The chain of events leading up to this psa is as follows: I was watching V for Vendetta a while ago, and that inspired me to start reading The Count of Monte Cristo, which is referenced in that movie. Turns out that movie has, erm, "borrowed" quite a lot from that work. The Count of Monte Cristo is set in France during the time of Napoleon. And this of course made me think of Beethoven's 3rd symphony, the "Eroica," which was inspired by Napoleon.
Actually the truth is someone posted a link to the "Eroica" on facebook and I thought: gosh, I really should make that a music psa. And then I realized how well it fit in with my current reading material. But everyone should know about the "Eroica." It really was a "revolutionary" piece. (sorry, but I had to write that). In a way it marks the end of music for the aristocracy and the beginning of romanticism and individualism. And if I had my notes from Music History II, I could tell you exactly how it does all this. As is, I can only say that having Dr. strauch walk us through this piece in class pretty much changed the way I listen to classical music. And it also made me realize how much of a genius Beethoven really was. Trust me. It's not all hype.
so here is the first movement of this most important piece in Beethoven's career. I draw your attention to around 7:30, where the harmonies are so unbelievably modern that by 7:40/45 I think it sounds like stravinsky's Rite of spring. One of my favorite bits is at 8:45. I LOVE the kaleidescope effect! sooo brilliant! And I think the bassline is a bit tango-esque.
You should continue on to the second clip if only for the counterpoint at 3:20, and the finale is quite nice. Enjoy.
3 comments:
Lovely. I'm still most fond of Beethoven's Archduke trio. Especially the third movement. How about highlighting that one?
As always Laura, your wish is my command.
This is so lovely, considering I am teaching my revolutions unit this month:)
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