Ludwig van Beethoven truly represented the highest level of musical revolution. Generally, Beethoven’s artistic output is divided into three distinct style periods: the Vienna years (1792-1802), the second period (1802-1815), and the final years (1815-1827).
Austrian Theater Museum
VIENNA YEARS
Vienna is where Beethoven remained for 35 years, through his worsening and ultimately total deafness, composing the entire time. The composer moved more than 60 times while he lived there, and performed throughout the city at various theaters and halls—and sometimes in palaces.
This was the time of great growth in Beethoven’s compositions. He began breaking the musical conventions of his time. His major pieces became longer. It was during this period that he composed his Third to Eighth symphonies.
The original last grand piano of Ludwig van Beethoven. Photo by REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler
FINAL YEARS
Beethoven became totally deaf during this period. His works in this period are considered reflective and meditative. He also wrote his longest, most monumental, and mature work, the Ninth Symphony.
WHAT TO DO
20 POINTS
Listen to any one of Beethoven's symphony while closing your eyes.
Answer the question:
What sort of emotions/visions do you feel/see as you listen to the symphony with eyes closed?