HAYDN, MOZART & BEETHOVEN - KINGPINS OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD PART III

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Irene Hundleby

HAYDN, MOZART & BEETHOVEN

KINGPINS OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD!

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770 - 1827)

The past few weeks, we have focused on the history, times and music of the CLASSICAL period. In particular we have looked at the compositions and musical careers of Haydn, Mozart & Beethoven.

Beethoven's musical life is commonly divided into three periods in order to discuss musical style, structure and form: the early, the middle and late periods. During the early period his composition style more closely resembles Haydn and Mozart. During the middle period Beethoven recognised he was becoming increasingly deaf, and by the late period Beethoven was totally deaf and his works are considered challenging, to have intellectual depth and were not so popular amongst the Viennese community during the times in which he composed them. Historically Beethoven has been portrayed and idealised as grumpy, intense and dramatic. His music certainly has an element of drama and intensity that is distinctly different to Haydn and Mozart. One might note that he was born many years later than Haydn and Mozart, and as such was born into a different generation, one that was dealing with the French Revolution and very different times. So while all three composers are classified as Classical composers, each had very different life experiences that influenced their lives and their compositions.

The Beethoven work that we have focused on in class is Eroica, Symphony No. 3 in E flat Major, Op.55. Here is a historical clip of this work conducted by Leonard Bernstein performed by Wiener Philharmoniker:

Most of our discussions for works of the Classical era have been centred around the musical forms of each piece (such as sonata form and double exposition form). If you find that you are interested in learning more... check out www.otago.ac.nz/music for more information on music courses and local performances.

We have a large selection of pieces by all three kingpins: HAYDN, MOZART & BEETHOVEN in-store. If you are struggling to find a specific piece, we are only to happy to order it in for you, simply visit us in-store or give us a call:

Tel: +64 3 474 9394

Email: info@relicsmusic.co.nz

Here are two items

that we currently have available at RELICS:

BEETHOVEN - COMPLETE PIANO TRIOS (TRIO WANDERER)