Introduction to Beethoven
In April 1787, a young man went to Vienna to meet the great musician Mozart at that time. This man was unattractive, short and shrewd. He showed off his piano skills in front of Mozart, and even Mozart, who was known as a child prodigy, was amazed. He immediately said to his friends present: "This young man will definitely make waves in the music world." Mozart's prediction came true less than ten years later, and this man was none other than the famous Beethoven.
Beethoven was born on December 16, 1770 in Bonn on the Rhine River near Cologne, Germany. His father, John, was mediocre and addicted to alcohol. Beethoven had no happiness at all during his childhood.
~The pain of being whipped in childhood~
His father hoped that his son would become the second child prodigy so that he could enjoy prosperity and wealth through him, so he forced him to learn the piano, which slightly failed. , and was beaten severely. It was under such a miserable and painful fate that Beethoven spent his childhood.
Beethoven's extraordinary talent, coupled with the hard training he acquired, made his talent higher and higher, and even his teacher was incomparable.
At the age of twelve, Beethoven was employed as a court piano and organ musician, and also took on the responsibility of supporting the family. Beethoven gradually received more attention in the court, but he had great ambitions and in 1787 he went to Vienna to worship Mozart. Unfortunately, his mother was critically ill in Bonn and died shortly after returning home. This was a huge blow to Beethoven, who stayed in Bonn for another five years.
In order to realize his ideal, Beethoven went to Vienna again in 1792.
Count Waldstein provided a lot of help this time. In order to repay the favor, Beethoven later wrote Piano Sonata Opus 53 and dedicated it to Waldstein.
When he arrived in Vienna, Beethoven studied under Haydn for a year, and also sought advice from famous teachers such as Schenck, Abretzberg and Salieri, especially the latter, whom he studied for ten years. for a long time.
～Break off the constraints and pursue freedom～
Beethoven held his first concert in Vienna in 1795. At that time, he personally played his own "Piano No. 2" Concerto" impressed the citizens of Vienna, and he became famous far and wide.
His "Symphony No. 1" was composed later. In the same year, he published three piano trios, Beethoven also established his dual reputation as a performer and composer.
In the next five years, he wrote Piano Sonatas No. 1 to No. 11.
and Piano Concertos Nos. 1 to 3. In 1799 Beethoven completed the "Symphony No. 1". With his magical imagination, he successively wrote masterpieces that shocked the music world. These works are filled with the joy and enthusiasm of life, and express an unprecedented free artistic conception, breaking through the strict form that even Mozart was bound to.
Beethoven's reputation was at its peak when everything was going smoothly. However, an unfortunate fate befell him - he suffered from deafness.
~The Giant Who Cannot Hear~
This was a cruel blow. In order to fear that people would find out that he was deaf, Beethoven gradually lived in isolation and became more and more lonely.
At this time, he fell in love with a seventeen-year-old girl, Julietta Gucciadi. The famous Piano Sonata No. 14 "Moonlight" is the work of their love.
In 1802, Beethoven moved to the quiet village of Heilikin, an hour's drive from Vienna, to compose music, where he completed his Symphony No. 2. However, the deterioration of his ear disease caused him great pain, so he wrote a suicide note in Heiligenstadt, describing his tragic experiences and misfortunes. Later, Beethoven regained his confidence based on Kant's philosophy. "The best way to forget your misfortunes is to work hard." At this time, he returned to Vienna, full of musical ideas, and wrote the thundering "Eroica" Symphony No. 3 in 1803. This piece was originally intended to be dedicated to Napoleon, but when Napoleon was crowned emperor, Beethoven was angry and obliterated Napoleon's name and renamed it the "Eroica Symphony".
In the same year, Beethoven wrote the excellent Violin Sonata No. 9 "Kreutzer"
. In 1804, he completed Piano Sonata No. 21 "Waldstein". The following year, he completed the Piano Sonata No. 23 "Passionate" and the unique opera "Fidelio".
In this series of works, he showed his true skills, such as "Waldstein" and "Passion", which mesmerized the world. In 1806, he composed "Piano Concerto No. 4" and "Violin Concerto in D major".
In 1808, Beethoven published Symphony No. 5 "Destiny" and Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral" at the same time. In 1809, he completed the Fifth Piano Concerto "Emperor". These are all immortal masterpieces.
~A volcano hiding passion~
Beethoven's heart contains endless emotions, which are delicate, extraordinary, harmonious and perfect. Beethoven intentionally put his thoughts into the music. For example, No. 5 "Destiny" begins with the theme of the God of Fate knocking on the door. No. 6 "Pastoral" reveals Beethoven's intention to depict nature in the first movement. The word "countryside".
In 1809, Napoleon captured Vienna, princes and grandsons fled one after another, and Beethoven's economy was in trouble. During the war-torn days, he still stayed in Vienna and worked hard on his compositions. His "Emperor" Concerto was written amidst the rumble of cannons.
Since the first performance of "Destiny" and "Pastoral" did not win the favor of the people of Vienna, Beethoven wanted to leave for Germany. The three of them tried their best to persuade him to stay, so he stayed. Later, Beethoven dedicated the "Archduke Piano Trio" to these benefactors.
～The sound of music flies into the homes of ordinary people～
Since the French Revolution, the atmosphere in Europe has been completely new, and personal freedom and human rights have been confirmed.
Beethoven also democratized music, bringing music from the aristocracy to the masses. Beethoven's achievements will last forever.
After Napoleon's defeat, Vienna returned to a happy atmosphere. In 1812, Beethoven premiered "Symphony No. 7" and "Symphony No. 8" at the Wounded Soldiers Relief Concert, which was a sensation. He also won the respect of the people of Vienna.
Beethoven suffered from the tragedy of deafness physically from 1804 to 1814, but during these eleven years, his creations were rich and of unprecedented historical value. He wrote a dazzling treasure among mankind's musical treasures.
His "Symphony No. 7" has no title. Wagner considered this piece to be a symbol of dance, especially the passionate final movement. "Symphony No. 8"
It is the clearest and most refreshing piece among his nine symphonies. It views life with an optimistic and detached attitude.
Beethoven's third life began in 1815. At that time, he was in his prime and had a more thorough understanding of life. The music he wrote after that, except for the famous Symphony No. 9 "Chorus" and "Missa Solemnis", were all piano sonatas and string quartets. This is all intrinsic and profound spiritual conception.
～Le Sheng is not good at human affairs～
Due to the death of his younger brother Karl in 1814, Beethoven took on the responsibility of guardianship and raising his nephew. But the adoption process and the problems his nephew brought him afterwards made him suffer a lot. In short, he could not transfer his love to his nephew. Beethoven completely collapsed on how to deal with people.
Beethoven became more depressed, his health became more serious, and his finances were very tight. At that time, he was working hard to compose two major works-"Missa Solemnis"
and "Ninth Symphony". In particular, the prelude was intended to be played at the enthronement ceremony of Rudolf's appointment as archbishop. Because of the great responsibility, it took him about five years to complete it in 1823. On May 7 of the following year, his "Symphony No. 9" premiered, pushing his reputation to a new peak.
The "Ode to Joy" chorus of "Symphony No. 9" is taken from Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy"
. He had this idea in his early years, and it took him thirty-two years to finally realize his wish. The success of "Symphony No. 9" brought him the greatest honor and joy in his life.
During the preview of "Symphony No. 9", Beethoven conducted it himself, but due to his deafness, he was unable to perform and the order was chaotic. Therefore, Umlauf conducted the official performance.
Beethoven was still on the stage with his back to the audience.
When the whole piece was played, the audience was deeply moved, cheering loudly and applauding like thunder, but Beethoven was unaware of it. It was only after the performer reminded him that he saw the touching scene and responded with tears.
This was Beethoven's last public appearance. He unknowingly suffered from liver disease and spent the days as his condition became increasingly serious. His soul, which was about to leave the world, became peaceful instead. At this time, Beethoven seemed to be in the thin, pure sky, looking down at the world he was about to leave behind. Wrote five final string quartets. These chamber music are his last works and Beethoven's legacy to the world. Proof to all eternity that the spirit can overcome pain and even death.
~The last spring thunder sounded~
Beethoven’s remaining life was short. In 1826 alone, he underwent four operations, but his condition did not improve. On the afternoon of March 26, 1827, there was a sudden heavy snowstorm in Vienna, accompanied by deafening spring thunder. At this time, Beethoven clenched his right fist and breathed his last breath.
According to ancient records, Beethoven's funeral was held on March 29. More than 20,000 Viennese citizens attended and escorted to the Jasser Church where the memorial mass was held... .