This program explores Ludwig Van Beethoven's role as an emancipator whose innovations and experiments freed music from the rigid formalism of the 18th century. David McCallum is heard as the voice of Beethoven. Script and narration by John H. Secondari.
One in this series of programs which examine significant events in the history of western civilization using dramatic re-creation. This episode examines the life of German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and pianist Claude Frant are featured. As the program opens, the narrator describes the social climate of Vienna and surrounding European countries at the end of the eighteenth century. A discussion follows concerning BeethovenÕs family and his musical education in Bonn.
With his father's guidance, Beethoven performed at age seven, composed his first fugue when he was thirteen, and worked as a court musician by the age of fourteen. However, since the work of a court musician did not allow Beethoven to have adequate creative freedom, Beethoven moved to Vienna (the cultural mecca at that time) after his mother's death, in order to compose his own music. After a short time, he began to gain recognition in aristocratic society, with pieces such as his Opus 1 trios. A discussion follows regarding Beethoven's struggles as a composer, the inspiration he found in nature, as well as his discomfort among the aristocracy.
During Beethoven's period of success he was able to subsist using his commissions. An excerpt of his composition for the Prometheus Ballet is used as an example of his commissioned work, and then there is a discussion about Beethoven's gradual deafness and the music that he composed in spite of or possibly because of his deafness. The program concludes with quotations from Beethoven concerning the connection between art and the human spirit. Other compositions featured in the program include the following: Pathetique Sonata, op.13; Moonlight Sonata, op.15; Piano Concerto no.1; and Symphony no.1,op. 21.
