Segment: "Beethoven's Journey Still Captivates"

The following questions are based on the Saint Paul Sunday feature "Beethoven's Journey Still Captivates"

Reading Comprehension

Read the article by Bill McGlaughlin: Beethoven's Journey Still Captivates

Answer the following questions:


1. How does the author explain Beethoven's appeal to so many different sorts of people?
   
   The author says that, "Beethoven's work is so effective because he plays more powerfully than any other composer on the tension that exists in all of us between the intellect and the emotions—the head and the heart."
   
   
2. What major change occurred in Europe during Beethoven's time?
   
   During Beethoven's life (late 18th century and early 19th century) Europe was moving from the Age of Enlightenment to that of Romanticism.
   
   
3. What major event occurred in America during this period?
   
   The Revolutionary War.
   
   
4. How is Romanticism described in the passage?
   
   Romanticism prized mystery in place of reason, preferred darkness to light, and sought extremes of personal sensation. It valued above all things the passionate utterance of the individual. All men were brothers, but the artist was prophet.
   
   
5. What was Beethoven's personal challenge?
   
   He was deaf.
   
   

Read the article by Bill McGlaughlin: We'll Hear Quite a Lot of Him-Beethoven's Early Life: 1770-1792

Answer the following questions:


1. What reason does the author give for calling Beethoven's family dysfunctional?
   
   His grandmother and father were severe alcoholics. There are stories that claim Beethoven's father would force the young boy to perform in front of him and his friends when they were drunk.
   
   
2. Who did Beethoven visit in Vienna in 1787? What happened?
   
   He met his idol, Mozart. At first Mozart was not impressed with Beethoven's playing, but changed his mind when he heard the teenager improvise. Mozart then said, "This one will make quite a lot of noise in the world. We'll hear quite a lot of him."
   
   
3. After Mozart's death in 1791, with whom did Beethoven study? How did this person describe Beethoven?
   
   He studied with Joseph Haydn, who at that time was the most famous living composer. He though Beethoven was rough and unmannerly, and that he looked "like an unlicked bear cub."
   
   
4. What 'contradiction' existed in Beethoven's work?
   
   Beethoven created music that glorified freedom and brotherhood, yet it was paid for by members of the most conservative court in Europe.
   
   
5. Read the Timeline that accompanies the text:
   
   
   • Identify two major events that occurred before Beethoven was born, and two that occurred after he was born.
   
   The timeline is broad, so teachers may use their own discretion, using Beethoven's birth year as 1770 for reference.
   
   
   • Identify three events from the list that occurred in North America.
   
   Examples: 1732 - birth of George Washington; 1756-1763 French and Indian War, 1760 - Ben Franklin invents bifocals and the rocking chair.

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Listening Comprehension Questions

Read the following questions, then listen to Bill McGlaughlin's narrative for "A New and Striking Voice-Beethoven's Early Period (1792-1802)" to find the answers.
Listen to the special

1. Beethoven composed in a number of different musical forms in his early years. Name three of them.
   
   He composed piano sonatas, chamber music, and piano concerti.
   
   
2. What musical form is considered to be the test of a composer's powers?
   
   The string quartet.
   
   
3. Who created the string quartet form?
   
   Joseph Haydn created the string quartet form.
   
   
4. Why was competition from Joseph Haydn particularly difficult for Beethoven?
   
   Joseph Haydn was his teacher, and Haydn's quartets were excellent.
   
   

Read the following questions, then listen to Bill McGlaughlin's narrative for "Toward A Musical Landscape-Beethoven's Middle Period (1802-1812)" to find the answers.
Listen to the special

1. Describe the conflict Beethoven experienced over his increased hearing loss. Could he share that information with others? Why or why not?
   
   By 1802 Beethoven's hearing was almost completely gone. He did not share this information with other people - had they known, his music would not have been performed. In keeping his disability a secret, other people interpreted his behavior as "madness."
   
   
2. The Eroica Symphony was originally dedicated to someone, but Beethoven later changed his mind. Who was this person, and why did Beethoven make this change?
   
   Eroica had originally been named the Bonaparte Symphony, in honor of Napoleon Bonaparte, leader of France. Beethoven had first considered Napoleon to be the liberator of Europe, but in 1804 Napoleon declared himself Emperor of Europe. Beethoven saw this as a 'betrayal of democracy' and Napoleon's principles. Infuriated by this action, Beethoven ripped of the title page of the Bonaparte Symphony and burned it. His new title for the work was "Eroica," which means, "in memory of a hero."
   
   
3. Beethoven composed a great deal of music during his Middle Period. Name three of his major works from this time, otherwise known as Beethoven's _____________ period.
   
   His works from this period include The Eroica Symphony, the Waldstein and Appassionatta Sonatas, the Fifth and Sixth Symphonies, the opera Fidelio, the Fourth Concerto, the Emperor Concerto, the Violin Concerto. This is otherwise known as Beethoven's heroic period.
   
   

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Critical Thinking Questions

These activities are based on "Quartets for the Non-Connoisseur" and "Music Beyond Space and Time-Beethoven's Late Period (1819-1827)"

Answer the following questions:

1. What reasons are given that make the string quartet 'necessary and sufficient'? Do you agree? Why or why not?
   
   String quartets contain four parts - two violins, a viola, and a cello. Four parts make the "most interesting conversation" between instruments that listeners can follow and understand. Each of the parts can be followed independently, thus each is necessary and sufficient. String instruments have a particularly good range, and four string instruments together make a homogenous sound-it always blends. Finally, the themes of a quartet are clear and concentrated.
   
   
2. A number of reasons are given for Beethoven's decreased productivity in the later part of his life. Which reason seems the most reasonable to you and why?
   
   Stated reasons: 1. He may have just needed a break after having composed so many masterpieces during his Middle Period. 2. Europe was also exhausted by the fervor and excesses of revolution, and in Austria in particular artistic styles had retreated somewhat. 3. Beethoven also experienced some family problems. His brother had died and he became the guardian of an unruly nephew. 4. It was during this time that composers realized the stakes had gone up - compositions were longer and more complicated, and great musical risks were being taken.
   
   Students should elaborate on why.
   
   
3. Many artists use their work as a way to reflect or comment on the world around them. Do you believe artists are obligated to do so? Can you think of a modern musician whose work reflects our culture today? Explain.
4. Beethoven suffered from hearing loss; he began to notice signs that he was losing his hearing in his late twenties. How do you think this might have affected his composing?

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Research Challenges

1. The fourth movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is known as "Ode to Joy." It includes choral parts and often performed around large celebrations, such as New Year's Eve. Find a translation of this movement, or information on its history. Do you believe it's appropriate for such events.
2. A very long timeline of historical events accompanies the passages on the website. Choose three events or people, and find additional information on them.
3. The Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra are the two major classical music ensembles in the Twin Cities. Try to find information about the pieces they have performed or plan to perform in the future. Is Beethoven part of their programs? Contact someone at the organization and find out how they choose pieces for performance.
4. We read and/or heard a great deal of information about Beethoven's time. He is often described as being between the two great ages of Enlightenment and Romanticism, and his work as an artist reflected the great shifts happening in his society and culture. The same might be said of our own world - we have observed major events in politics, culture, and society at large. How have you observed artists - be they musical, visual, literary, dance - reflect current events?
5. Choose one of the string quartets from the Web site. Then find some art materials. As you listen to the music, draw or paint whatever it is you see or feel. An alternate exercise would be to write a story that reflects the music you hear.

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Key Terms and Topics

Terms

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