Beethoven, Symphony No.3 in E-flat major, op.55 ("Eroica"), second movement

Question 1

Discuss the socio-political context behind the dedication and title
of Beethoven’s third symphony. How did this feed into the programmatic and musical content
of the work?

Answer 1

• Dedication to Napoleon Bonaparte (military support)
• not sympathetic to the world view
• changed the name of the symphony (Bonaparte > Eroica)
• 1st movement triumphant
• 2nd movement march

Question 2

What does it mean when we talk of Beethoven’s third occupying a “canonical status” (melody line repeated at intervals throughout the piece) in
Western music? How did it coincide with changing perceptions regarding instrumental
music?

Answer 2

• Writing more complex music that changes the speed

- instrumental music, elevated pure art form (artistic ambition)