The Influence of Beethoven
It would be impossible to exaggerate the significance and influence of Beethoven in the history of music over the past two hundred years. His music and personality have captured and commanded the imagination of successive generations of composers, performers, and listeners to an extent unmatched by any other composer. In the nineteenth century, Beethoven became significant with the ideal of artistic originality and the image of the rebellious revolutionary genius. In the twentieth century, Beethoven's shadow loomed impressively over the evolution of modernism. At the same time, selections from his most recognized music became cliches as they were appropriated by a startlingly amount of people who wanted the fame and fortune of Beethoven.
The influence of Beethoven can be traced through art, literature and music. Music, being the most important to history, influenced many if not all of the later composers of the Romantic era including Schumann, Liszt, Brahms, Chopin, and Schubert. Beethoven’s image as a composer and Romantic figure has been immortalized through the works of these later composers as well as the artists during this period. Sculptures, paintings, poems, and fictional novels have been created through the inspiration of Beethoven. He was looked upon as a great artist as well as philosophically “a wild but innocent child of nature, a revolutionary, a magician or wonder, and ultimately as a religious prophet and leader.” Some of these ideas were rejected by other critics, but the underlying principle of Beethoven’s music is evident, and through his innovations is still seen as a major Romantic figure. Beethoven’s music also meant a great deal to people in general. In France for example, Beethoven became a “musician of the people”, and was subsequently looked upon as “a hero of the French Revolution.”
Classical music has had an enormous influence on modern music, both in the mainstream and more obscure corners. Many bands and artists display a clear classical music influence in their work. Some artist even have a hint of Beethoven thrown in precariously as he might have to make their piece as original and magnificent as Beethoven's were.
The influence of Beethoven can be traced through art, literature and music. Music, being the most important to history, influenced many if not all of the later composers of the Romantic era including Schumann, Liszt, Brahms, Chopin, and Schubert. Beethoven’s image as a composer and Romantic figure has been immortalized through the works of these later composers as well as the artists during this period. Sculptures, paintings, poems, and fictional novels have been created through the inspiration of Beethoven. He was looked upon as a great artist as well as philosophically “a wild but innocent child of nature, a revolutionary, a magician or wonder, and ultimately as a religious prophet and leader.” Some of these ideas were rejected by other critics, but the underlying principle of Beethoven’s music is evident, and through his innovations is still seen as a major Romantic figure. Beethoven’s music also meant a great deal to people in general. In France for example, Beethoven became a “musician of the people”, and was subsequently looked upon as “a hero of the French Revolution.”
Classical music has had an enormous influence on modern music, both in the mainstream and more obscure corners. Many bands and artists display a clear classical music influence in their work. Some artist even have a hint of Beethoven thrown in precariously as he might have to make their piece as original and magnificent as Beethoven's were.