The history of Beethoven’s Grosse Fuge

The history of Beethoven’s Grosse Fuge

In this article we cover the origins, the reception and interpretations of this controversial music. The history of the Grosse Fuge The history of Beethoven’s Grosse Fuge Op. 133 (in English the Great Fugue or Grand Fugue; in German Große Fuge, pronunciation ɡʁoːsə fuu·ge) starts with an other string quartet, his 13th, the Op. 130. The composer finished this work …

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What is a fugue?

What is a fugue?

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 …

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What was the last piece of music Beethoven wrote?

What was the last piece of music Beethoven wrote?

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, …

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Was Beethoven blind?

Was Beethoven blind?

This question is one of the most frequent inquiries about Beethoven on Google, and it is time we address it! Beethoven was not blind, his eyes were perfectly healthy. As he got older, just like for all of us, his eyes got weaker and he had to wear glasses. Other than that, his eyes were good. He had another major …

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Beethoven and Rossini

Beethoven and Rossini

In this article we discover how Rossini met Beethoven, what were his impressions and what did they think about each other and their music.   Who was Gioachino Rossini? Gioachino Antonio Rossini, (born February 29, 1792, Pesaro, Italy – died November 13, 1868, Passy, France) was an Italian composer, mostly famous for his operas in the comic genre (opera buffa). …

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Beethoven residences: the Pasqualati House

Beethoven residences: the Pasqualati House

In our series, after the Schwarzspanierhaus, we cover another important and famous residence of Beethoven, the Pasqualati House. The history of the Pasqualati House Originally, the house was two different buildings and the first written document to list the place is from the 18th century. One building was owned by an imperial captain and engineer, Leander Anguissola. After him, in …

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