The Enduring Appeal of Beethoven's Music: A Modern Classic
It is a myth that Beethoven's music is only for the refined and scholarly. In fact, his compositions remain incredibly popular and are frequently performed in concerts, featured in films, and studied in music education. Beethoven's masterpieces, including his symphonies, piano sonatas, and string quartets, continue to influence musicians and composers today. His works are appreciated for their emotional depth, innovative structures, and profound impact on the development of Western classical music.
It was a great tragedy of the 1970s when the music industry, making its fortune off of 'Rock and Roll,' groomed us to avoid listening to any other kind of music. ANY other kind—jazz, big band, or crooner, but especially, classical. In the 1990s, I had this experience:
She: What's your favorite music?
Me: Classical
She: What's that?
Me: You know, oboes, bassoons.
She: Eww...
So sad that we have lost so much of our culture. But now, as a modern reckoning, let me share a personal experience. Next Saturday, I will be playing in an orchestra performing Beethoven's 7th Symphony. Even better, I'll be using my 18th Century replica trumpet built by Johann Haas III in Nuremburg. Yes, it's a nostalgia trip worth revisiting.
Absolutely, Beethoven's music is extraordinary. In fact, some of the most popular songs made today were all inspired by classical music, especially figures like Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Handel, Haydn, and Palestrina. However, Beethoven's music stands out as it ushered in a new type of composition that had never been heard before. His work introduced new dimensions of emotional depth and structural innovation that would pave the way for future musical developments.
Every single day, I can't imagine life without his music. It remains a constant in my life, a source of inspiration and solace. Recently, I have been learning piano and have started my journey with Beethoven's easier sonata, the G Major Op 49 No 2. For someone like me, who is just learning, this piece is a pleasant change of pace. It's simple yet delightful. Until this year, I was one of those who heard Beethoven and thought only of the Fifth Symphony and Fur Elise. It took a significant event to open my mind to the rich world of his compositions.
Just prior to the Coronavirus lockdown, I had the privilege of seeing Valentina Lisitsa performing various Beethoven sonatas. As with most musical forms, being in the room during a live performance is a significantly better experience than listening to or watching a recording. What struck me was the diversity of the audience: the venue, with a little over 100 seats, was filled with people of all ages and backgrounds. Apparently, lots of people listen to Beethoven. This experience opened my mind to the universality and appeal of his music.
My current favourite is Beethoven's Symphony No 7. Its rhythmic energy and emotional depth are truly captivating. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
It is clear that Beethoven's music is not just for the past but also for the present and future. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of classical music, transcending generations and musical fads. Whether performed in a modern orchestra or a live concert, his pieces continue to inspire and move us in profound ways.