1. Between Classicism and Romanticism
Chapter 14: Beethoven
Between Classicism and Romanticism

2. Key Terms
Classicism
Romanticism
French Revolution
Eroica Symphony

3. Classic to Beethoven Timeline

4. Classic-Romantic Timeline

5. Music and Individual Emotion
In the 19th century, music was taken seriously as an art on the highest level for the first time in European history
Music, more than any other art, could mirror one’s inner emotional life
19th century music was emotionally more direct & unrestrained than ever before
Composers took on a new, exalted role
The composer as genius (or high priest)
Individuality & personality were prized

6. Beethoven (1) The most significant, iconic figure in music history
The tough, angry genius staring down adversity
Producing one deeply expressive masterpiece after another
Music “came of age” with Beethoven
His works struck listeners as a revelation
His music has enjoyed uninterrupted popularity from his day to the present

7. Beethoven (2) Music was never taken so seriously before Beethoven
Listeners were also awed by his personal struggles – especially with deafness
A new concept of artistic genius emerged
Composer no longer a talented craftsperson
Now a great soul who suffered & created for all humanity
Music now existed in the highest reaches of the artist’s spirit

9. Between Classicism and Romanticism
Beethoven’s roots were firmly Classical
A student of Haydn with a lifelong commitment to principles of Classical style
But Beethoven treated those principles with creative freedom
He filled older structures with a new sense of excitement, urgency, & striving
These qualities signal Romantic stirrings
Beethoven’s music is instantly distinguishable from Haydn’s and Mozart’s

10. The French Revolution
Ideological impact of French Revolution on Beethoven’s generation was enormous
Ideals of freedom, liberty, & equality
Beethoven admired Napoleon as hero of the Revolution
He also identified with this man of humble beginnings who rose to the top by virtue of his natural gifts & abilities
But Napoleon betrayed the Revolution
Proclaimed himself emperor in 1803

11. Beethoven’s Eroica
Beethoven wrote a descriptive symphony called Bonaparte
Written to honor Napoleon the hero
Beethoven’s breakthrough work - the first to show his full individual freedom as an artist
When Napoleon was crowned Emperor—
Beethoven scratched out the title in a fury
Now dedicated to the “memory” of a great man
Remains a monument to Beethoven’s heroic striving & inner triumph