Beethoven and the French Revolution

Paper Summary:

The paper describes how Beethoven lived in a European society that was undergoing profound economic turbulence, political upheaval and violent warfare. The paper compares Beethoven to Franz Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and then discusses his difficult background and personal tragic events in his life that affected his music. The paper then shows how the French Revolution caused turbulent inner passions that were reflected in his music.

From the Paper:

"The French Revolution had a profound impact on the music of Beethoven. It is difficult for us in 2006 to imagine what life was like in Europe under the Ancien Regime, and the economic and social conditions in which Beethoven emerged. What is crucially important to understand is that throughout his musical career Beethoven lived in a European society that was undergoing profound economic turbulence, political upheaval and violent warfare. No understanding of his music is possible without an appreciation of these basic facts. It is useful in analyzing Beethoven's life and music to compare him briefly with Haydn and Mozart, two other musical giants who were born within fifty years of Beethoven's time, and who shared his Central European environment in the vicinity of Vienna."

Sample of Sources Used:

• January, Brendan, Ludwig Von Beethoven: Musical Genius. New York, Franklin Watts, 2004.
• Slonimsky, Nicholas, Lexicon of Musical Invective. New York, Coleman-Ross, Company Inc., 1953.
• Solomon, Maynard, Beethoven. Second Revised Edition, New York, Schirmer Trade Books, 1998.
• Thompson, Wendy, Composer's World: Ludwig Von Beethoven. New York, Viking Press, 1991.

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