Classical Music Masters: Beethoven, Mozart, and Their Era

Ludwig van Beethoven: A Titan of Classical Music

Born in Bonn in 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven died in Vienna in 1827. He composed 9 symphonies, known for innovative orchestration and instrument distribution. Beethoven began suffering from hearing loss in 1798 and was a student of Christian Gottlob Neefe.

Key Works and Innovations

• In 1803-1804, he composed the Eroica Symphony (Symphony No. 3), initially dedicated to Napoleon. He later withdrew the dedication when Napoleon crowned himself emperor, as Beethoven, a staunch republican, was outraged. He then rededicated it to 'the memory of a great man'.
• Composed 32 piano sonatas, often played in their original keys.
• Notable symphonies include the Pastoral (Symphony No. 6), Symphony No. 7 (which Richard Wagner called the 'apotheosis of the dance'), and Symphony No. 9, known as the Choral Symphony, which famously incorporates human voices.
• Chamber music includes sonatas for piano and violin, 5 sonatas for cello and piano, 8 piano trios, 3 piano quartets, 5 string trios, 2 string quintets, and 1 string septet, among other string chamber works.
• Wrote 2 masses, including the monumental Missa Solemnis.
• Composed 7 concertos: 5 for piano and orchestra, 1 for violin and orchestra, the Triple Concerto for piano, violin, and cello, and the Choral Fantasy for piano, chorus, and orchestra.
• Wrote the opera Fidelio, originally titled Leonore, or The Triumph of Married Love.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The Prolific Genius

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart cultivated all musical genres, distinguished by his spontaneity, clarity of concepts, and melodic beauty. His grand tour, following his presentation to the Imperial Court, included performances in Germany, Belgium, France, and England. At age 9, he composed his first sonata. His father, Leopold Mozart, was a renowned violinist and composer.

Mozart's Enduring Legacy

• Dedicated a set of string quartets to Joseph Haydn in 1785 and composed the opera The Marriage of Figaro in 1786.
• His Requiem Mass was left incomplete at his death and was finished by his student, Franz Xaver Süssmayr, who completed the remaining sections.
• Three of his most famous operas are Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, and The Magic Flute.
• Composed over 600 works, including 41 symphonies; his last is the renowned Jupiter Symphony (Symphony No. 41).
• His most famous chamber music work is Eine kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music).
• Wrote 23 piano concertos and 5 violin concertos.

The Classical Period in Music: Defining an Era

Classicism refers to the musical period spanning approximately 1740 to 1800. Key characteristics include balance of form, clarity, and restraint in musical design. The term 'Classical' itself implies value judgments, often suggesting a chosen or superior artistic standard.

Joseph Haydn: Father of the Symphony and String Quartet

Joseph Haydn, a central figure of Classicism, was a choirboy at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna from age 8 to 17. Besides his native Austria, England was another country that greatly recognized his genius. He tutored Ludwig van Beethoven in Vienna starting in 1792.

Haydn's Contributions

• Notable Haydn symphonies include The Clock, London, and The Farewell.
• Composed 104 symphonies in total.
• He is often called the 'Father of the String Quartet'.
• In his later years, he developed a strong interest in vocal music, particularly oratorios.