Lecture #1: The Early Years
In his first “early” period of creativity, the young Beethoven’s models were the works of earlier 18th century composers like Haydn and Mozart. As we survey his musical development in his hometown of Bonn, Germany, we’ll zero in on the Piano Sonata Op. 14, No. 2, a warm, inviting and playful piece that revealed his prodigious talents.
Lecture #2: Adventures in Vienna
When Beethoven arrived in Vienna in the early 1790s, he made his initial mark on the city as a brilliant pianist, the likes of which had never been seen before. In our second week of Beethoven’s “early” period, we delve deep into the Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 19, the piece that launched his reputation.
Lecture #3: A Bold New Sound
In the early years of the 19th century, Beethoven claimed to a friend that he was unhappy with his work to date, and “…from henceforth, I shall strike out on a new path.” The new path was the start of his second creative “middle” period, and his glorious Symphony No. 3, subtitled “Eroica,” was the launching pad.
Lecture #4: An Artist at the Height of his Powers
Dedicated to his friend and patron, Count Waldstein, the Piano Sonata, Op. 53 is classic “middle” period Beethoven. Now composing for a quickly-developing keyboard instrument, this sonata is known for its infectious driving rhythms, surging power and exuberance—qualities we’ve come to think of as trademarks of Beethoven’s sound.
Lecture #5: A New Spirituality and Universality
Now virtually stone deaf, in his third and final “late” period, Beethoven sought to further stretch beyond the 18th century musical styles, creating music with a new spirituality and universality. The final string quartet, Op. 135, premiered after his death in 1827, expresses a calming sense of serenity, resignation and acceptance.
Lecture #6: A Lasting Musical Legacy
Breaking with traditional symphonic form by adding vocal soloists and a chorus, the great Symphony No. 9 captures Beethoven’s dream of humanity achieving happiness here on earth. His setting of the epic poem, “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller in the finale, extols the universal and perennially-valid concepts of unity, brotherhood and love.