Why Beethoven?
Photo: Carmela Odoni
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) is not a monument.
His music lives on. Beethoven moves us today just as he did 200 years ago.
Beethoven lost his hearing—the most precious thing a musician possesses. Yet he did not give up and kept on composing. He helps us overcome difficulties and find our true selves. Beethoven believed in humanity. His music comes from the heart and speaks to the heart.
In his music, Beethoven is...
Stormy, impatient, surprising, combative. Deeply felt, tender, loving, lively. Humorous, vulnerable, heroic. Dramatic, uplifting, reconciling.
In his music, Beethoven is...
Never boring. Never.
Radical Departure: The Early Phase.
Sonatas op. 10 No. 1 and No. 3
Sonata op. 13 (Pathétique)
Sonatas op. 14 No. 1 and No. 2
Pausing and Storming Forward: The Middle Phase.
Sonata op. 26
Sonatas op. 27 No. 1 and No. 2 (Moonlight)
Reflection and Reconciliation: The Late Phase.
Sonata op. 109