Every July (14th July) France celebrates its Fête nationale française, the French National Holiday. In English-speaking countries the Bastille Day (since 1789). It is the day of the storming of the Bastille, a major event during the French Revolution. Like so many social changes in history this one also was rooted in economic crisis, or hunger being the name on …
Rehearsals of the Third Symphony (Eroica) The first public rehearsal of the Third Symphony was in May or June of 1804, at the palace of Prince Lobkowicz. The room was dedicated to chamber music, but still could welcome at least two dozen of musicians and guests. The Prince offered regular concerts at this place, had his own house orchestra and …
According to legend it was Bernadotte who suggested Beethoven to compose a symphony for Napoleon, the one which became his Third Symphony, the Eroica. Is the myth true? Who was this remarkable person? Who was Marshal Bernadotte? Jean Baptiste Jules Bernadotte was born on January 26, 1763, in Pau, France. His father was the local prosecutor and wished his …
In his entire career Beethoven composed only one ballet music, The Creatures of Prometheus. The first performance of the Prometheus ballet was on March 28, 1801, in Vienna. Beethoven wrote an overture, an introduction, fifteen numbers and a finale. The Creatures of Prometheus (German: Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus) ballet was the creation of dancer, composer, and choreographer Salvatore Vigano. Vigano …
Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, op. 55, by Ludwig van Beethoven, known as Eroica, is a work considered by many to be the dawn of musical romanticism, since it breaks several schemes of the traditional classical symphony. It was initially dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte. Ludwig Van Beethoven is considered as one of the most influential composers in history …
Sometimes small things can lead to significant changes and results! This is most certainly true for Beethoven’s two variations numbered opus 34. (6 variations for piano) and opus 35. (The Eroica Variations). Following our previous article on Musical theme and variations, in this piece we will discover, what is the role and significance of opus 35., The Eroica Variations in …