These 32 lectures on the history and analysis of Beethoven’s nine symphonies examine how he revolutionized musical composition and created works of unique beauty, power, and depth.
Extensive excerpts are played and discussed. The lectures also explore how events in Beethoven’s life and time influenced his art.
The lectures chart Beethoven’s artistic development in three periods:
- 1792-1802: Viennese period—Beethoven composes Symphonies Nos.1 and 2, innovating within the classical style.
- 1803-1815: Heroic period—Beethoven composes Symphonies Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, making revolutionary breaks with classical style.
- 1820-1826: Late period—Beethoven composes Symphony No. 9, fusing all art forms into one monumental work and heralding a new era of unfettered musical expression.