The main theme of Beethoven's work. Great Musical Works of Ludwig van Beethoven

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Chapter I: Beethoven's Piano Works in the "Mirror" music criticism the end of the 18th - the first third of the 19th century and the influence on the works of Cramer and Hummel.

Section 1: Beethoven's piano works in reviews of contemporaries.

Beethoven and his reviewers. - Reviews 1799-1803 - Reviews 1804-1808 - Reviews 1810-1813 E.T.L. Hoffmann on the works of Beethoven.- Reviews of the second half of the 1810s. - The reaction of criticism to later works. A.B.Marks on Beethoven's last sonatas.

Section 2: Piano works by IB Kramer in the reviews of contemporaries and in connection with the work of Beethoven. Kramer the pianist as a contemporary of Beethoven. -Kramer's piano work reflected in Allgemeine musika/ische Zeitang. - Style features of Cramer's piano sonatas. - Cramer's piano concertos.

Section 3: Piano works by I.N. Gummel in the reviews of contemporaries and in connection with the work of Beethoven. Hummel the pianist as a rival to Beethoven. -Hummel's piano work in the reflection of musical periodicals of the first third of the 19th century. - The style of Hummel's piano sonatas and concertos. - Chamber compositions of Hummel.

Chapter I: Piano Variations by Beethoven and His Contemporaries

Section 4: Genre of piano variations in the second half of the 18th - the first third of the 19th century. Variations of the Viennese Classics. - Variations by virtuoso pianists of the late 18th - first third of the 19th century.

Section 5: Beethoven's Variations on Borrowed Themes and Their Role in the Development of the Variation Genre. Variations on themes from popular works of contemporaries. -Variations on folk themes.

Section 6: Beethoven's Variations on Own Themes. Independent variational cycles. "New manner". - Variations in the composition of large cyclic works.

Section 7: Variations by Beethoven and his contemporaries on the waltz Diadelln. History of creation and responses of contemporaries. - The authors of the collective composition. -- Disclosing the possibilities of the topic. - Piano texture. - Why can't collective variations be a continuation of Beethoven's cycle?

Chapter III: Piano Texture and Performance Directions in the Major Piano Works of Beethoven and His Contemporaries.

Section 8: Piano Texture and Piano Techniques in Sonatas and Concertos by Beethoven and His Contemporaries. Piano technique. - The peculiarity of Beethoven's piano texture.

Section 9: Indications of the tempo and nature of the performance. Verbal designations of tempo and expressiveness. - Beethoven's metronomic indications.

Section 10: Articulation, Dynamics and Pedal Symbols. Designations of leagues and staccato signs. - Dynamic guidance. - Pedal designations.

Introduction to the thesis (part of the abstract) on the topic "The piano work of L. Beethoven in the context of musical criticism and performance trends of the late 18th - first third of the 19th century"

The piano work of Ludwig van Beethoven is the subject of numerous studies. Even during the life of the composer, it caused a lot of controversy. And at present, many problems related to understanding remain unresolved. author's intention. The influence of Beethoven on the works of his contemporaries has not been sufficiently studied, which would make it possible to assess the composer's piano work in the context of the era. The attitude of contemporaries to Beethoven's piano music has also been little studied. Therefore, there is a need to expand and deepen the study piano works Beethoven historically.

The importance of this approach is due to the fact that Beethoven's piano work dates back to the period from 1782 to 1823, i.e. it is inextricably linked with the Enlightenment, the Sturm und Drang movement, the French Revolution of 1789-1794. and the national liberation struggle of the peoples of Europe against the invasion of Napoleon.

This time is characterized by the revival of concert life and the tendency to form a stable repertoire. The music of the Viennese classics and, first of all, of Beethoven raises the problem of interpretation and becomes a stimulus for the rapid development of performance. The first third of the 19th century is the era of outstanding pianists, who from that time began to perform not only their own compositions, but also the music of other authors. The study of Beethoven's piano work in connection with the general process of the development of piano music at the end of the 18th - the first third of the 19th century allows us to understand, on the one hand, how the composer applied the achievements of his time in his works; on the other hand, what is the uniqueness of Beethoven's music.

The flourishing of piano performance was also facilitated by the rapid development of the instrument. The "hammer piano", invented in 1709 by B. Cristofori, began to supplant its predecessors - the clavichord and harpsichord - by the end of the 18th century. This happened, firstly, due to the fact that the piano revealed new expressive possibilities that the ancient pianos were deprived of. keyboard instruments. Secondly, at the end of the 18th century, the requirements for performing skills increased so much that the harpsichord and clavichord could no longer satisfy either performers or listeners. Therefore, by the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th century, the piano became the most common instrument, which was widely used both at concerts and in home music-making and teaching. Increasing interest in the piano contributed to the intensive development of the production of instruments. At the beginning of the 19th century, the factories of J.A. Streicher in Vienna were most famous. T. Broadwood in London and S. Erara in Paris.

The difference between Viennese and English instruments was especially striking. The accuracy, clarity and transparency of the sound of Viennese instruments made it possible to achieve the utmost clarity and use faster tempos. The heavy and deep mechanics of the English pianos, which gave fullness to the sound, made it possible to use the effects of dynamic contrasts and the richness of the colors of the sound.

We find a detailed description of the Viennese and English types of pianoforte in I.N. Gummel’s Comprehensive Theoretical and Practical Guide to Piano Playing (1828): “It cannot be denied that each of these mechanics has its own advantages. The gentlest hands can play the Viennese. It allows the performer to reproduce all sorts of nuances, sounds distinctly and without delay, has a rounded flute-like sound that stands out well against the background of an accompanying orchestra, especially in large rooms. It does not require too much tension when performed at a fast pace. These instruments are also durable and cost almost half the price of English ones. But they must be treated according to their properties. They do not allow either sharp blows and knocking on the keys with the whole weight of the hand, or a slow touch. The strength of the sound should be manifested only through the elasticity of the fingers. For example, full chords in most cases are quickly laid out and produce an effect much greater than if the sounds were extracted at the same time, and even with force. [.]

English mechanics must also be given credit for their solidity and fullness of sound. These instruments, however, do not accept such a degree of technique as the Viennese ones; due to the fact that their keys are much heavier to the touch; and they go down much deeper, and therefore the hammers during rehearsal cannot function so quickly. Those who are not accustomed to such instruments should not be shocked by the depth of the keys and the heavy touch; if only not to drive the pace and play all the fast pieces and passages with quite familiar ease. Even powerful and fast passages must be played like German instruments, with finger strength rather than hand weight. For with a strong blow you will not achieve a more powerful sound, which can be extracted by the natural elasticity of the fingers, because. this mechanic is not very suitable for so many sound gradations as ours. True, at first glance, you feel a little uncomfortable, because, especially in forte passages, we press the keys to the very bottom, which here should be done more superficially, otherwise you play with great effort and double the complexity of the technique. On the contrary, melodious music acquires on these instruments, thanks to the fullness of sound, a peculiar charm and harmonic harmony” (83; 454-455).

Thus, Hummel seeks to give an objective assessment of both types of tools and clearly shows their positive and negative sides, although in general he still tries to identify the advantages of the Viennese pianoforte. First, he emphasizes the strength and relative cheapness of these tools. Secondly, Viennese mechanics, in his opinion, provides more opportunities for dynamic gradations. Thirdly, the sound of the Viennese pianos stands out well against the background of a large orchestra, unlike the English ones. According to Hummel, the latter "are often credited with a thick, full sound, which hardly stands out from the sounds of most of the instruments of the orchestra" (ibidem; 455).

The reason for the difference in the construction of Viennese and English instruments lies in the requirements that the musicians of that time placed on the piano, and in the conditions in which the music was performed. In Vienna, piano manufacturers adapted to the prevailing artistic tastes. The concert life there was not sufficiently developed, since there were no halls designed specifically for concerts, and there were no professional organizers of performances. Since music was performed mainly in small rooms of aristocratic salons, an instrument with a powerful sound was not required. Viennese instruments were intended more for home music and piano learning than for large concert performances. London manufacturers produced instruments for large halls. Already at that time, paid public concerts began to spread in England, and people appeared who organized them (J.K. Bach, K.F. Abel, I.P. Salomon). Therefore, English instruments had a richer sound.

Beethoven throughout his creative activity showed interest in the development of the pianoforte. The composer had the opportunity to play different types of instruments, each of which had its own sound characteristics that distinguished it from others. But Beethoven was not completely satisfied with any of the instruments of his time. The main reason was the objective shortcomings that the composer found in the playing of many of his contemporaries, especially their inability to play legato. In a letter to J.A. Streicher, Beethoven noted that “from the point of view of performing arts, the pianoforte remains the least cultivated of all musical instruments. It is often thought that only the harp is heard in the sound of the piano. The piano can sing as long as the player is able to feel. I hope that the time will come when the harp and piano will be like two completely different instruments” (33; J 00).

We know of three surviving instruments used by Beethoven: French (S. Erar), English (T. Broadwood) and Austrian (K. Graf). The first two had the greatest influence on the composer's work. The instrument, presented to Beethoven in 1803 by the French manufacturer S. Erard, had the possibility of double rehearsal, which in itself gave him great advantages. The French piano made it possible to extract a beautiful sound, but subject to high finger control and a sensitive touch. However, Beethoven was dissatisfied with this instrument from the very beginning. However, Beethoven kept Erard's piano until 1825, when he gave it to his brother. The instrument is currently in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.

Graf's instrument was not of decisive importance for Beethoven's piano work, since by 1825 the composer could no longer hear. In addition, in the last years of his life, Beethoven created little piano music. A feature of the Count's instrument was that there were four strings for each hammer. However, the sound was dull, especially in the upper register. Graf's piano is now in Beethoven's Bonn house.

What instruments did Beethoven prefer? It is known that he highly appreciated the piano with the "Viennese" type of mechanics. Even in the Bonn period, the composer showed a clear preference for Stein's instruments, and later - in Vienna - for Streicher's instruments. Both types of piano were connected by the same tradition. In 1792, I.A. Stein died, leaving his factory to his daughter - later Nanette Streicher. In 1794, Stein's factory moved to Vienna, which at that time was the largest musical center. The Stein-Streicher pianos were the most characteristic instruments of the "Viennese" type; the instruments of other Viennese masters were only imitations. The advantage of Streicher's piano was that their keys made it possible for a superficial, light, sensitive touch and a melodious, clear, albeit fragile, timbre.

Such characteristics suggest that Streicher understood and felt the piano's ability to 'sing'. Beethoven welcomed the desire of the piano master to give his instruments a melodious sound. Nevertheless, Beethoven recognized the best instrument with the “Viennese” type of mechanics as unsuitable for himself personally, considering it “too “good””, since “such an instrument deprives me of the freedom to develop my own tone” (33; 101). Consequently, the new instrument almost freed the performer from the need to find his own style of performance and vary the usual coloring of the sound. Viennese instruments were more suitable for Hummel's elegant style, but, as K. Sachs notes, they could not express the power and save Beethoven's sonatas (123; 396).

Expressing a critical attitude towards Streicher's instruments, Beethoven at the same time encouraged the desire of the piano manufacturer to create a new type of instrument: like me" (33; 101).

Streicher heeded the criticism, and in 1809 his factory produced an instrument of a new design, which Beethoven praised highly. As I.F. Reichardt testifies, “on the advice and desire of Beethoven, Streicher began to give his instruments more resistance and elasticity, so that the virtuoso, playing with energy and depth, could have at his disposal a more extended and coherent sound” (42; 193).

Yet Beethoven, by his explosive nature, gravitated towards more powerful sonorities, appropriate scales and an energetic style of performance that evokes orchestral effects. In 1818, the Englishman T. Broadwood invented an instrument with an extended range and a heavier, deeper and more viscous keyboard. This piano was much more suited to Beethoven's playing style. It was for him that the last 5 sonatas and Variations op.120 were written. Broadwood's instrument possessed, on the one hand, the ability to convey feelings more intensely and. on the other hand, it compensated for the growing deafness of the great musician.

How was the concert life of Vienna in the late 18th and early 19th centuries? Instrumental music was widespread there. But open concerts were held relatively rarely. In this respect, Vienna was no match for London. Only a few musicians, like, for example, Mozart, dared to give their "academies", which they announced by subscription among the nobility. In 1812, J. von Sonleitner and F. von Arnstein founded the Society of Music Lovers, which regularly held public "academies" for the benefit of widows and orphans of musicians. At these concerts, symphonies and oratorios were performed, and the composition of the orchestra often reached 200 people. In fact, the only form of open performances was charity concerts, which had to be organized by the performers themselves. They rented premises, hired an orchestra and soloists, and advertised the concert in the Wiener Zeitung. Musicians had the opportunity to hold their "academies" in theaters during church fasts and on days of mourning for members of the imperial family, when entertaining performances were forbidden. Beethoven's first performance as a pianist was in 1795 at the Easter Concerto, where he performed his Second Piano Concerto. Also noteworthy are the morning concerts of the orchestra, which the aristocrats organized in the hall of the Vienna Augarten.

Yet these rare public performances did not play a significant role in the development of solo piano performance. Beethoven, like other musicians of that time, had to achieve recognition mainly in aristocratic salons. An important role in the musical life of Vienna and in the formation of Beethoven's taste was played by the activities of Baron G.F. to you Swieten, an admirer of the music of Bach and Handel, who arranged morning concerts in the National Library.

The era of the end of the 18th - the first third of the 19th century was also marked by the flourishing of Western European music criticism. In the 1790s important processes took place in the art of music. As a result of the development of Viennese classical instrumental music, a new idea of ​​a piece of music was gradually formed. The self-worth of a separate essay came to the fore. The works “put forward enormous demands on being perceived independently. It was no longer the genre that determined individual compositions, but, on the contrary, they were the genre” (91; VIII). At this time, there was a tendency to analyze musical works, and not only to direct perception in concert performance. In critical reviews, musical works began to seem to acquire new life. It was then that a large number of responses to concerts and new compositions appeared. There are large reviews with a detailed analysis of the works. Many outstanding composers are engaged in publicistic activity.

The most authoritative edition of musical periodicals of the beginning of the 19th century was the Leipzig AUgemeine musikalische Zeitung, with which F. Rochlitz, E.T.A. Hoffmann, I. Seyfried and other critics collaborated. The newspaper was published weekly for 50 years (from the end of 1798 to 1848). But it reached its peak in the first 20 years thanks to Friedrich Rochlitz (1769-1842), who was its editor until 1818. Moreover, according to E. Hanslick, “the Leipzig musical newspaper [.] in the decade from 1806 to thanks to Beethoven, it was the only organ of the musical press in Germany" (81; 166).

One of the most important sections of the Leipzig newspaper were reviews of new musical compositions, which the editorial staff conditionally divided into three types. The most significant creations were presented in large articles containing detailed analysis. Works of a sufficiently high level, but having nothing outstanding, were given brief notes. With regard to minor works, the editors limited themselves to mentioning their existence.

From 1818 to 1827 the Leipzig newspaper was led by G. Gertel. In 1828 he was succeeded by Gottfried Wilhelm Finn (1783-1846), who, however, could not raise the newspaper to the same high level as Rochlitz. AmZ could not compete with the Leipzig Neue Zeitschrift fur Musik, headed by R. Schumann. From 1841 to 1848 the newspaper was led by K.F. Becker, M. Hauptman and I.K. Lobe.

In Vienna at the beginning of the 19th century there were no major musical periodicals. Music magazines came out for a short time. Among them were the Wiener Journal fur Theatre, Musik unci Mode (1806) and the journal Thalia published by I.F. Castelli (1810-1812). In 1813, Wiener allgemeine musikalische Zeitang was published during the year under the direction of I. Schöngolts, in which articles by famous musicians associated with the Vienna Music Lovers' Society were published. Among them were I. von Mosel and I. von Seyfried. Then, from 1817, after a three-year break, in the publishing house "Steiner and Comp." she began to appear again under the name Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung rn.it besonderes Rucksicht auf den osterreichische Kaiserstaat. Issues of the first two years did not mention the editor's name. Then the name of I. Zeyfrid appeared as an editor. From 1821 to 1824 the newspaper was headed by the writer, composer and music critic A.F. Kanne (1778-1833). His judgments were distinguished by deliberation and balance. Kanne stood up for Beethoven during the attacks on his later works.

The peculiarity of the Viennese musical periodicals of the early 19th century, as E. Hanslik notes, is that they “fall under the general concept of united or organized dilettantism” (81; 168). Most of their employees were amateur musicians, in particular - L. Sonleigner, Baron Lannoy, A. Fuchs and others. The leading critic of the Wiener allgemeine musikalische Zeitung in 1817 was I. von Mosel, who wrote articles for other music publications. Beethoven highly appreciated his literary talent, but criticized him for his amateurish approach.

From 1824 to 1848 in Mainz, under the direction of J.G. Vsber, the journal Cdcilia was published, in which articles by I. Seyfried, A. B. Marx, von Weiler and other musicians were published. In his judgments, the editor of the magazine revealed unprofessionalism and bias, which repeatedly provoked a stormy reaction from Beethoven.

From 1823 to 1833 The Harmonicon magazine was published in London, which, while paying tribute to Beethoven's merits, nevertheless repeatedly expressed a lack of understanding of his late style.

in Germany in the 1820s. Berliner allgemeine musikalische Zeitung, founded by A.B. Marx and A.M. Schlesinger, which was published from 1824 to 1830, acquired great importance. It contained articles by A.B. Marx, which played a huge role in understanding latest works Beethoven.

Reviews of the first half of the 19th century are the most important historical documents, giving the most vivid idea of ​​the era, which for us is primarily associated with the name of Beethoven. Meanwhile, in this era, other pianist-composers also clearly showed themselves in the field of piano creativity, often associated with Beethoven by personal and professional ties. Therefore, in this work, the piano works are studied not only by Beethoven, but also by his contemporaries - mainly J.B. Kramer and I.N. Gummell.

Beethoven's piano work is usually understood as works for solo piano: sonatas, concertos, variations, various pieces (rondos, bagatelles, etc.). Meanwhile, this concept is broader. It also includes chamber ensembles with pianoforte. In the era of Viennese classicism (in particular, during the time of Beethoven), the role of the piano in ensembles was considered dominant. In 1813, E.T.A. that "trios, quartets, quintets, etc., in which [the piano] is joined by familiar string instruments, belong to the domain of piano creativity" (AmZ XV; 142-143). On the title pages of lifetime editions of chamber works by Beethoven and his contemporaries, the piano featured in the first place, for example, Sonata for Piano and Violin, Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello, etc.). Sometimes the piano part was so independent that the accompanying instruments were designated ad libitum. All these circumstances make it necessary to consider the piano works of Beethoven and his contemporaries in full.

In order to study the influence of Beethoven on his contemporaries, as well as to understand the work of the great master, it is advisable to consider the piano works of the two most authoritative composers and outstanding virtuoso pianists, representatives of the two largest pianistic schools, Johann Baptist Cramer and Johann Nepomuk Hummel. We will leave aside such rivals of Beethoven as I. Wölfl and D. Steibelt - partly because they belong to a completely different, salon-virtuoso direction of the performing arts, and partly because these composers are incomparable in importance with Beethoven. At the same time, for example, the works of such a significant composer and pianist as M. Clementi will not be considered in detail here, because. the origins of his work are still not directly connected with Germany and Austria. Kramer, although he lived almost all his life in England, was always closely associated with German traditions. As the reviews of the first third of the 19th century show, critics valued the works of Cramer and Hummel no lower than the music of Beethoven, and sometimes even higher. While Hummel and Cramer were still alive, the AmZ reviewer in 1824 called them “superb masters in composing and playing for pianoforte. but very different in both respects” (AmZ XXVI; 96). In many sayings, their names are placed next to the names of their great contemporaries. So, Kramer admitted that "after Mozart, Hummel is the greatest piano composer, unsurpassed by anyone" (94; 32). In 1867, the LAmZ critic called Cramer "a highly significant composer, for whom, in the new piano literature, we without any hesitation recognize one of the first places after Beethoven, if not the first" (LAmZ II; 197). In addition, Kramer for Beethoven was the only pianist whom he fully recognized. Beethoven had a long friendship with Hummel.

The formulation of the theme involves expanding the circle of sources, which are divided into two types: criticism and directly musical texts. The necessary material for the study is the reviews of the piano works of Beethoven and his contemporaries in the musical periodicals of Western Europe at the end of the 18th - the first half of the 19th century. These reviews vividly reflect the evolution of the perception of Beethoven's work by the composer's contemporaries. The analysis is directed directly to Beethoven's piano compositions (mainly large ones). The main attention is paid to solo piano works - sonata and variation cycles. Important material is the major works of the composer's contemporaries: Cramer's piano sonatas and concertos, piano sonatas, chamber compositions and Hummel's concertos. as well as the Clementi sonatas. The object of analysis is also the piano variations of the Viennese classics (Haydn and Mozart) and variational works of the late 18th - first third of the 19th century by Steibelt, Kramer, Hummel and the collective composition of the composers of the Austrian Empire - Diabelli's Fifty Variations on a Waltz.

This extensive material makes it possible to shed light on the attitude of contemporaries to Beethoven's piano work in a new way and connect it with the processes characteristic of piano music of the late 18th - first third of the 19th century, which is the main goal of the study. The novelty of the approach puts forward certain tasks, among which the main one is the analysis of reviews of the works of Beethoven and his contemporaries, as well as the comparison of reviews from different critics. Along with this task, it is necessary to study the piano works of some of the composer's contemporaries in order to establish the influence of Beethoven's style on the music of his era. It is equally important to determine the role of Beethoven in the historical development of piano variations as one of the most widespread genres by comparing the piano variation cycles of Beethoven and his contemporaries. Consideration of Beethoven's piano work is also essential in connection with the trends in the performance of his time, which manifest themselves through a comparison of performance instructions in major works by the composer and his contemporaries.

The structure of the dissertation is connected with the logic of construction of its main parts. 10 sections are grouped into 3 chapters, each of which presents Beethoven's piano work in different aspects. In the first chapter it is covered as a whole, in the other two chapters - in certain genres and in connection with specific performance problems. The first chapter does not contain a direct analysis of Beethoven's piano work: it is considered from the point of view of the perception of criticism and piano works by J.B. Kramer and I.N. Gummel. The works of these composers, in order to identify analogies with the work of Beethoven, are presented both through the reviews of contemporaries, and in the form of an overview of the most important genres. The second chapter is entirely devoted to variations - one of the most common genres and a favorite form of improvisation at the end of the 18th - the first third of the 19th century. The subject of analysis here are the piano variation cycles of Beethoven and his contemporaries, as well as parts of major works in variation form. The third chapter deals with major cyclic compositions - piano sonatas and concertos. The focus is on the piano texture, technique and performance instructions of Beethoven and the largest virtuoso pianists, in whose works there are connections with the work of Beethoven - M. Clementi, J. B. Kramer and I. N. Gummel.

The most important materials for studying Beethoven's piano work are lifetime critical reviews and brief notes, as well as responses to his concerts. The largest number of responses appeared in the Leipzig Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung (50), the largest musical periodical in Europe. They give a wide panorama of assessments of Beethoven's work and show an ambiguous attitude towards the works of the composer, in particular - to the piano. Of considerable interest are the articles of the German musicologist and composer A.B. Marx, devoted to Beethoven's late sonatas and showing a deep understanding of the composer's style. These reviews are abridged in the fifth volume of the study by V. Lenz, published in 1860 (96). Some responses to Beethoven's late works published in the Wiener Zeitung are given in A.W. Thayer's chronological index, published in 1865 (128). The ambiguity of assessments of Beethoven's work is clearly manifested in the reviews of 1825-1828. the Mainin magazine Cacilia (57).

Reviews of the work of the early period are an important source for characterizing the life and work of the composer. The first analysis of reviews of Beethoven's works was made by A. Schindler in 1840, who cites fragments of some reviews of 1799-1800. with brief comments (128; 95102). A.V. Thayer in the biography of the composer gives a brief description of the reviews of 1799-1810. (133, Bd.2; 278-283).

For a long time, reviews of the late 18th - first third of the 19th century on Beethoven's works were forgotten. Increased attention to them is observed in the 1970s, which is associated with an increase in interest in Beethoven's work as a whole. It was at this time that individual reviews of the composer's contemporaries appeared in the Russian translation. In 1970, the first volume of Beethoven's letters was published, edited by N.L. Fishman, which contains reviews of 1799-1800. on piano works of the composer (33; 123-127). In 1974, a slightly abridged translation of E.T.A. Hoffmann's review of two trios op. 70 appears, which is placed in the appendix to the book by A.N. In the 1970s there is a desire to analyze and critically evaluate lifetime reviews of Beethoven's work, as well as to study the relationship between the composer and his contemporaries. In 1977, a book by P. Schnaus (130) was published, in which the role of E.T.A. German writer to the works of Beethoven. The book also contains a systematization and analysis of reviews published in AmZ from the first 10th anniversary of the 19th century.

In the 1980s, there was a particular interest in reviews of Beethoven's later works. The materials of the Bonn symposium in 1984 contain an article by the Swiss musicologist St. Kunze on the perception by contemporaries of the late work of the composer (93). In Russian, excerpts from reviews of Beethoven's later piano compositions are presented for the first time in the thesis work of L.V. Kirillina (17; 201-208), where the reviews of an anonymous Leipzig reviewer and A.B. concepts in music theory at the beginning of the 19th century.

For the first time, reviews of contemporaries about Beethoven's works were combined into one whole in 1987 in the book of Kunze (94). It contains reviews, notes and responses to concerts in the musical periodicals of Western Europe from 1799 to 1830. in German, English and French. To date, this is the most complete collection reviews of Beethoven's works, giving a holistic view of the attitude of contemporaries to the composer's work.

Of all the genres of Beethoven's piano music, variations remain the least explored to date, to which, for this reason, we pay special attention. In the early 1970s the analysis of piano variations of the early and mature periods was made by the English musicologist G. Truscott, and the analysis of chamber variation works - by N. Fortune in the collection of articles "The Beethoven Companion" (55). In 1979, a study by V.V. Protopopov appeared, devoted to the variational form. It contains an essay on Beethoven's variations, which shows their evolution from the point of view of the structure of the variation cycle (37; 220-324). A description of all Beethoven's works in the genre of variations is contained in the first volume of the book by J. Ude (138).

Much more research is devoted to individual variational cycles. An analysis of some variations of the early period was made in 1925 by L. Schiedermayr

125). V. Paskhalov analyzed the Russian themes in Beethoven's works on the example of the Variations on Vranitzkoto's ballet Wo071 (32). In 1961, an article by G. Keller on Variations on the Rigi's Arieta or Wo065 (87) was published in the NZfM. An analysis of variations up to 1802 was made by N.L. Fishman in 1962 (19; 55-60).

Since the middle of the 20th century, interest in variations in the "new manner" has increased. Variations op.35 are considered mainly from the point of view of comparison with the composer's symphonic works related to the same theme. This aspect, in particular, is touched upon in an article by P. Mies written in 1954 (104). The most significant works devoted to variations of op.34 and op.35 are the studies of N.L. Fishman (19; 60-90 and 42; 49-83), based on the study of Beethoven's sketches.

Of great interest to researchers were 32 variations of WoOSO. P. Mis, analyzes this work from the point of view of form (102; 100-103). The problems of performing s-toP "variations are considered in the article by A.B. Goldenweiser (10). B.L. Yavorsky (49) and L.A. Mazel (25) characterize the composition from the point of view of structure. In the historical aspect, 32 variations for the first time considered in the article by L.V. Kirillina (18), which shows figurative and thematic connections with P. Winter's operas.

Variation cycles op.105 and op.107 have attracted attention relatively recently. In the 1950s, articles by the English researchers C. B. Oldman (116) and D. W. McArdle (99) appeared about the history of the creation of these works and the relationship between Beethoven and the Edinburgh publisher G. Thomson.

The largest number of studies is devoted to Beethoven's last piano variation cycle - Variations op.120. In 1900, D.F. Tovey analyzed the motive structure of Diabelli's waltz and traced the development of each element in Beethoven's Variations (135; 124-134). A detailed analysis of the harmonies and structure of each variation was carried out in the 1950s. E. Blom (57; 48-78). These two works were supplemented in the early 1970s. in the article by F. Barford, dedicated to the late period of Beethoven's work (55; 188-190). The original concept was proposed in 1971 by M. Butor, who put forward the idea of ​​the symmetry of the structure of the Variations op.120, comparing them with the Goldberg Variations by J.S. Bach (59). An analysis of the work from the point of view of innovation in the field of harmony and the structure of the variational cycle is made in the article by O.V. Berkov (7; 298-332). In 1982, a study from the point of view of the structure, made by A. Münster (108), appeared. The most extensive is the study by V. Kinderman, published in 1987 (88), in which, based on Beethoven's sketches, the exact chronology of the creation of the work is restored and an analysis of the style of the work is made. IN historical context Variations op.120 were first considered as early as 1823-1824. in reviews of the Wiener Zeitung. The question of comparing the two largest cycles of the first third of the 19th century on the theme of Diabelli - Beethoven's Thirty-three Variations and the collective work of his contemporaries - was partly raised at the beginning of the 20th century in an article by H. Rich (120; 2850) and was continued in 1983 in the preface by G Brochet for the new edition of Fifty Variations (58).

As for Beethoven's performance instructions, there were no special studies on this problem until the middle of the 20th century. In 1961, I. A. Braudo published a book on articulation (9), which deals with the expressive meaning of Beethoven's leagues. In 1965 A. Aroiov (5) wrote an article devoted to the analysis of dynamics and articulation in the composer's piano works. In the context of the era, Beethoven's performing instructions are first considered in the study by G. Grundman and P. Mies, which appeared in 1966 (77). It provides an analysis of pedal notations, slurs, and fingerings. Two articles from this collection in the early 1970s. translated into Russian (15, 16). NL Fishman's article "Ludwig van Beethoven on piano performance and pedagogy" (42; 189-214) analyzes the designations of tempo and character of expressiveness in Beethoven's piano sonatas. The most extensive study of Beethoven's performance instructions and texture is the book by W. Newman (110). In 1988, in the dissertation of S.I. Tikhonov (40), an analysis was made of performing instructions (in particular, pedals) in piano concertos. In the book by V. Margulis (29) the theory of tempo kinship is put forward, which is confirmed by the material of the Sonata op.111. The article by A.M. Merkulov (30) analyzes the performance designations in various editions of Beethoven's sonatas. The dissertation of D.N. Chasovitin (45) is devoted to performing phrasing.

The piano works of Beethoven's contemporaries are still little explored. Analysis of Cramer's piano style and brief analysis some of his sonatas were made in the 1830s by F.J. Fetis (73). A. Gati (76) wrote about Cramer's performing skills in 1842. In 1867, anonymous Memoirs (145) appeared in LAmZ, in which an analysis of the composer's work was made. A description of Cramer's piano concertos is contained in G. Engel's dissertation, written in 1927 (70). T. Schlesinger's dissertation (129) written in 1828 remains the only study specifically devoted to Cramer's work. It contains an analysis of the style of the composer's sonatas, as well as a description of Kramer's entire piano work with a mention of the main reviews of his compositions published in German and English newspapers of the first third of the 19th century. As for the composer's chamber ensembles (piano sonatas with obligatory accompaniment, two quintets, etc.) and other works, they still require special study.

The work of I.N. Gummel has been studied much better. An important material for the study of his works are reviews placed in the Leipzig Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung from 1798 to 1839. In 1847, I.K. Lobe, editor of AmZ from 1846 to 1848, published his article "Conversations with Hummel", devoted to the composition method and creative process composer (AmZ HYH; 313-320). Of great interest are the responses in the Leipzig Neue Zeitschrift fur Musik: an article by the founder and editor of the journal R. Schumann about Etudes op. 125 (June 5, 1834) and C. Montag's obituary with a brief description of the composer's life and work (107). In 1860, in the Vienna Deutsche Musik-Zeitung, memoirs about Hummel appeared, written by A. Kalert (85).

In 1934, the most complete monograph on Hummel was published - the book by K. Benevski (56), which, in addition to characterizing his creative path, contains selected correspondence between Hummel and his contemporaries, as well as the first list of works. The first systematic index of Hummel's works was compiled in 1971 by D. Zimmershid (144). In 1974, a complete list of the composer's works compiled by J. Sachs (Notes XXX) was published. In 1977, a book by J. Sachs (124) was published, dedicated to the concert activity of the famous virtuoso in

England and France from 1825 to 1833. In 1989, a collection of scientific papers was published in Eisenstadt, in which Hummel is presented as a contemporary of the Viennese classics (89, 142). In the early 1990s S.V. Grokhotov’s dissertation appeared (14), which examines the performing arts of I.N. Gummel in the context of his era. We should also mention the article by S.V. Grokhotov (13), in which make an analysis of Hummel's variations on Russian themes.

Thus, there is extensive material that can serve as a basis for further study of Beethoven's piano works in the context of musical criticism and performance trends of his era.

Such a study of Beethoven's piano work also has a practical meaning, because. gives an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the style and a more meaningful approach to the performance of the composer's piano works.

The dissertation can be useful both for performers and music historians, including specialists in the history and theory of piano performance.

Dissertation conclusion on the topic "Musical Art", Maksimov, Evgeny Ivanovich

Conclusion

Despite the fact that Beethoven's work was often sharply criticized by the composer's contemporaries, it cannot be said that, on the whole, Beethoven's role in the music of the first third of the 19th century was not recognized. In 1824, the London magazine "Harmonicon" gave a general assessment of his work: "Now more than 30 years have passed since the musical world welcomed the first appearance of the genius of the great composer. During this period he tried all types of composition and equally succeeded in all. He showed everything a real musician needs: invention, feeling, spirit, melody, harmony and all kinds of rhythmic art.As always happens, he had to meet strong resistance at first, but the strength and originality of his genius overcame all obstacles.The world was soon convinced of the superiority of his talents , and almost his first experiments were sufficient to establish his reputation on an unshakable basis. - This original genius still towers over his contemporaries, reaching a height to which few dare to strive" (Kunze; 368).

The same opinion was expressed in the same year by a reviewer of the Leipzig AmZ. According to the critic, "this genius created a new era. All the requirements of a musical work - inventiveness, intelligence and feeling in melody, harmony and rhythm - are performed by Mr. v[an] B[ethoven] in a new, characteristic manner" (AmZ XXVI ; 213). The reviewer testifies that Beethoven's "new manner" initially provoked a negative reaction from some conservative critics. However, their opinion did not play a big role, which is confirmed by the statements of some of the composer's contemporaries. For example, in 1814 the originality of Beethoven was compared with that of Shakespeare (AmZ XVI; 395). In 1817 a Viennese newspaper called Beethoven "the Orpheus of our time" (Kunze; 326). In the Wiener Zeitung of June 16, 1823, Beethoven was recognized as "the great living representative of true art" (Thayer. Chronologische Verzeichnis.; 151). In 1824, a critic of a Leipzig newspaper (as well as a reviewer of the "Wiener Zeitung") called the composer a "musical Jean-Paul", and compared his work with a "wonderful landscaped garden"(AmZ XXVI; 214).

E.T.A. Hoffmann played an important role in promoting Beethoven's work. His ideas, made as early as 1810, were picked up in subsequent years by other critics. In 1823, the Berlin "Zeitung fur Theater und Musik" called Beethoven the only "genius [.] in instrumental composition among our contemporaries after Haydn and Mozart" (Kunze; 376). In 1829, a Leipzig reviewer called Beethoven "an amazing romantic" of symphonic music (AmZ XXXI; 49).

The most advanced contemporaries of Beethoven immediately appreciated the importance of his works for subsequent eras: "As soon as a few of his creations were published, they created glory for themselves forever. And today this original mind has no equal among his contemporaries" (AmZ XXVI; 215) . Many of Beethoven's works immediately received unconditional critical acclaim. Among them are sonatas op.13 and op.27 No. 2, Third Concerto op.37, variations op.34, op.35 and 32 variations W0O8O and other works.

In the already recognized works of Beethoven, reviewers find new merits. For example, the critic of the Berlin newspaper A.O. in 1826 compares the theme of the finale of the Sonata op.53 with "a drop of dew on a fresh rose, which reflects a small world. Delicate evening marshmallows blow on it and threaten to cover it with kisses. It probably lengthens, but thereby only flows out more abundantly and each once again filled up, even when it falls out" (Kunze; 48).

After Beethoven's death, interest in the composer's early works increased markedly and a tendency appeared to analyze them from the point of view of the evolution of his style. Frankfurt "Allgemeine Musikzeitung" for 1827-1828. testifies that "since the time Beethoven passed away, more attention has been paid to his works than before. They even turn to his first works in order to trace the course of his musical formation and see how he gradually became a great master" (Kunze; 15).

In a review of the new edition of the three trios op. 1, which appeared in a Leipzig newspaper for 1829, the critic notes in the style of early compositions the combination of Mozart's traditions with the features of the mature Beethoven's style. They "still serenely, lightly and frivolously reflect the early youth of the master. However, at times (and, moreover, how wonderful!) The author is seized by a later deep seriousness, even despite the fact that you recognize examples of Mozart's piano quartets. Nevertheless, Beethoven's originality and independence, undoubtedly, highlight and radiate flickering, incendiary sparks around" (AmZ XXXI; 86).

Yet at this time, many of Beethoven's contemporaries were still unable to understand the evolution of his work. 1827 A.B. Marx, announcing a new edition of three piano trios op.1, wrote that "not everyone was able to follow him along new paths at a later time. still dares to blaspheme his incomprehensible works, not daring to honestly admit his inability" (Kunze; 14).

In the 1830s Beethoven's piano sonatas are gaining great popularity. In 1831, T. Gaslinger released a new edition of the sonatas, which included 14 works (including three sonatinas from the Bonn period). The most popular sonatas op.13, 26, 27 No. 2 and 31 No. 2 (AmZ XXXIII; 31). In the same year, the magazine "Cacilia" announced the release of the edition of the scores of five piano concertos by Beethoven, which, according to the reviewer, "can only be met with joy" (Cacilia XIX, 1837; 124).

Beethoven's piano work was a powerful impetus to the development of the performing arts. It had a huge impact on the piano music of his era. Study of the major works of Cramer and Hummel. shows that Beethoven's influence was manifested in many ways: thinking, dramaturgy, figurative side, thematics, harmonic language, texture and piano technique. But the works of Beethoven's outstanding contemporaries, which critics put on the level of his compositions (in particular, Kramer), could not survive their time. Beethoven's work in all subsequent epochs not only has not lost its significance, but also arouses ever deeper interest due to the richness of the imagination and fiery impulses of fantasy, i.e. precisely because of those qualities for which he was criticized by his contemporaries and for the absence of which the authoritative composers of his era were encouraged.

Beethoven's piano work was ahead of its time and was not fully understood by his contemporaries (especially later works). But Beethoven's achievements were continued in the works of the greatest composers of the subsequent, romantic era.

Further ways of studying Beethoven's work in historical terms are possible. This approach can be applied not only to piano music, but also to works of other genres: symphonic music, chamber ensembles without the participation of the piano, and vocal compositions. Another direction of research may be related to the expansion of the study of piano music of the late 18th - first third of the 19th century. An interesting aspect is the influence of the work of Y.L. Dusik and M. Clementi on early works Beethoven. Connections between the works of Beethoven and his students (K. Czerny, F. Ries, I. Moscheles) can be established. It is also possible to study the influence of Beethoven on romantic composers.

The possibilities for studying Beethoven's work in a historical context are inexhaustible. Ways of study can lead to unexpected conclusions and give a new look at the work of the great composer.

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More than two centuries have passed since the birth of the great German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The heyday of his work fell at the beginning of the XIX century in the period between classicism and romanticism. The pinnacle of this composer's work was classical music. He wrote in many musical genres: choral music, opera and musical accompaniment to dramatic performances. He wrote many instrumental works: he wrote many quartets, symphonies, sonatas and concertos for piano, violin and cello, overtures.

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What genres did the composer work in?

Ludwig van Beethoven composed music in various musical genres and for various compositions of musical instruments. For the symphony orchestra, he wrote everything:

  • 9 symphonies;
  • a dozen compositions of different musical forms;
  • 7 concertos for orchestra;
  • opera "Fidelio";
  • 2 masses with orchestra accompaniment.

They wrote: 32 sonatas, several arrangements, 10 sonatas for piano and violin, sonatas for cello and horn, many small vocal works and a dozen songs. Chamber music also plays an important role in Beethoven's work. His work includes sixteen string quartets and five quintets, string and piano trios, and more than ten works for wind instruments.

creative path

Beethoven's creative path is divided into three periods. At an early period in Beethoven's music, the style of his predecessors, Haydn and Mozart, is felt, but in a newer direction. Major works of this period:

  • the first two symphonies;
  • 6 string quartets;
  • 2 piano concertos;
  • the first 12 sonatas, the most famous of them is the Pathetic.

In the middle period, Ludwig van Beethoven is very worried about his deafness. He transferred all his experiences into his music, in which expression, struggle and heroism are felt. During this time he composed 6 symphonies and 3 piano concertos and a concerto for piano, violin and cello with orchestra, string quartets and a violin concerto. It was during this period of his work that the Moonlight Sonata and Appassionata, the Kreutzer Sonata and the only opera, Fidelio, were written.

In the late period of the great composer's work in music appear new complex shapes . The fourteenth string quartet has seven interconnected movements, and choral singing is added in the last movement of the 9th symphony. During this period of creativity, the Solemn Mass, five string quartets, five sonatas for piano were written. The music of the great composer can be listened to endlessly. All his compositions are unique and leave a good impression on the listener.

The most popular works of the composer

The most famous composition of Ludwig van Beethoven "Symphony No. 5", it was written by the composer at the age of 35. At this time, he was already hard of hearing and was distracted by the creation of other works. The symphony is considered the main symbol of classical music.

"Moonlight Sonata"- was written by the composer during strong experiences and mental anguish. During this period, he was already hard of hearing, and broke off relations with his beloved woman, Countess Giulietta Guicciardi, whom he wanted to marry. The sonata is dedicated to this woman.

"To Elise" One of Beethoven's best compositions. To whom did the composer dedicate this music? There are several versions:

  • to his student Teresa von Drossdik (Malfatti);
  • close friend Elisabeth Reckel, whose name was Eliza;
  • Elizaveta Alekseevna, wife of the Russian Emperor Alexander I.

Ludwig van Beethoven himself called his work for piano "a sonata in the spirit of fantasy." Symphony No. 9 in D minor, which received the title "Choral" This is Beethoven's most recent symphony. There is a superstition associated with it: "beginning with Beethoven, all composers die after writing the ninth symphony." However, many authors do not believe this.

Egmont Overture- music written for the famous tragedy by Goethe, which was ordered by the Vienna Courtier.

Concerto for violin and orchestra. Beethoven dedicated this music to his best friend Franz Clement. At first, Beethoven wrote this violin concerto, but was not successful, and then, at the request of a friend, he had to remake it for the piano. In 1844, the young violinist Josef Joachim performed this concerto with the royal orchestra, led by Felix Mendelssohn. After that, this work became popular, it began to be listened to all over the world, and also greatly influenced the history of the development of violin music, which is still considered the best concerto for violin and orchestra in our time.

"Kreutzer Sonata" and "Appassionata" added to the popularity of Beethoven.

The list of works by the German composer is multifaceted. His work includes the operas Fidelio and Fire of Vesta, the ballet Creations of Prometheus, a lot of music for the choir and soloists with the orchestra. There are also many works for symphony and brass bands, vocal lyrics and ensemble of instruments, for piano and organ.

How much music has been written by a great genius? How many symphonies does Beethoven have? All the work of the German genius still surprises music lovers. You can listen to the beautiful and expressive sound of these works in concert halls Worldwide. His music sounds everywhere and Beethoven's talent does not dry out.

Beethoven's worldview. Civil theme in his work.

philosophical beginning. The problem of Beethoven's style.

Continuity links with the art of the XVIII century.

Classicist basis of Beethoven's creativity

Beethoven is one of the greatest phenomena of world culture. His work takes a place on a par with the art of such titans of artistic thought as Tolstoy, Rembrandt, Shakespeare. In terms of philosophical depth, democratic orientation, courage of innovation, Beethoven has no equal in the musical art of Europe of the past centuries.
The work of Beethoven captured the great awakening of the peoples, the heroism and drama of the revolutionary era. Addressing all advanced humanity, his music was a bold challenge to the aesthetics of the feudal aristocracy.
Beethoven's worldview was formed under the influence of the revolutionary movement that spread in the advanced circles of society at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. As its original reflection on German soil, the bourgeois-democratic Enlightenment took shape in Germany. The protest against social oppression and despotism determined the leading directions of German philosophy, literature, poetry, theater and music.
Lessing raised the banner of struggle for the ideals of humanism, reason and freedom. The works of Schiller and the young Goethe were imbued with civic feeling. The playwrights of the Sturm und Drang movement rebelled against the petty morality of feudal-bourgeois society. The reactionary nobility is challenged in Lessing's Nathan the Wise, Goethe's Goetz von Berlichingen, Schiller's The Robbers and Insidiousness and Love. The ideas of the struggle for civil liberties permeate Schiller's Don Carlos and William Tell. The tension of social contradictions was also reflected in the image of Goethe's Werther, "the rebellious martyr", in the words of Pushkin. The spirit of challenge marked every outstanding work of art of that era, created on German soil. Beethoven's work was the most general and artistically perfect expression in the art of the popular movements in Germany at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries.
The great social upheaval in France had a direct and powerful effect on Beethoven. This brilliant musician, a contemporary of the revolution, was born in an era that perfectly matched the warehouse of his talent, his titanic nature. With rare creative power and emotional acuity, Beethoven sang the majesty and intensity of his time, its stormy drama, the joys and sorrows of the gigantic masses of the people. To this day, Beethoven's art remains unsurpassed as an artistic expression of feelings of civic heroism.
The revolutionary theme by no means exhausts Beethoven's legacy. Undoubtedly, the most outstanding works of Beethoven belong to the art of the heroic-dramatic plan. The main features of his aesthetics are most vividly embodied in works that reflect the theme of struggle and victory, glorifying the universal democratic beginning of life, the desire for freedom. "Heroic", Fifth and Ninth symphonies, overture "Co-riolan", "Egmont", "Leonore", "Pathétique Sonata" and "Appassionata" - it was this range of works that almost immediately won Beethoven the widest worldwide recognition. And in fact, Beethoven's music differs from the structure of thought and manner of expression of its predecessors primarily in its effectiveness, tragic power, and grandiose scale. There is nothing surprising in the fact that his innovation in the heroic-tragic sphere, earlier than in others, attracted general attention; mainly on the basis of Beethoven's dramatic works, both his contemporaries and the generations immediately following them made a judgment about his work as a whole.
However, the world of Beethoven's music is stunningly diverse. There are other fundamentally important aspects in his art, outside of which his perception will inevitably be one-sided, narrow, and therefore distorted. And above all, this is the depth and complexity of the intellectual principle inherent in it.
The psychology of the new man, liberated from feudal fetters, is revealed by Beethoven not only in a conflict-tragedy plan, but also through the sphere of high inspirational thought. His hero, possessing indomitable courage and passion, is endowed at the same time with a rich, finely developed intellect. He is not only a fighter, but also a thinker; along with action, he has a tendency to concentrated reflection. No secular composer before Beethoven achieved such philosophical depth and scope of thought. Beethoven's glorification real life in its multifaceted aspects intertwined with the idea of ​​the cosmic greatness of the universe. Moments of inspired contemplation in his music coexist with heroic-tragic images, illuminating them in a peculiar way. Through the prism of a sublime and deep intellect, life in all its diversity is refracted in Beethoven's music - stormy passions and detached dreaminess, theatrical dramatic pathos and lyrical confession, pictures of nature and scenes of everyday life...
Finally, against the background of the work of its predecessors, Beethoven's music stands out for that individualization of the image, which is associated with the psychological principle in art.
Not as a representative of the estate, but as a person with his own rich inner world, a man of a new, post-revolutionary society realized himself. It was in this spirit that Beethoven interpreted his hero. He is always significant and unique, each page of his life is an independent spiritual value. Even motifs that are related to each other in type acquire in Beethoven's music such a richness of shades in conveying mood that each of them is perceived as unique. With an unconditional commonality of ideas that permeate all of his work, with a deep imprint of a powerful creative individuality that lies on all Beethoven's works, each of his opuses is an artistic surprise.
Perhaps it is this unquenchable desire to reveal the unique essence of each image that makes such difficult problem Beethoven style. 0 Beethoven is usually referred to as a composer who, on the one hand, completes the classicist era in music, and on the other hand, paves the way for the "romantic age". In broad historical terms, such a formulation does not raise objections. However, it does little to understand the essence of Beethoven's style itself. For, touching in some aspects at certain stages of evolution with the work of the classicists of the 18th century and the romantics of the next generation, Beethoven's music actually coincides in some important, decisive features with the requirements of neither style. Moreover, it is generally difficult to characterize it with the help of stylistic concepts that have developed on the basis of studying the work of other artists. Beethoven is inimitably individual. At the same time, it is so many-sided and multifaceted that no familiar stylistic categories cover all the diversity of its appearance.
With a greater or lesser degree of certainty, we can only speak of a certain sequence of stages in the composer's quest. Throughout his career, Beethoven continuously expanded the expressive boundaries of his art, constantly leaving behind not only his predecessors and contemporaries, but also his own achievements of an earlier period. Nowadays, it is customary to marvel at the multi-style of Stravinsky or Picasso, seeing this as a sign of the special intensity of the evolution of artistic thought, characteristic of the 20th century. But Beethoven in this sense is in no way inferior to the above-mentioned luminaries of our time. It is enough to compare almost any arbitrarily chosen works of Beethoven to be convinced of the incredible versatility of his style. Is it easy to believe that the elegant septet in the style of the Viennese divertissement, the monumental dramatic "Heroic Symphony" and the deeply philosophical quartets op. 59 belong to the same pen? Moreover, they were all created within the same six-year period.
None of Beethoven's sonatas can be distinguished as the most characteristic of the composer's style in the field of piano music. Not a single work typifies his searches in the symphonic sphere. Sometimes, in the same year, Beethoven publishes works so contrasting with each other that at first glance it is difficult to recognize commonalities between them. Let us recall at least the well-known Fifth and Sixth symphonies. Every detail of thematism, every method of shaping in them is as sharply opposed to each other as the general artistic concepts of these symphonies are incompatible - the sharply tragic Fifth and the idyllic pastoral Sixth. If we compare the works created at different, relatively distant from each other stages of the creative path - for example, the First Symphony and the Solemn Mass, the quartets op. 18 and the last quartets, the Sixth and Twenty-ninth Piano Sonatas, etc., etc., then we will see creations so strikingly different from each other that at first impression they are unconditionally perceived as the product of not only different intellects, but also different artistic epochs. Moreover, each of the mentioned opuses is highly characteristic of Beethoven, each is a miracle of stylistic completeness.
One can speak about a single artistic principle that characterizes Beethoven's works only in the most general terms: throughout the entire creative path, the composer's style developed as a result of the search for a true embodiment of life.
The powerful coverage of reality, richness and dynamics in the transmission of thoughts and feelings, finally a new understanding of beauty compared to its predecessors, led to such many-sided original and artistically unfading forms of expression that can only be generalized by the concept of a unique “Beethoven style”.
By Serov's definition, Beethoven understood beauty as an expression of high ideological content. The hedonistic, gracefully divertissement side of musical expressiveness was consciously overcome in the mature work of Beethoven.
Just as Lessing stood for precise and parsimonious speech against the artificial, embellishing style of salon poetry, saturated with elegant allegories and mythological attributes, so Beethoven rejected everything decorative and conventionally idyllic.
In his music, not only the exquisite ornamentation, inseparable from the style of expression of the 18th century, disappeared. Balance and symmetry musical language, smoothness of rhythm, chamber transparency of sound - these stylistic features, characteristic of all of Beethoven's Viennese predecessors without exception, were also gradually ousted from his musical speech. Beethoven's idea of ​​the beautiful demanded an underlined nakedness of feelings. He was looking for other intonations - dynamic and restless, sharp and stubborn. The sound of his music became saturated, dense, dramatically contrasting; his themes acquired hitherto unprecedented conciseness, severe simplicity. To people brought up on the musical classicism of the 18th century, Beethoven's manner of expression seemed so unusual, "unsmoothed", sometimes even ugly, that the composer was repeatedly reproached for his desire to be original, they saw in his new expressive techniques the search for strange, deliberately dissonant sounds that cut the ear.
And, however, with all originality, courage and novelty, Beethoven's music is inextricably linked with the previous culture and with the classicist system of thought.
The advanced schools of the 18th century, covering several artistic generations, prepared Beethoven's work. Some of them received a generalization and final form in it; the influences of others are revealed in a new original refraction.
Beethoven's work is most closely associated with the art of Germany and Austria.
First of all, there is a perceptible continuity with the Viennese classicism of the 18th century. It is no coincidence that Beethoven entered the history of culture as the last representative of this school. He began on the path laid down by his immediate predecessors Haydn and Mozart. Beethoven also deeply perceived the structure of the heroic-tragic images of Gluck's musical drama, partly through the works of Mozart, which in their own way refracted this figurative beginning, partly directly from Gluck's lyrical tragedies. Beethoven is equally clearly perceived as the spiritual heir of Handel. The triumphant, light-heroic images of Handel's oratorios began a new life on an instrumental basis in Beethoven's sonatas and symphonies. Finally, clear successive threads connect Beethoven with that philosophical and contemplative line in the art of music, which has long been developed in the choral and organ schools of Germany, becoming its typical national beginning and reaching its pinnacle expression in the art of Bach. The influence of Bach's philosophical lyrics on the entire structure of Beethoven's music is deep and undeniable and can be traced from the First Piano Sonata to the Ninth Symphony and the last quartets created shortly before his death.
Protestant chant and traditional everyday German song, democratic singspiel and Viennese street serenades - "these and many other types national art are also peculiarly embodied in Beethoven's work. It recognizes both the historically established forms of peasant songwriting and the intonations of modern urban folklore. In essence, everything organically national in the culture of Germany and Austria was reflected in Beethoven's sonata-symphony work.
The art of other countries, especially France, also contributed to the formation of his multifaceted genius. Beethoven's music echoes the Rousseauist motifs that were embodied in French comic opera in the 18th century, starting with Rousseau's The Village Sorcerer and ending with Gretry's classical works in this genre. The poster, sternly solemn nature of the mass revolutionary genres of France left an indelible mark on it, marking a break with the chamber art of the 18th century. Cherubini's operas brought sharp pathos, spontaneity and dynamics of passions, close to the emotional structure of Beethoven's style.
Just as the work of Bach absorbed and generalized at the highest artistic level all the significant schools of the previous era, so the horizons of the brilliant symphonist of the 19th century embraced all the viable musical currents of the previous century. But Beethoven's new understanding of musical beauty reworked these sources into such an original form that in the context of his works they are by no means always easily recognizable.
In exactly the same way, the classicist structure of thought is refracted in Beethoven's work in a new form, far from the style of expression of Gluck, Haydn, Mozart. This is a special, purely Beethoven variety of classicism, which has no prototypes in any artist. Composers of the 18th century did not even think about the very possibility of such grandiose constructions that became typical for Beethoven, like freedom of development within the framework of sonata formation, about such diverse types of musical thematics, and the complexity and richness of the very texture of Beethoven's music should have been perceived by them as unconditional a step back to the rejected manner of the Bach generation. Nevertheless, Beethoven's belonging to the classicist structure of thought clearly emerges against the background of those new aesthetic principles that began to unconditionally dominate the music of the post-Beethoven era.
From the first to the last works, Beethoven's music is invariably characterized by clarity and rationality of thinking, monumentality and harmony of form, an excellent balance between the parts of the whole, which are characteristic features of classicism in art in general, in music in particular. In this sense, Beethoven can be called a direct successor not only to Gluck, Haydn and Mozart, but also to the very founder of the classicist style in music - the Frenchman Lully, who worked a hundred years before the birth of Beethoven. Beethoven showed himself most fully within the framework of those sonata-symphonic genres that were developed by the composers of the Enlightenment and reached the classical level in the work of Haydn and Mozart. He is the last 19th composer century, for which the classicist sonata was the most natural, organic form of thinking, the last, in which the internal logic of musical thought dominates the external, sensually colorful beginning. Perceived as a direct emotional outpouring, Beethoven's music actually rests on a virtuoso erected, tightly welded logical foundation.
There is, finally, another fundamentally important point connecting Beethoven with the classicist system of thought. This is the harmonious worldview reflected in his art.
Of course, the structure of feelings in Beethoven's music is different from that of the composers of the Enlightenment. Moments of peace of mind, peace, peace far from dominate it. The enormous charge of energy characteristic of Beethoven's art, the high intensity of feelings, intense dynamism push idyllic "pastoral" moments into the background. And yet, like the classical composers of the 18th century, a sense of harmony with the world is the most important feature of Beethoven's aesthetics. But it is born almost invariably as a result of a titanic struggle, the utmost exertion of spiritual forces overcoming gigantic obstacles. As a heroic affirmation of life, as a triumph of a won victory, Beethoven has a feeling of harmony with humanity and the universe. His art is imbued with that faith, strength, intoxication with the joy of life, which came to an end in music with the advent of the "romantic age".
Concluding the era of musical classicism, Beethoven at the same time opened the way for the coming century. His music rises above everything that was created by his contemporaries and the next
generations of them, sometimes echoing the searches of a much later time. Beethoven's insights into the future are amazing. Until now, the ideas and musical images of the brilliant Beethoven's art have not been exhausted.

Beethoven was lucky enough to be born in an era that perfectly suited his nature. This is an era rich in great social events, the main of which is the revolutionary upheaval in France. The Great French Revolution, its ideals had a strong impact on the composer - both on his worldview and on his work. It was the revolution that gave Beethoven the basic material for comprehending the "dialectics of life."

The idea of ​​a heroic struggle became the most important idea of ​​Beethoven's work, although by no means the only one. Efficiency, an active desire for a better future, a hero in unity with the masses - this is what the composer puts forward to the fore. The idea of ​​citizenship, the image of the protagonist - a fighter for republican ideals, make Beethoven's work related to the art of revolutionary classicism (with the heroic paintings of David, Cherubini's operas, revolutionary marching song). “Our time needs people with a powerful spirit,” said the composer. It is significant that he dedicated his only opera not to the witty Susana, but to the courageous Leonora.

However, not only public events, but the personal life of the composer also contributed to the fact that the heroic theme came to the fore in his work. Nature endowed Beethoven with an inquisitive, active mind of a philosopher. His interests have always been unusually broad, they extended to politics, literature, religion, philosophy, natural sciences. A truly immense creative potential was opposed by a terrible ailment - deafness, which, it would seem, could forever close the path to music. Beethoven found the strength to go against fate, and the ideas of Resistance, Overcoming became the main meaning of his life. It was they who "forged" the heroic character. And in every line of Beethoven's music we recognize its creator - his courageous temperament, unbending will, intransigence to evil. Gustav Mahler formulated this idea as follows: “The words that Beethoven allegedly said about the first theme of the Fifth Symphony - “So fate knocks at the door” ... for me far from exhaust its enormous content. Rather, he could say about her: "It's me."

Periodization of Beethoven's creative biography

  • I - 1782-1792 - Bonn period. The beginning of the creative path.
  • II - 1792-1802 - Early Viennese period.
  • III - 1802-1812 - Central period. Time for creativity.
  • IV - 1812-1815 - Transitional years.
  • V - 1816-1827 - Late period.

Childhood and early years of Beethoven

Childhood and early years Beethoven (until the autumn of 1792) are associated with Bonn, where he was born in December 1770 of the year. His father and grandfather were musicians. Close to the French border, Bonn was one of the centers of German enlightenment in the 18th century. In 1789, a university was opened here, among the educational documents of which Beethoven's grade book was later found.

In early childhood, Beethoven's professional education was entrusted to frequently changing, "accidental" teachers - acquaintances of his father, who gave him lessons in playing the organ, harpsichord, flute, and violin. Having discovered his son's rare musical talent, his father wanted to make him a child prodigy, a "second Mozart" - a source of large and constant income. To this end, he himself, and his friends in the chapel invited by him, took up the technical training of little Beethoven. He was forced to practice the piano even at night; however, the first public performances of the young musician (in 1778, concerts were organized in Cologne) did not justify his father's commercial plans.

Ludwig van Beethoven did not become a child prodigy, but he discovered his talent as a composer quite early. He had a great influence Christian Gottlieb Nefe, who taught him composition and playing the organ from the age of 11, is a man of advanced aesthetic and political convictions. Being one of the most educated musicians of his era, Nefe introduced Beethoven to the works of Bach and Handel, enlightened him in matters of history, philosophy, and, most importantly, brought him up in the spirit of deep respect for his native German culture. In addition, Nefe became the first publisher of the 12-year-old composer, publishing one of his early works - Piano Variations on Dressler's March(1782). These variations became Beethoven's first surviving work. Three piano sonatas were completed the following year.

By this time, Beethoven had already begun to work in the theater orchestra and held the position of assistant organist in the court chapel, and a little later he also worked as music lessons in aristocratic families (due to the poverty of the family, he was forced to enter the service very early). Therefore, he did not receive a systematic education: he attended school only until the age of 11, wrote with errors all his life and never comprehended the secrets of multiplication. Nevertheless, thanks to his own perseverance, Beethoven managed to become an educated person: he independently mastered Latin, French and Italian, constantly read a lot.

Dreaming of studying with Mozart, in 1787 Beethoven visited Vienna and met his idol. Mozart, after listening to the young man's improvisation, said: “Pay attention to him; he will someday make the world talk about him." Beethoven failed to become a student of Mozart: due to the fatal illness of his mother, he was forced to urgently return back to Bonn. There he found moral support in an enlightened the Braining family.

The ideas of the French Revolution were enthusiastically received by Beethoven's Bonn friends and had a strong influence on the formation of his democratic convictions.

Beethoven's talent as a composer did not develop as rapidly as Mozart's phenomenal talent. Beethoven composed rather slowly. For 10 years of the first - Bonn period (1782-1792) 50 works were written, including 2 cantatas, several piano sonatas (now called sonatins), 3 piano quartets, 2 trios. Most of the Bonn creativity is also made up of variations and songs intended for amateur music-making. Among them is the well-known song "Marmot".

Early Viennese period (1792-1802)

Despite the freshness and brightness of youthful compositions, Beethoven understood that he needed to study seriously. In November 1792, he finally left Bonn and moved to Vienna, the largest musical center in Europe. Here he studied counterpoint and composition with I. Haydn, I. Schenk, I. Albrechtsberger And A. Salieri . At the same time, Beethoven began to perform as a pianist and soon gained fame as an unsurpassed improviser and the brightest virtuoso.

The young virtuoso was patronized by many distinguished music lovers - K. Likhnovsky, F. Lobkowitz, the Russian ambassador A. Razumovsky and others, Beethoven's sonatas, trios, quartets, and later even symphonies sounded for the first time in their salons. Their names can be found in the dedications of many of the composer's works. However, Beethoven's manner of dealing with his patrons was almost unheard of at the time. Proud and independent, he did not forgive anyone for attempts to humiliate his human dignity. The legendary words thrown by the composer to the patron who insulted him are known: "There have been and will be thousands of princes, Beethoven is only one." Not fond of teaching, Beethoven was nevertheless the teacher of K. Czerny and F. Ries in piano (both of them later won European fame) and the Archduke Rudolf of Austria in composition.

In the first Viennese decade, Beethoven wrote mainly piano and chamber music: 3 piano concertos and 2 dozen piano sonatas, 9(out of 10) violin sonatas(including No. 9 - "Kreutzer"), 2 cello sonatas, 6 string quartets, a number of ensembles for various instruments, the ballet "The Creations of Prometheus".

With the beginning of the 19th century, Beethoven's symphonic work also began: in 1800 he completed his First symphony, and in 1802 - second. At the same time, his only oratorio "Christ on the Mount of Olives" was written. The first signs of an incurable disease that appeared in 1797 - progressive deafness and the realization of the hopelessness of all attempts to treat the disease led Beethoven to a mental crisis in 1802, which was reflected in the famous document - "Heiligenstadt Testament" . Creativity was the way out of the crisis: "... It was not enough for me to commit suicide," the composer wrote. - "Only it, art, it kept me."

Central period of creativity (1802-1812)

1802-12 - the time of the brilliant flowering of the genius of Beethoven. The ideas of overcoming suffering with the strength of the spirit and the victory of light over darkness, which he deeply suffered after a fierce struggle, turned out to be consonant with the ideas of the French Revolution. These ideas were embodied in the 3rd ("Heroic") and Fifth symphonies, in the opera "Fidelio", in the music for the tragedy of J. W. Goethe "Egmont", in the Sonata - No. 23 ("Appassionata").

In total, the composer created during these years:

six symphonies (from No. 3 to No. 8), quartets Nos. 7-11 and other chamber ensembles, the opera Fidelio, piano concertos 4 and 5, the Violin Concerto, as well as the Triple Concerto for violin, cello and piano and orchestra.

Transition years (1812-1815)

1812-15 years - a turning point in the political and spiritual life of Europe. The period of the Napoleonic wars and the rise of the liberation movement was followed by Congress of Vienna (1814-15), after which in the internal and foreign policy European countries intensified reactionary-monarchist tendencies. The style of heroic classicism gave way to romanticism, which became the leading trend in literature and managed to make itself known in music (F. Schubert). Beethoven paid tribute to the victorious jubilation by creating a spectacular symphonic fantasy "The Battle of Vittoria" and the cantata "Happy Moment", the premieres of which were timed to coincide with the Congress of Vienna and brought Beethoven an unheard of success. However, other writings of 1813-17 reflected the persistent and sometimes painful search for new ways. At this time, cello (No. 4, 5) and piano (No. 27, 28) sonatas were written, several dozen arrangements of songs of different nations for voice with an ensemble, the first vocal cycle in the history of the genre "To a Distant Beloved"(1815). The style of these works is experimental, with many brilliant discoveries, but not always as solid as in the period of "revolutionary classicism".

Late period (1816-1827)

The last decade of Beethoven's life was overshadowed both by the general oppressive political and spiritual atmosphere in Metternich's Austria, and by personal hardships and upheavals. The composer's deafness became complete; since 1818, he was forced to use "conversational notebooks", in which interlocutors wrote questions addressed to him. Having lost hope for personal happiness (the name of the "immortal beloved", to whom Beethoven's farewell letter of July 6-7, 1812 is addressed, remains unknown; some researchers consider her J. Brunswick-Deym, others - A. Brentano), Beethoven took on taking care of raising his nephew Karl, the son of his younger brother who died in 1815. This led to a long-term (1815-20) legal battle with the boy's mother over the rights to sole custody. A capable but frivolous nephew gave Beethoven a lot of grief.

The late period includes the last 5 quartets (Nos. 12-16), "33 Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli", piano Bagatelles op. 126, two sonatas for cello op.102, fugue for string quartet, All these works qualitatively different from all the previous ones. It lets you talk about style late Beethoven, which has a clear resemblance to the style of romantic composers. The idea of ​​the struggle between light and darkness, central to Beethoven, acquires in his later work emphatically philosophical sound . Victory over suffering is no longer given through heroic action, but through the movement of the spirit and thought.

In 1823 Beethoven finished "Solemn Mass", which he himself considered his greatest work. The Solemn Mass was first performed on April 7, 1824 in St. Petersburg. A month later, Beethoven's last benefit concert took place in Vienna, in which, in addition to parts from the mass, his final, Ninth Symphony with the final chorus to the words of "Ode to Joy" by F. Schiller. The ninth symphony with its final call - Embrace, millions! - became the composer's ideological testament to mankind and had a strong influence on the symphony of the 19th and 20th centuries.

About traditions

Beethoven is usually spoken of as a composer who, on the one hand, completes the classicist era in music, and on the other hand, paves the way for romanticism. In general, this is true, but his music does not fully meet the requirements of either style. The composer is so versatile that no stylistic features cover the fullness of his creative image. Sometimes in the same year he created works so contrasting with each other that it is extremely difficult to recognize commonalities between them (for example, the 5th and 6th symphonies, which were first performed in one concert in 1808). If we compare works created in different periods, for example, in the early and mature, or mature and late, then they are sometimes perceived as creations of different artistic eras.

At the same time, Beethoven's music, for all its novelty, is inextricably linked with the previous German culture. It is indisputably influenced by the philosophical lyrics of J.S. Bach, the solemnly heroic images of Handel's oratorios, Gluck's operas, works by Haydn and Mozart. The musical art of other countries also contributed to the formation of Beethoven's style, primarily France, its mass revolutionary genres, which are so far from the gallantly sensitive style of the 18th century. Ornamental decorations, detentions, soft endings typical of him are a thing of the past. Many fanfare-marching themes of Beethoven's compositions are close to the songs and hymns of the French Revolution. They vividly illustrate the strict, noble simplicity of the composer's music, who liked to repeat: "It's always easier."

As a composer, it consists in the fact that he raised to the highest degree the ability to express instrumental music while conveying spiritual moods and greatly expanded its forms. Based on the works of Haydn and Mozart in the first period of his work, Beethoven then began to give the instruments their characteristic expressiveness, so much so that they, both independently (especially the piano) and in the orchestra, gained the ability to express the highest ideas and the deepest moods of the human soul. . The difference between Beethoven and Haydn and Mozart, who also brought the language of instruments to high degree development lies in the fact that he modified the forms of instrumental music received from them, and added a deep inner content to the impeccable beauty of the form. Under his hands the minuet expands into a meaningful scherzo; the finale, which in most cases was a lively, cheerful and unpretentious part of his predecessors, becomes for him the culminating point in the development of the whole work and often surpasses the first part in the breadth and grandeur of its concept. In contrast to the balance of voices that give Mozart's music the character of dispassionate objectivity, Beethoven often gives precedence to the first voice, which gives his compositions a subjective shade that makes it possible to connect all parts of the composition with a unity of mood and idea. The fact that he is in some works, such as in the Heroic or Pastoral symphonies, marked with appropriate inscriptions, is observed in most of his instrumental compositions: the spiritual moods poetically expressed in them are in close correlation with each other, and therefore these works fully deserve the name of poems.

Portrait of Ludwig van Beethoven. Artist J. K. Stieler, 1820

The number of Beethoven's compositions, not counting works without an opus designation, is 138. These include 9 symphonies (the last with a finale for choir and orchestra on Schiller's ode to Joy), 7 concertos, 1 septet, 2 sextets, 3 quintets, 16 strings quartets, 36 piano sonatas, 16 piano sonatas with other instruments, 8 piano trios, 1 opera, 2 cantatas, 1 oratorio, 2 grand masses, several overtures, music for Egmont, Ruins of Athens, etc., and numerous works for the piano and for one- and many-voice singing.

Ludwig van Beethoven. The best works

By their nature, these writings clearly outline three periods with a preparatory period ending in 1795. The first period embraces the years from 1795 to 1803 (until the 29th work). In the works of this time, the influence of Haydn and Mozart is still clearly visible, but (especially in piano works, both in the form of a concerto, and in sonatas and variations), a desire for independence is already noticeable - and not only with technical side. The second period begins in 1803 and ends in 1816 (up to the 58th work). Here is a brilliant composer in the full and rich flowering of a mature artistic individuality. The works of this period, opening up a whole world of the richest life sensations, at the same time can serve as an example of a wonderful and complete harmony between content and form. The third period includes compositions with a grandiose content, in which, due to Beethoven's renunciation due to complete deafness from the outside world, thoughts become even deeper, become more exciting, often more direct than before, but the unity of thought and form in them turns out to be less perfect and often sacrificed to the subjectivity of mood.


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