ATTENTION: For this AEIOU article, there is probably
a new version in
Austria-Forum
www.austria-forum.org

Please click here

Beethoven’s style

Beethoven’s basis is the style of Philipp Emanuel Bach and Mozart, he is influenced by the compositions of the Mannheim School and the French composers Gretry and Cherubini, and finally writes music of an unprecedented personal character. Through him music can be perceived as an emotional power that touches the human heart. In his concentration of form imposed on the musical material he is only comparable to Johann Sebastian Bach. Typical traits of Beethoven are the power of rhythm, the melodic expansion, the dynamic contrasts, the clarity and pregnancy of themes and motives and their development. His work has given rise to individual interpretations.Consequently, the two great musical trends of the 19th century are both based on Beethoven:

• the conservative line with Mendelssohn - Schumann - Brahms as well as
• the neo-German school with Liszt - Wagner - Richard Strauss.

Stylistic phases of Beethoven:

1. Until about 1802: the influence of Haydn and Mozart can be felt.
2. Until about 1812: Beethoven develops his own personal style in the traditional forms and techniques.
3. The subjective musical expression begins to predominate, partly by assimilating the techniques of variation and fugue.

Search for links to this page