Concert Report (Classical Era)

Words: 644
Pages: 3
Subject: Research Writing

Here is a fantastic performance of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony.

Each of Beethoven’s symphony represent the best of his compositional ability. They are also so individually unique that each symphony belongs “in a world of it’s own”.

However the different periods of Beethoven’s compositional life can be studied in his symphonies.

I will describe these periods.

A.) . Symphony #1 & #2. The period in which Beethoven is enormously influenced by Haydn and Mozart. He proves in this symphonies that HE is equally as good of a composer as they are. These two symphonies are representative of the pure Classical style

B.) Symphony #3. His most surprising and innovative symphony. It is explosive, dramatic, full of innovations of rhythms, harmonies, and dissonances. It is a musical representation of Napoleon and the heroic spirit. Upon hearing it Haydn said “From now on all things are new”. How right he was!

C. ) Symphony #4. The experimental and transitional symphony towards new things.

D. ) Symphony #5. The biographical symphony of his life, struggles, and ultimate triumph over his hearing loss. A heroic and uplifting piece full of drama, tensions, struggle, hope , and triumph.

E.) Symphony #6. The pastoral Symphony. Very peaceful. Beethoven draws inspiration from nature and beautiful landscapes on this symphony. A transcendental piece.

F.) Symphony #7. The most soothing and beautiful of all his symphonies. Filled with beautiful melodies, simple rhythms, and gracious ideas. A masterpiece of beauty. The second movement is an all time favorite and upon it’s premiere, the audience demanded a repetition of it!

G.) Symphony #8. The mysterious symphony. The “calm before the Storm”.

H.) Symphony #9. The greatest masterpiece is all of Western music. Music for posterity. Based on Schiller’s Ode to Joy, a poem about universality, brotherhood, and equality of all mankind. Beethoven introduces a choir to present the voices of all of humanity; past, present and future and our ultimate struggle for brotherhood and equality. The last movement a based on a single musical idea that grows from a whisper to a gigantic explosion. It is a sublime, transcendental masterpiece that has never been surpassed.

Students must write on the first two movements and those movements only.

Begin your report by describing the instruments and /or voices utilized.

The next thing to focus on is the melody and the various counterpoint techniques (contrast, imitation, repetition, countermelodies, major/minor tonality, tempo, and dynamics). Describe the musical characteristics as they are evident in these pieces and would be characteristic of the of all the innovations of Beethoven.

What makes this symphony a masterpiece?

Remember that a concert report from a music student is meant to be simple but at the same time describe the music using proper musical terminology and represent more than an emotional response to the music.

Grades will be based on content, use of proper musical terminology, and simple explanations of the musical characteristics that are representative of Beethoven.

Always utilize proper musical terminology. Never use descriptive words such as “loud, quiet, fast, slow”.

Report should be one to two page , typed, and spaced (1.5).

It is best to upload a PDF file. “Google docs” never seem to communicate well with canvas.