressed enough to invite him to join him and bec...