The Eroica Symphony

The Eroica Symphony

The foundation of the classical music started from the ninth century as simple religious plainchants which had a limited pitch range and were monophonic. However, they were limited to monks, nuns and other religious groups. The plainchants evolved until Troubadours and Trouveres from France converted their poems into music, then Leonin and Perotin who composed polyphonic classical music. Afterward, the revolution of classical music continued through the Renaissance era (characterized by vocal and dance music), Baroque era (marked by solo voice and instrumental music) up to the western classical period which prevailed since the 18th century. During this era, different composers such as Carl Bach, Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Mozart, and Ludwig Beethoven surfaced into the industry with compositions characterized by different skills and styles such as musical notations and new playing techniques of music instruments. The various forms of compositions aimed at specific audiences; therefore, the composers made sure that their pieces had a unique style to capture the most attention from the audience.

Ludwig Beethoven, a German-born classical music die-hard, is ranked as one of the best western classical music composers who ever lived. Besides, he successfully composed 47 piano-violin sonatas and concertos, numerous string quartets and nine symphonies[1]. One of the greatest compositions of Ludwig Beethoven is the Eroica Symphony or the Bonaparte Symphony written in 1804[2]. The composition was a letter to Breitkopf Hartel, a publisher, which Ludwig sent to inform him about his symphony which had the interest of the public. At first, Beethoven had dedicated it to Napoleon due to his efforts in transforming the society, however, after Napoleon named himself as France’s Emperor Ludwig changed his dedication to general heroism and named it Eroica[3].  Later in 1806, after the symphony’s publication, Beethoven dedicated it to Prince Franz Joseph. Generally, these were the factors that led to the composition, compilation and dissemination of the Eroica Symphony.

Unquestionably, just like the classical music musicians of the current century, the musicians of the 18th century had their similarities and differences too in every musical art. In comparison, Beethoven’s compositions had profound emotional ideas, thoughts, and feelings unlike other composers such as Mozart and Haydn. The Eroica Symphony is a good example to compare and contrast the western classical music. Western classical music had similarities with other music composed during his era.  Just like many of the symphonies of his period, the Eroica Symphony has more than one theme and used musical instruments such as the piano, violins, and cellos. Also, Beethoven surrounding motivated the symphony’s composition, that is, the political background of France, something which other composers drew content[4]. On the other hand, the Eroica Symphony has a unique contrast from different music compositions since it created a remarkable harmonic and rhythmic tension all along the symphony[5]. Interestingly, the Eroica Symphony starts in sonata form thus promoting symphonic convention and microcosm to attract the attention of his audience.

During the western classical music era, different composers used different techniques, musical styles, and clarity to make their work more appealing to their audience. Above all, Beethoven’s style of writing the Eroica Symphony comprised of a harmonic key conveying the main idea and two alternating consonant keys opposing each other a technique known as modulation[6]. Additionally, he juxtaposed different keys in his work which were later followed by unexpected notes, thus a greater fluidity. The Eroica Symphony had a bright and light texture to help in communication between him and his audience[7]. Moreover, he reduced the length of his sonatas in a more structured way; for instance, he divided the Eroica Symphony into four equal parts, that is, the first movement-allegro con brio, the second movement-adagio assai, the third movement-allegro vivace, and the fourth movement- allegro molto[8]. The Bonaparte Symphony has another musical style whereby Ludwig includes rhythmic patterns accompanied by different motifs and themes thus creating a rhythm rather than a melody[9].

In conclusion, Ludwig Beethoven compositions led to a drastic change and influence in the music world not only during his era but also in the centuries that followed. The complexity and profusion of the melodies of the Eroica symphony made it unique from all other symphonies during and after Ludwig’s lifetime. Due to its style of composition, it stood out as the best symphony ever not only during Ludwig’s lifetime but also after up to the current century. For instance, a 2003 film known as Eroica borrowed the harmonic symphony.

[1] Burnham, Scott. “Beethoven’s Hero.” In Beethoven, pp. 13-44. Routledge, 2017.

[2] Hamilton-Paterson, James. Beethoven’s Eroica: The First Great Romantic Symphony. Basic Books, 2017.

[3] Pisarczyk, Kate, Zach Hall, and Nelle Conley. “The French Enlightenment and Two Men: Napoleon Bonaparte and Beethoven.” (2017).

[4] Burnham, Scott. “Beethoven’s Hero.” In Beethoven, pp. 13-44. Routledge, 2017.

[5] Lee, You Min. Pedagogical approach to variation form in Beethoven’s music. Northeastern Illinois University, 2016.

[6] Lee, You Min. Pedagogical approach to variation form in Beethoven’s music. Northeastern Illinois University, 2016.

[7] Spitzer, Michael. “notes on Beethoven’s Late style.” Late Style and Its Discontents: Essays in Art, Literature, and Music (2016): 191.

[8] Hamilton-Paterson, James. Beethoven’s Eroica: The First Great Romantic Symphony. Basic Books, 2017.

[9] Spitzer, Michael. “notes on Beethoven’s Late style.” Late Style and Its Discontents: Essays in Art, Literature, and Music (2016): 191.