Ludwig van Beethoven
1770-1827 By: Annika Hando
Early Life
Map of Vienna
Symphony No. 5
One of the world's most popular symphonies is Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. This piece was written in 1808, and was what a "modern" work was like back in the 18th century. The intense, concentrated, and energized sound of the masterpiece left listeners under an emotional impact. In the piece, the famous "da-da-da-daaah" repeats continuously. The instruments used in this composition consists of a piccolo, two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, a double bassoon, two horns, two trumpets, three trombones, a timpani and strings.
Other Known Music
Beethoven created many different types of music. Some pieces he composed were:
32 piano sonatas
String quartets: No. 1–6, op. 18 (1798–1800); No. 1–3, op. 59 (Razumovsky; 1806)
Concerti: No. 1-5
Symphonies: No. 1-9
Other orchestral compositions: two romances for violin and orchestra; various overtures, including Coriolan, op. 62; Leonore No. 1, op. 138; 2, op. 72A; and 3, op. 72B
Theatre music: One opera, Fidelio, one ballet, Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus, incidental music to four plays
Beethoven's Legacy
Ludwig van Beethoven was an innovator; he was creative and ingenius. He wrote many pieces of music that delights, challenges, and moves listeners. Beethoven struggled with deafness, however he overcame that challenge and wrote even more powerful compositions. Beethoven inspires people because he continued to write and play music in a different way when he lost his hearing. Ludwig never stopped doing what he loved, and people today still adore him for that.
Works Cited
Adagio. “Ludwig Van Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 | Gustavo Dudamel [HD].” YouTube. N.p., 15 Mar. 2015. Web. 23 May 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGnBrabqdP4>.
BEETHOVEN Ludwig aged 28.. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 24 May 2016.
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Vienna / Map / 1802. Fine Art. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 23 May 2016.
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