The Classical period

The Classical period

The Classical period was an era approximately between 1730 and 1820, where classical music improved significantly. I chose this specific period because classical music had become lighter with a clearer texture. The music also used a clear melody line in place of a subordinate chordal accompaniment. The time I have chosen is between the late 1700s and early 1800s with the composer being Ludwig van Beethoven.

Beethoven was a pianist and composer from Germany whose musical talent began at a young age. He is reported to have lost part of his hearing from an accident in 1798. It came from his anger at being interrupted during his work.  He could hear music and speech normally till about 1812 but unfortunately, was almost totally deaf two years later. Beethoven was one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time, and I would ask who his most important aristocratic patron was. I would also want to know the individuals who supported and encouraged him as he composed his pieces. Another question I would ask Beethoven is which of his conversation books he considered the greatest.  His musical language was thought to be inherited from Mozart and Haydn, and I would ask if that was true. His compositions had unique names, for example, Christ! On the Mount of Olives and I would like to know how he chose these names. Beethoven was rumored to dip his head in cold water before composing, and I would ask if this was beneficial to his craft. His music is timeless, and his compositions are still utilized to date. Therefore, I would finally ask Beethoven how he felt about his musical creations surpassing the expectations of his time and living on for so long.