Life and Works of Beethoven
Description
This course will examine the evolution of Beethoven’s music, as well as the music of his significant contemporaries, such as Schubert and Weber. In addition to the music itself, we will focus on the sociological, political, and philosophical interactions between Beethoven’s work and the turbulent events of his era, such as the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars. Ultimately, the course aims to foster the acquisition of a deep sense of context for the listener, and to provide students with the skills and strategies needed for a deeper understanding of serious music.
Syllabus
Syllabus and Listening Samples
This syllabus is subject to change. Download printable syllabus (PDF)
Week 1: Beethoven’s Upbringing
The Bonn years; move to Vienna
3 “Elector” Sonatas (Op. 2 Nos. 1-3)
Murray PerahiaDressler Variations; 3 trios, Op. 1
Week 2: Beethoven the Virtuoso
Early career in Vienna.
Early piano sonatas
String quartets Op. 18
Week 3: Beethoven’s Deafness
2nd Symphony
3rd Piano Concerto
Week 4: Beethoven and Napoleon
Beethoven’s political attitudes
3rd Symphony (“Eroica”)
Another great resource for the Eroica: KeepingScore.org - a multimedia website about the symphony’s historical context and formal structure.
Week 5: Beethoven’s Social Life
The “Immortal Beloved”
Symphonies 4-6
Razumovsky quartets, Op. 59
Week 6: End of the Heroic Period
Opera: Fidelio
Leonora Overture No. 2
4th piano concerto
5th piano concerto
Violin concerto
Week 7: Beethoven’s “Late Style”
New Philosophical and aesthetic directions
Last 3 piano sonatas
Last 5 string quartets
Week 8
Missa Solemnis
9th Symphony
About the listening links: You may listen to 25 free tracks from Rhapsody.com every month without having to register or provide personal information. It “counts” if you listen beyond 30 seconds. Unlimited listening costs about $10 per month to listen on your computer and about $15 per month to download unlimited tracks to your mp3 player. (That program, called Rhapsody to Go, is not compatible with iPods but it’s possible to buy individual Rhapsody tracks for iPod.) Note: listening links provided on this page may not match the performances discussed in class.
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