Life and work of Ludwig van Beethoven. Works by Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven was born in the era of great changes, the main of which was the French Revolution. That is why the theme of heroic struggle became the main in the composer's work. The struggle for republican ideals, the desire for change, a better future - these ideas lived Beethoven.

Childhood and youth

Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770 in Bonn (Austria), where he spent his childhood. The upbringing of the future composer was done by frequently replaced teachers, his father's friends taught him to play on different musical instruments.

Realizing that the son has a musical talent, his father, wanting to see Beethoven's second Mozart, began to force the boy to persevere and persevere. However, hopes were not justified, Ludwig was not a child prodigy, but he received good compositional knowledge. And thanks to this, in 12 years his first work was published: "Piano variations on the theme of Dressler's march".

Beethoven in 11 years begins to work in a theatrical orchestra, not finishing school. Until the end of his days he wrote with errors. However, the composer read a lot and without any help he learned French, Italian and Latin.

The early period of Beethoven's life was not the most productive, in ten years (1782-1792) only about fifty works were written.

The Vienna period

Realizing that he still needs a lot to learn, Beethoven moves to Vienna. Here he attends the lessons of composition and acts as a pianist. He is patronized by many connoisseurs of music, but the composer keeps himself cool and proud with them, sharply responding to offenses.

Beethoven's works of this period differ in their scale, two symphonies appear, "Christ on the Mount of Olives" is a famous and unique oratorio. But at the same time the disease - deafness - makes itself felt. Beethoven understands that it is incurable and rapidly progresses. From hopelessness and doom, the composer deepens into creativity.

Central period

This period dates from 1802-1012 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 perseverance and steadfastness of spirit. They were especially bright in the "Heroic Symphony" (Symphony No. 3), the opera "Fidelio", "Appassionate" (Sonata No. 23).

Transitional period

This period lasts from 1812 to 1815. At this time in Europe there are big changes, after the end of Napoleon's rule, the Congress of Vienna is going to . Its conduct contributes to the strengthening of reactionary monarchist tendencies.

Following the political changes, the cultural situation also changes. Literature and music depart from Beethoven's usual heroic classicism. Romanticism begins to seize the liberated positions. The composer accepts these changes, creates a symphonic fantasy "Battle of Vattoria", a cantata "Happy Moment". Both creations have great success with the public.

However, not all Beethoven's works of this period are as follows. Paying tribute to the new fashion, the composer begins to experiment, to seek new ways and musical techniques. Many of these findings were recognized as genius.

Later work

The last years of Beethoven's life were marked by the political decline in Austria and the progressive disease of the composer - deafness became absolute. Without a family, immersed in silence, Beethoven took up his nephew for education, but he only brought disappointment.

Beethoven's works of the late period are strikingly different from all that he wrote earlier. Romanticism takes over, and the ideas of struggle and confrontation of the light and dark acquire a philosophical character.

In 1823, the world's greatest creation (as he believed himself) Beethoven - "Solemn Mass" appeared for the first time, sounded in St. Petersburg.

Beethoven: "To Elise"

This work became the most famous creation of Beethoven. However, during the composer's lifetime the bagatelle No. 40 (formal name) was not widely known. The manuscript was discovered only after the death of the composer. In 1865, Ludwig Zohl, a researcher of Beethoven's creativity, found it. He received it from the hands of a woman who claimed that it was a gift. The time to write the bagatelles was not established, 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 for certain unknown. There is even a suggestion put forward by Max Unger (1923) that originally the work was called "To Theresa", and Zero simply misunderstood Beethoven's handwriting. If you accept this version for truth, then the play is dedicated to the student of the composer - Therese Malfatti. Beethoven was in love with the girl and even proposed to her, but was refused.

Despite the many wonderful and wonderful works written for pianoforte, Beethoven for many is inseparably connected with this mysterious and enchanting play.