Romanticism in Beethoven's Music

Paper Summary:

This paper defines romanticism and romantic music, describes Beethoven's contribution to music and his innovations, and the ways in which his music linked with romanticism. Examples of some of his major works that depict romanticism are also discussed.

Contents
Romanticism
Beethoven and his Music
Early Music and Loss of Hearing
Early Influences
Different Phases of Beethoven's Music
The Eroica - Beethoven's Third Symphony
Beethoven's Sixth Symphony
The Ninth Symphony
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Romanticism was an artistic and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century as a revolt against "classicism" (and to a lesser extent against "rationalism".) It stressed strong emotion, feeling and imagination rather than correctness in form. Romanticism rejected order, calm, harmony, balance, idealization, and rationality that typified Classicism and the 18th century Neoclassicism. The movement took its inspiration in part from the libertarian and egalitarian ideals of the French Revolution. ("Romanticism"-Columbia Encyclopedia, 2000)
In Romantic Music emotion and expression of feelings is given more importance than formal balance and internal order. It became the dominant musical trend in classical music during the 19th century and period between 1800 and 1900 is often referred to as the Romantic Period. While Beethoven is thought to be the first romantic composer, other notable composers who used romanticism in their music include Chopin and Wagner."

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