Ludwig van Beethoven was born in an era of great change, the main of which was the French Revolution. That is why the theme of the heroic struggle became the main one in the composer's work. The struggle for republican ideals, the desire for change, a better future - Beethoven lived with these ideas.
Childhood and youth
Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770 in Bonn (Austria), where he spent his childhood. Teachers who were often replaced were engaged in the upbringing of the future composer; his father's friends taught him how to play various musical instruments.
Realizing that his son had musical talent, his father, wanting to see a second Mozart in Beethoven, began to make the boy study hard for a long time. However, hopes did not materialize, Ludwig did not turn out to be a child prodigy, however, he received good compositional knowledge. And thanks to this, at the age of 12 his first work was published: “Piano variations on the theme of Dressler’s march”.
At 11, Beethoven began working in a theater orchestra without graduating from school. Until the end of his days, he wrote with errors. However, the composer read a lot and without any outside help learned French, Italian and Latin.
Beethoven’s early life was not the most productive; in about ten years (1782-1792), only about fifty works were written.
Vienna period
Realizing that he still has a lot to learn, Beethoven moves to Vienna. Here he attends composition lessons and acts as a pianist. Many music lovers patronize him, but the composer keeps himself cool and proud with them, sharply responding to grievances.
Beethoven’s works of this period are distinguished by their scale, two symphonies appear, “Christ on Mount of Olives” - the famous and only oratorio. But at the same time, deafness makes itself felt. Beethoven realizes that she is incurable and is rapidly progressing. From hopelessness and doom, the composer delves into creativity.
Central period
This period dates from 1802-1812 and is characterized by the flowering of Beethoven's talent. Overcoming the suffering caused by the disease, he saw the similarity of his struggle with the struggle of revolutionaries in France. Beethoven's works embodied these ideas of steadfastness and unwavering spirit. They were especially pronounced in Heroic Symphony (symphony No. 3), opera Fidelio, Appassionate (sonata No. 23).
Transition period
This period lasts from 1812 to 1815. At this time, great changes were taking place in Europe, after the end of Napoleon's rule, the Vienna Congress was going to . Its implementation enhances the reactionary-monarchist tendencies.
Following the political changes, the cultural situation is changing. Literature and music depart from Beethoven’s usual heroic classicism. Romanticism begins to seize vacant positions. The composer accepts these changes, creates the symphonic fantasy “The Battle of Wattoria”, the cantata “Happy Moment”. Both creations have great success with the public.
However, not all Beethoven's works of this period are. Paying tribute to the new fashion, the composer begins to experiment, look for new ways and musical techniques. Many of these finds were recognized as brilliant.
Late work
The last years of Beethoven's life were marked by a political decline in Austria and the composer's progressive illness - deafness became absolute. Having no family, immersed in silence, Beethoven took up his nephew, but he only brought disappointment.
Beethoven’s works of the late period are strikingly different from everything that he wrote earlier. Romanticism prevails, and the ideas of struggle and opposition of light and dark acquire a philosophical character.
In 1823, Beethoven's greatest creation (as he himself believed) - the “Solemn Mass", first sounded in St. Petersburg, was born.
Beethoven: Toward Elise
This work became Beethoven's most famous creation. However, during the composer's life bagatel No. 40 (formal name) was not widely known. The manuscript was discovered only after the death of the composer. In 1865, Ludwig Zero, a researcher of Beethoven’s work, found her. He received it from the hands of a woman who claimed that it was a gift. It was not possible to establish the time of writing bagatelles, since it was dated April 27 without indicating the year. In 1867, the work was published, but the original, unfortunately, was lost.
Who is Eliza, to whom the piano miniature is dedicated, is not known for certain. There is even a suggestion put forward by Max Unger (1923) that the work was originally called “To Theresa,” and Zero simply misread Beethoven’s handwriting. If we accept this version as true, then the play is dedicated to the composer's pupil - Teresa Malfatti. Beethoven was in love with the girl and even made her an offer, but was refused.
Despite the many wonderful and wonderful works written for piano, Beethoven for many is inextricably linked with this mysterious and enchanting play.