Ludwig van Beethoven Flashcards
dates
1770-1827
where was he born
bonn germany to a musical family
family situation
father was a singer and instrumentalist, was harsh and sever who became an alcoholic. received musical training from his father johann
first employment
an organist and violinist in court orchestras in bonn
history with Mozart
went to Vienna to study with Mozart but his mother’s illness caused him to return to bonn.
where did he move after his mother’s death and him becoming head of the household
Vienna, briefly studied with Haydn.
influential patrons
prince lobkowitz, prince lichnowsky, and count rasumovsky
romantic life
had many romantic infatuations but remained single
when did he begin to lose his hearing
mind twenties
what is the Heilignestadt testament?
Beethoven’s letter to his brothers describing his turmoil and his contemplation of suicide.
when did he gain custody of his nephew Karl?
1820
his last years
became very isolated and antisocial. completely deaf.
death
march 26, 1827, was highly respected in Vienna, thousands attended his funeral
describe his musical style
bold innovator, very original and influential, planned and meticulously revised works in sketchbooks
what classical genres did he develop and expand
sonata, concerto, symphony, and string quartet
list his innovations
replacing the graceful minuet and trio with the more dramatic scherzo, use of cyclical structure, programmatic elements, inclusion of chorus and soloists in the symphony
what new instruments did he incorporate?
piccolo, trombone, contrabassoon
early period of Beethoven’s music
- 1782-1802
- absorbed classical style traits inherited from Haydn and Mozart, for example sonata form.
middle period of Beethoven’s music
- 1803-1815
- more romantic elements, such as increased chromaticism, abrupt and unusual modulations, epic heroic character
late period of Beethoven’s music
1815-1827
- style became more abstract and meditative
- employed counterpoint more frequently
- experimented further with form and content ex chorus to symphony no 9
genres
symphonies, concertos, orchestral, chamber, piano, vocal
