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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