Beethoven's Life and Music

Beethoven's Life and Music

• Beethoven dedicated his life to music, becoming a prominent figure in the classical era.
• His early life was marked by recognition as a child prodigy.
• Later, he became the most sought-after composer and pianist in Vienna.
• His exceptional work was influenced by the struggles and isolation of his loss of hearing.
• His compositions broke new ground and influenced future Romantic composers.

Revolutionary Music

• During the years Beethoven wrote his first eight symphonies, Europe was embroiled in war.
• Napoleon Bonaparte's French armies fought numerous European powers.
• Beethoven initially admired Napoleon, dedicating his 3rd symphony to him.
• However, after Napoleon crowned himself Emperor, Beethoven was angered and tore up the dedication.
• Vienna suffered French occupation during this period.

Beethoven's Hearing Loss

• Beethoven's hearing loss gradually worsened over time.
• The exact cause of his deafness remains unknown.
• Symptoms of his condition were documented in letters.
• Various treatments and hearing aids were attempted.
• His deafness led to isolation but also inspired his unique compositional style.

Beethoven's Conversation Books

• In his later years, Beethoven used conversation books to communicate with others.

Beethoven's Symphonies and Hearing Loss

• This timeline depicts how Beethoven's symphonies relate to the gradual loss of his hearing.
• His 3rd symphony was dedicated to Napoleon.
• Some symphonies were more successful than others (the 5th being among the most famous, and the 6th, also known as the Pastoral, showcasing the Austrian countryside.)
• His 7th and 8th symphonies were composed during a time of intense hearing loss, and displayed a new style and feelings of beauty.
• Beethoven's 9th symphony was composed when he was completely deaf, marked a bold innovation; it combined an orchestra with singers.