Chapter 14:
Beethoven
Between Classicism
and Romanticism
Key Terms
Classicism
Romanticism
French Revolution
Eroica Symphony
Classic to Beethoven Timeline
Classic-Romantic Timeline
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
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
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
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
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
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