Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is unique and remarkable. Ever since its birth audiences are keen to solve the mystery, find the answer, point a finger to a meaning. Not possible! What is special about it? Everything! Let us look at some of the most important aspects that make this work so outstanding! 1. Drama Beethoven put to paper his first ideas …
The popular name for Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is the Symphony of Fate or Fate Symphony (in original German Schicksals-Sinfonie). The full and original name of Beethoven’s Fifth is Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67. He started making the first notes of his musical ideas for this symphony in 1804, right after the Eroica Symphony (his Third). The progress …
In Beethoven’s time infant mortality was still very high. This is before sufficient sanitation, antibiotics or childhood disease vaccines. Beethoven had seven siblings, plus one half brother from his mother’s previous marriage. From the eight children, six boys and two girls. Sadly, only two younger brothers lived through infancy, Karl and Johann. All 8 siblings of Beethoven From the first …
What is a string quartet? A musical composition for sting instruments with the most common setup of two violins, viola and cello. It is often regarded as the most sophisticated form of chamber music. How many string quartets did Beethoven write? Ludwig van Beethoven wrote 16 string quartets. These quartets are grouped into three categories, based on the stage of …
The English word fugue, in French fugue, in Italian fuga, is originated from Latin (also fuga). Its root is to be found in the Latin word fugere (to flee) and fugare (to chase). In music, fugue is a compositional procedure. In a fugue, there is a main musical theme (also called the subject) and it is simultaneously imitated by other …
The last complete work Beethoven wrote before his death on 26 March 1827, was the String Quartet No. 16 in F major, Op. 135. He completed this work in October 1826. It has four movements and the play time is approx. 22-25 minutes. It was dedicated to Johann Wolfmayer and was premiered a year after Beethoven’s death, in March 1828, …