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Beethoven: The Greatest Composer
The piano has seen many sights and has been a part of countless important events in the past and present, and is said to have dominated music for the past 200 years. Throughout history, inventions come along that “take art away from princes and give it the people” (Swan 41). Not unlike the printing press, the piano made what was once intangible possible: the
poorest of peasants could enjoy the same music that their beloved rulers did. The piano can be played by “the rankest of amateurs, and the greatest of virtuosos” (Swan 41); so even if a person is not very intelligent, a simple tune can easily be learned. In addition to being a key factor in almost all western music styles, the piano has had a rich and eventful history.
Attending the Hofstra University senior piano recital at the new academic building really had a huge impact on my view towards music. The way that the piano was played was enchanting and touching. One major composer that used the piano was Ludwig van beethoven. He was an epical composer whos name came up during the recital.
Ludwig van Beethoven was, and remains today, an influential figure in the history of classical music. Perhaps no other composer in history wrote music of such inspiring power and expressiveness. His influence on the last 150 years of music is unequalled.
Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany in 1770. His father, a music enthusiast, dreamed of molding his son into the next Mozart. Beethoven never showed the impressive characteristics of Mozart, but he was unusually talented, learning the piano, organ and violin at a very early age. At 14, he was already skilled enough on the organ to receive a professional appointment (Beethoven). He held positions as an assistant organist in the electoral chapel where he obtained his first lessons in composition from the court organist. His family life was chaotic; his father was an alcoholic, and his mother died...