Currents November 2017 15
MUSIC
By : Dr . Joanie McConnell
Romantic Passion in Europe
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The nineteenth century was a period of intense , often violent passions . Europe was changing . Nationalism was in the air as oppressed peoples struggled to gain independence from their rulers . Artists , intellectuals and musicians rejected the formality of Classicism , and pursued freedom of expression . This new movement , known as Romanticism , allowed them to unleash their emotions .
The German composer Ludwig van Beethoven epitomizes the spirit of Romanticism . His works literally overflow with his passions and emotions . As you listen to his symphonies , you can sense his admiration for Napoleon Bonaparte , feel his love for the beauty of nature , and understand his torment because of his growing deafness .
Beethoven ’ s Ninth Symphony made musical history . Aside its length and complexity , the fourth movement includes a chorus . No composer had dared to include singing in a symphony , but Beethoven followed his passion . He set Friedrich Schiller ’ s poem Ode to Joy to music with a chorus of 90 , singing passionately about international brotherhood .
This symphony premiered in Vienna on May 2 , 1824 . Beethoven conducted , but because of his deafness , he did not hear the thunderous applause from the audience . But when one of the singers gently tapped his arm , Beethoven turned and saw how
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