Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (http://lucare.com/immortal/media/composing1.gif (Immortal Media))

                                                     The Hero Ludwig van Beethoven

Many have revolutionized the history of mankind but Ludwig van Beethoven was unparalleled. This extraordinary man was the oldest surviving child of Johann and Maria Magdalena van Beethoven; it is believed that he was born on or about December 16, 1770 in the city of Bonn in the Electorate of Cologne, a district of the Holy Roman Empire (Bio.com). He was a German composer with mastery of musical expression in every type of music. His name is forever remembered in human history. Heroes have traits that include determination and inspiration. Beethoven possesses these traits which led to his achievement. Ludwig van Beethoven is a hero because of his accomplishments, his ability to inspire, and his perseverance during his years of hearing loss.

Beethoven is a hero because he inspires others to express themselves through the arts. It was once said that Beethoven's goal as a composer was that: "He revealed more vividly than any of his predecessors the power of music to convey a philosophy of life without the aid of a spoken text; and in certain of his compositions is to be found the strongest assertion of the human will in all music, if not in all art." (Julian Medforth) Beethoven used his ability to convey the conceptions of life without any spoken text. This makes his work very important in human society because his art is a source of inspiration. Some of his works are described in this quote: "The set of six string quartets Op. 18 (1798-1800), though classical in form, are strongly expressive in content: according to Beethoven the slow movement of the first work portrays the tomb scene in Romeo and Juliet." (Hutchinson) Beethoven's music is meant to be expressive and enlightening. His use of musical communication despite his handicap is what makes him an inspiration. These examples reveal why Beethoven is an inspiration.

Ludwig van Beethoven (http://www.laphil.com/media/people/beethoven_ludwig_van_175x175.jpg ())

Beethoven is a heroic figure because of his accomplishments in the world. Beethoven tried to surpass his fellow competitors by achieving goals: "Beethoven's greatest achievement was to raise instrumental music, hitherto considered inferior to vocal, to the highest plane of art." (Julian Medforth) Beethoven tried to surpass the mainstream affinity for vocal music with his instrumental music, which, in succeeding, displayed his ability to achieve above and beyond most of his peers. Raising instrumental music to the highest plane of art presents Beethoven's accomplishments. Despite setbacks in Beethoven's life, he perseveres on his musical journey as a composer no matter what: "When Caspar died in November 1815, Beethoven discovered to his horror that his brother had changed the will at the last minute to make Ludwig co-guardian of Karl with Caspar's wife, Johanna, whom Beethoven deemed morally unfit to raise a child. Only after a rancorous custody battle that lasted nearly five years was the boy ultimately placed in the permanent charge of his overprotective uncle. Early in 1818 Beethoven again began composing large-scale works, beginning with the Hammerklavier Sonata op. 106, a piano work of unprecedented length." (Harvard Biographical Dictionary Of Music) Beethoven, having endured his brother's death and ensuing dilemma, soon began writing masterpieces again. This remarkable will and drive that Beethoven possessed coupled with his talent equaled a relentless writing machine. Beethoven's instrumental music focus which produced an abundance of masterpieces was fertile ground for further profile musical endeavors which also included choral works.

Beethoven's determination to make music was fierce: "His personal life was marked by a heroic struggle against encroaching deafness, and some of his most important works were composed during the last 10 years of his life when he was quite unable to hear." (Julian Medforth) Yes Beethoven was stricken with hearing loss; he went on to create some of the most notable works ever written. Beethoven kept composing and pushing for success disregarding the troubles he faced: "By 1819 Beethoven was totally deaf, and communication with him was possible only in writing. He had begun work on the Choral Symphony in 1817 and this was followed by the Missa solemnis in 1819-22 and the last five quartets in 1822-26." (Hutchinson) When deafness completely overtook him, Beethoven continued to assert himself as a composer and didn't give up. His determination became his strength to becoming a hero.

Ludwig van Beethoven conducting (http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3grad2oZV1rogh3t.jpg ())

Ludwig van Beethoven is a heroic figure in our history because he accomplished, he inspired, and was determined to raise art to a whole different level. Beethoven proved that anyone can accomplish what they want, no matter what the challenge. This is why Ludwig van Beethoven an inspiration to all.

Ari Shiller

Thompson

H.S. English 2: Per 5

May 10, 2012

Works Cited

"Beethoven, Ludwig Van." Harvard Biographical Dictionary Of Music (1996): 57. Biography Reference Center. Web. 10 May 2012.

Julian Medforth, Budden, and Knapp Raymond L. "Beethoven, Ludwig Van." Britannica Biographies (2011): 1. Biography Reference Center. Web. 2 May 2012.

"Ludwig Van Beethoven Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, 1996. Web. 08 May 2012. .\

Ludwig van Beethoven. Digital image. Immortal Media. Web. 17 May 2012. .

Ludwig van Beethoven. Digital image. Web. 17 May 2012. .

Ludwig van Beethoven. Digital image. Web. 17 May 2012. .

"Ludwig Van Beethoven." Hutchinson's Biography Database (2011): 1. Biography Reference Center. Web. 3 May 2012.