Beethoven A Short Biography

Childhood and Upbringing

Beethoven’s Early Years No one knows for sure, but it is widely accepted his birth was around December 17th, 1770. Had only two brothers that survived birth Their names were Casper and Johann Beethoven was born in Bonn. There isn’t any rebuttable proof of exactly when he was born but various sources say that most children during this time were generally baptized the day after they were born. It seems widely accepted that his baptism took place on December 17th in the year 1770. He was also an older brother to two younger boys. Their names were Casper and Johann, born int 1774 and 1776, respectively

First Experiences With Music

Introduction to Music First teacher was his father. Studied many different instruments First to learn was the violin and organ Most important teach of this time was Christian Neefe Neefe taught him composition In 1784 began working as Neefe’s assistant organist Beethoven's first music teacher was his father. He studied many instruments in his childhood. The first were the violin and clavier with his father. Not only that, but he was also taking additional lessons from different organists around town. Beethoven also had other local teachers. Some of those included the court organist Gilles van den Eeden, Tobias Friedrich Pfeiffer who taught him the piano and Franz Rovantini who taught him the violin as well as the viola. Around the age of 10 Beethoven began his studies with his most important teacher Christian Neefe. He taught Beethoven composition. By March 1783, he had helped him write his first published composition. Beethoven soon began working with Neefe as his assistant organist.

Furthering Musical Skill Beethoven decided to further develop musical skill Moved to Vienna in hopes of studying with Mozart Tried out and Mozart supposedly commented “Keep your eyes on him” Shortly after, Beethoven’s mother become ill and passed away Beethove wanted to further develop his skill, so in 1787 the court decided to send Beethoven to Vienna to study with Mozart. On his arrival, Beethoven auditioned for Mozart and the great composer remarked, "Keep your eyes on him; some day he will give the world something to talk about."

Being back home, Beethoven still managed to make the best of it. Beethoven’s father also being in decline, left him to be the caretaker of his two younger siblings. Being back home, Beethoven still managed to make the best of it. While there, he met several people who would help him along his musical career. He was introduced to the von Breuning household Beethove wanted to further develop his skill, so in 1787 the court decided to send Beethoven to Vienna to study with Mozart. On his arrival, Beethoven auditioned for Mozart and the great composer remarked, "Keep your eyes on him; some day he will give the world something to talk about." After a short time there his mother became ill and passed away. He pretty well from that point took care of his two younger siblings due to his father also being in decline.

He could be found there on many occasions and even taught piano to the children residing there During this time he also caome to know the Count of Ferdinand von Wadstein who provided financial support throughout his career. Being home during these years seemed to end up being very beneficial as Beethoven was able to meet several people who became very important to his future career. His friend Franz introduced him to the Von Breuning family. Not only did Beethoven often visited the von Breuning household but he was able to teach piano to the children residing there. During this time he also came to know the Count of Ferdinand von Waldstein who provided financial support throughout his career.

First public piano performance in Vienna was on March 1795. By 1793, Beethoven had successfully established his reputation as a piano virtuoso. Foreseeing this, he withheld works from publication so they would have greater impact later First public piano performance in Vienna was on March 1795. Composed first six string quartet between 1798 and 1800 By 1793, Beethoven had done a very good job at establishing his reputation in Vienna as a piano virtuoso. He apparently withheld works from publication so that their publication in 1795 would have greater impact. He had his first public performance in Vienna in March 1795. This would be his first performance of his piano concertos. Beethoven composed his first six string quartets between 1798 and 1800.

These quartets were published in 1801 He quickly became regarded as one of the most important your composers During this time he also created one of his important works known as “Moonlight Sonata” This time wasn’t all positive as it is also when Beethoven started losing his hearing. They were published in 1801. Beethoven became regarded as one of the most important of a generation of young composers. His compositions between the years of 1800 and 1802 were predominately two large-scale works. Although he continued to produce other important works such as the piano sonata, also known as the “Moonlight Sonata".

Loss of Hearing/Symphony Performances

Began losing hearing in 1796 He described it as a ringing in his ears The cause of his hearing loss is ultimately unknown. Despite this, he did not let this prevent him from composing music. This would certainly make conducting symphonies more difficult. Around 1796 Beethoven began the process of losing his hearing. He suffered from a severe form of tinnitus. It is described as a kind of ringing in the ears. This made it hard for him to hear music. The cause of this deafness is unknown, but it has been blamed on typhus. He was advised by his doctor to move to a smaller down in Austria. Beethoven did not let his hearing loss prevent him from composing music, but it would certainly make leading and playing concerts much more difficult. Its hard to imagine not being able to hear the music you are creating in its fullness.

Reinvigorated Inspiration

Years later, Beethoven began an in depth study of older music These works included J.S. Bach and Handel Around this time he then composed the overture The Consecration of the House This would be his first attempt to apply the new style After this, he returned to his keyboard to compose his first piano sonata in almost a decade. Many years later Beethoven began a reinvigorated and in depth study of older music. Some of these works included works by J.S Bach and Handel, that were then being published in the first attempts at complete editions. He then composed the overture The Consecration of the House. This was his first attempt to apply the new style. He returned to the keyboard to compose his first piano sonatas in almost a decade.

Financial Assistance and Gain The Philharmonic Society of London offered Beethoven a commission for a symphony. Prince Nikolas Golitsin also offered to pay him for a number of string quartets. These opportunities inspired him to finish the 9th symphony and perform it for the first time Two payments around 1822 improved Beethoven's financial situation. The Philharmonic Society of London offered a commission for a symphony. Along with that, Prince Nikolas Golitsin of St. Petersburg offered to pay Beethoven's price for a number of string quartets. These opportunities helped inspired Beethoven to finish the Ninth Symphony. Not only did it inspire him to finish it, but also to have it performed for the first time.

Compositional Career -Early

Early Stage Career divided into 3 stages. Early, Middle, and Late periods His early period is considered to be up to 1802 Most of his works during this time were heavily influenced by those he studied with being Haydn and Mozart Beethoven's compositional career is seemingly divided into Early, Middle, and Late periods. His early period is taken to last until about 1802. His middle period is to be considered from about 1803 to about 1814, and the late period from about 1815. Beethoven’s early work is often said to be very much inspired by those he studied being Haydn and Mozart.

Middle Stage Began shortly after impending deafness Included large works that express heroism and struggle Took place around 1815 Pieces largely based on intense and personal expression The section of Beethoven’s that is considered his “middle” stage began shortly after the recognition of the impending deafness. It includes very large works that express heroism as well as struggle. Middle-period works include six symphonies. This is said to be taken place around 1815. Works from this period are characterized by their intellectual depth as well as formal innovations. Also included within characterization is their intense and personal expression.

Beethoven’s Influence Just about every person recognizes his name, knows who he was and what he did. He was very pivotal in the transition from 18th century to the 19th century romanticism. Beethoven composed several musical genres and many instrument combinations. He wrote 9 symphonies Also wrote 32 piano sonatas and many shorter pieces. Beethoven is, in my opinion, the most famous and well-known composer of classical music. He was also very pivotal in the transition from the 18th century musical classicism to 19th century romanticism. His influence on the then future generations of composers was incalculable. Beethoven composed in not only several musical genres, but also a large variety of instrument and combinations. He wrote 9 symphonies. His large body of compositions for piano includes 32 piano sonatas and numerous shorter pieces, including arrangements of some of his other works.

Moonlight Sonata Composition History Composed in the summer of 1801 on the Brunswick family estate. Published in 1802 Supposedly dedicated to a pupil at the time that was also rumored to be a love interest. Wasn’t originally called Moonlight Sonata Was given that name in 1836 by poet Ludwig Rellstab This famous work was composed in the summer of 1801 on an estate that belonged to the Brunswick family, and was published in 1802. This Sonata is easily one of Beethoven’s most popular pieces. Beethoven dedicated this particular composition to his pupil at the time. It wasn't originally named “Moonlight Sonata”. This title was adapted after Beethoven had passed away. In 1836, It was given by poet Ludwig Rellstab, who had this inspiration on a moon lit night on the banks of the Lucerna River. Although some biographers make the connection between the unshared love the composer held for the student that it was dedicated to.

This piece was popular upon its introduction To this day is still the most popular and downloaded piece of classical music Does not follow traditional sonata form This piece showcases Beethoven’s second phase. This being victory over tragedy. Also contained strong links between movements This particular work was very popular when it was introduced, even to the eventual exasperation of Beethoven. He has even been quoted with how he felt about it. He said “They are always talking about the C# minor sonata surely I’ve written better things.” Almost 200 years later, it still remains the most popular and downloaded piece of classical music. Beethoven’s music themes of victory over tragedy abound. Despair and sorrow seem to be the first part of this piece, but it transcends into triumphant victory. With that same inner struggle, Beethoven learned to transcend deafness and still be victorious in creating masterpieces. During the late 1790s, Beethoven’s music began to show changes, as well as enlargement of form.

This has been interpreted as beethoven beginning to overcome his deafness. All of the emotional evidence in this piece could be his way of expressing how he felt about this affliction. Many masterpieces would follow the ‘Sonata Quasi Una Fantasia’ as it was originally called Beethoven is, in my opinion, the most famous and well-known composer of classical music. He was also very pivotal in the transition from the 18th century musical classicism to 19th century romanticism. His influence on the then future generations of composers was incalculable. Beethoven composed in not only several musical genres, but also a large variety of instrument and combinations. He wrote 9 symphonies. His large body of compositions for piano includes 32 piano sonatas and numerous shorter pieces, including arrangements of some of his other works.

Moonlight Sonata Listening Guide 0:00-0:30 Min. First Movement Starts slower and feels as though its slowly building. Sounds almost like a dark Right hand plays melody in long notes 0:30-0:55 Still carries that sound of sadness. Melody being played more forcefully Somewhat soothing along with these other elements 0:00-0:30 Min. First Movement   The first 30 seconds start off slower. It feels as thought it is building up to something. The seems to be ¾. It could be described as perhaps a dark whisper and is played very softly. The right hand plays the melody and is played in long sustained notes. It is only played by the piano but is accompanied by triplets and is very serene. 0:30-0:55 What I think would be considered the first movement. It still carries a sound of sadness. The melody is played a bit more forcefully and a bit more noticeable. Although it does sound sad it is also somewhat soother at the same time. Youtube Link to Monnlight Sonata: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Tr0otuiQuU

The second phrase continues but with a different melody in triplets. 0:55-2:05  The second phrase continues but with a different melody in triplets. Both treble and bass alternate being dominant. Melody slows slightly 2:05-4:00 The melody moves up and down the keyboard. Rise in emotion Mysterious feel returns Melody is again woven throughout 4:00-5:00   First phrase plays in the same pitch as introduced in beginning Melody then takes higher pitch Half way through second phrase returns and the bass notes are also played higher. 0:55-2:05   The second phrase continues but with a different melody in triplets. Both treble and bass alternate being dominant. The melody seems to slow down. 2:05-4:00 The melody moves up and down the keyboard. There seems to be a rise in emotion and the mysterious feeling comes back all over again. The melody that is woven throughout begins again. 4:00-5:00 The first phrase plays in the same pitch that was introduced at the beginning until about 4:12 where the melody is then played in a higher pitch. Half way through this section the second phrase returns and the bass notes are also played higher.

5:00-6:00 End of First Movement Phrase 2 repeats The bass moves to be the most noticeable with strong chords that resonate. The harmony stretches also pauses finishing of the movement with drawn out bass chords. 6:00- 6:28 Beginning of Second Movement This begins at a faster pace cheerful bridge to connect the first and third movements together. The melody takes on new The dynamic of this part is louder 5:00-6:00 End of First Movement   Phrase 2 repeats and there is somewhat a rise in the melody. The bass moves to be the most noticeable with strong chords that resonate. The harmony stretches and also pauses finishing of the movement with drawn out bass chords. 6:00- 6:28 Beginning of Second Movement This begins at a faster pace and is seemingly a cheerful bridge to connect the first and third movements together. The melody takes on a whole new attitude within this movement. The dynamic of this part is louder and played louder and almost in a more choppy manner with a somewhat repetitive form.

Beginning of 3rd Movement 8:06- 8:17 6:30- 8:05 More repetitive than first or third movement. Repeats roughly 20 times There are three beats per measure Beginning of 3rd Movement 8:06- 8:17 Begins in same movements as first movement Starts with arpeggios Notes are very fast Played in the bass treble clef 8:18- 8:28 Left hand holds notes Very accented notes Right hand plays the runs 6:30- 8:05 This second movement is a bit more repetitive and the melody plays and is repeated roughly 20 times in the total two minute movement. There are three beats per measure so it’s a fair bit faster than the first movement. Every five measures it slows down and then repeats.   8:06- 8:17 Beginning of the Third Movement (Presto Agitato) This movement begins with the same notes as the first movement being C-sharp, g-sharp, c-sharp and e. It starts out being playing very quickly in what are called arpeggios. The notes are very fast yet accented. Both hands are being played in the bass clef. The first 5 measures are all very similar. In this movement I notice it changes from playing both hands in bass to the treble clef in the same measure. 8:18- 8:28 His left hand holds a single note out for a whole measure and repeats with the same note through the second measure. During these held notes with the left hand, the right hand plays four count runs. The last note played within this time is held out for eight counts.

8:29- 8:36 Replaying first section in lower octave 8:37-8:49 Played in treble bass clef Played slower Gradually speeds up 8:50- 8:55 Plays two runs consisting of five notes 8:56- 9:27 Right hand plays runs Left hand plays chords Chords begin playing in unison 9:28- 9:38 Changes down to A flat Plays 8 beats in a measure Tune an octave higher 8:29- 8:36 At this point he replays the first part of this movement but in a lower octave.   8:37- 8:49 He is now playing in the treble and bass clef. He is playing a lot slower with his right hand, and gradually starts to quicken the pace of both hands. 8:50- 8:55 He begins this section with two runs consisting of five notes. 8:56- 9:27 In this section the right hand plays runs of different notes while the left hand is playing the same chords with rests between each one. As this section moves forward both hands begin playing chords in unison. The chords playing with the right hand are repetitive. 9:28- 9:38 At this point the notes change down to A flat. He plays 8 beats in a measure and repeats the same notes and tune in an octave higher. He then goes back to playing the runs with the quick accent chords.

9:38- 10:03 Repeats beginning of movement Begins very quickly with arpeggios Also very accented Both hands playing bass clef 10:04- 11:30 Repeat of previous sections. Sonata form 11:31- 11:47 Starts in bass clef Lower notes Pace quickens Changes to chords 11:48- 12:15 Softens Gradually speeds up Left had repeats 2 notes 9:38- 10:03 This is the same as the very start of this movement. It starts out playing very quickly in what are called arpeggios. The notes are very fast yet accented. Both hands are being played in the bass clef. The first 5 measures are all very similar. In this movement I notice it changes from playing both hands in bass to the treble clef in the same measure.   10:04- 11:30 This larger section is simply a repeat of everything that has been covered since the beginning of the third movement. 11:31- 11:47 He starts off in the bass clef with both hands making the notes lower. He gradually quickens the pace and adds notes building up to chords. Left hand is repetitive playing the exact same two notes over again. 11:48- 12:15 As he is playing it gradually becomes softer and more calm to the ear. After they slow down, it picks back up going faster and louder with an accent to the notes. It finishes by slowing down again leading into the arpeggios.

12:16- 13:51 This section repeats the first Follows sanata form 13:52- 14:23 Pedal held down for more resonated notes Back to arpeggios Slows down, then speeds up Dynamic grows 14:24- 14:40 Left hand runs up keyboard Next measure starts slowly/sustained notes Both hands play low bass clef 14:41- 15:00 Repeat of earlier sections Finishes with strong accented notes 12:16- 13:51 This section is the same as the first section of this movement again, following sonata form.   13:52- 14:23 During this section the pedal is being dramatically held down making the notes resonate longer. He again, is doing arpeggios but this time with the pedal held down making it sound like he is sliding his hands up the keyboard. He starts by slowing down and playing somewhat quietly, then picks up of the pace of the timing and begins striking the notes more loudly. This section he uses the pedal more frequently and in different ways than previously. 14:24- 14:40 He begins this by running his left hand up the keyboard playing every note and finishes the run of notes with two notes alternating back and forth. The next measure starts off slowly with longer held out and sustained notes. Both hands end playing low in the bass clef. 14:41- 15:00 This last section begins by repeating earlier sections and then finishing this last movement with intense and very accentuated notes. The end of the storm.

Bibliography Bibliography All About Beethoven: The Moonlight Sonata   All About Beethoven: The Moonlight Sonata http://www.all-about-beethoven.com/moonsonata.html Kirblog: The Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven, October 12, 2012 http://klrblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/the-moonlight-sonata-by-beethoven/ Favorite Composers: Beethoven’s moonlight Sonata- Profundity and Grace http://www.favorite-classical- composers.com/beethoven-moonlight-sonata.html