Beetclas Essay, Research Paper
The Prophecy of the Heiligenstadt TestamentThe rise of Ludwig van Beethoven into the ranks ofhistory’s greatest composers was paralleled by and in some waysa consequence of his own personal tragedy and despair. Beginning in the late 1790’s, the increasing buzzing and hummingin his ears sent Beethoven into a panic, searching for a curefrom doctor to doctor. By October 1802 he had written theHeiligenstadt Testament confessing the certainty of his growingdeafness, his consequent despair, and suicidal considerations. Yet, despite the personal tragedy caused by the “infirmity inthe one sense which ought to be more perfect in [him] than inothers, a sense which [he] once possessed in the highestperfection, a perfection such as few in [his] profession enjoy,”it also served as a motivating force in that it challenged himto try and conquer the fate that was handed him. He would notsurrender to that “jealous demon, my wretched health” beforeproving to himself and the world the extent of his skill. Thus,faced with such great impending loss, Beethoven, keeping faithin his art and ability, states in his Heiligenstadt Testament apromise of his greatness yet to be proven in the development ofhis heroic style. By about 1800, Beethoven was mastering the Viennese High-Classic style. Although the style had been first perfected byMozart, Beethoven did extend it to some degree. He hadunprecedently composed sonatas for the cello which incombination with the piano opened the era of the Classic-Romantic cello sonata. In addition, his sonatas for violin andpiano became the cornerstone of the sonata duo repertory. Hisexperimentation with additions to the standard forms likewisemade it apparent that he had reached the limits of the high-Classic style. Having displayed the extended range of his pianowriting he was also begining to forge a new voice for theviolin. In 1800, Beethoven was additionally combining thesonata form with a full orchestra in his First Symphony, op. 2. In the arena of piano sonata, he had also gone beyond the three-movement design of Haydn and Mozart, applying sometimes thefour-movement design reserved for symphonies and quartetsthrough the addition of a minuet or scherzo. Having confidentlyproven the high-Classic phase of his sonata development with the”Grande Sonate,” op. 22, Beethoven moved on to the fantasysonata to allow himself freer expression. By 1802, he hadevidently succeeded in mastering the high-Classic style withineach of its major instrumental genres — the piano trio, stringtrio, string quartet and quintet, Classic piano concerto, duosonata, piano sonata, and symphony. Having reached the end ofthe great Vienese tradition, he was then faced with either theunchallenging repetion of the tired style or going beyond it tonew creations. At about the same time that Beethoven had exhausted thepotentials of the high-Classic style, his increasing deafnesslanded him in a major cycle of depression, from which was toemerge his heroic period as exemplified in Symphony No. 3, op. 55 (”Eroica”). In Beethoven’s Heiligenstadt Testament ofOctober 1802, he reveals his malaise that was sending him tothe edge of despair. He speaks of suicide in the same breath asa reluctance to die, expressing his helplessness against theinevitability of death. Having searched vainly for a cure, heseems to have lost all hope — “As the leaves of autumn fall andare withered-so likewise has my hope been blighted-I leave here-almost as I came-even the high courage-which often inspired mein the beautiful days of summer-has disappeared.” There issomewhat of a parallel between his personal and professionallife. He is at a dead end on both cases. There seems to be nomore that he can do with the high-Classic style; his deafnessseems poised inevitably to encumber and ultimately halt hismusical career. However, despite it all, he reveals in theTestament a determination, though weak and exhausted, to carryon — “I would have ended my life-it was only my art that heldme back. Ah, it seemed to me impossible to leave the worlduntil I had brough forth all that I felt was within me. So Iendured this wretched existence…” Realizing his own potentialwhich he expressed earlier after the completion of the Second
Symphony — “I am only a little satisfied with my previousworks” — and in an 1801 letter — “I will seize Fate by thethroat; it shall certainly not bend and crush me completely” –he decides to go on. At a time when Beethoven had reached theend of the musical challenge of the day, he also faced whatseemed to him the end of hope in his personal life. In hisTestament, death seems imminent — “With joy I hasten to meetdeath” — but hope and determination, though weak and unsure,are evident. In the Heiligenstadt Testament the composer comes to termswith his deafness and leaves what is beyond his control to whatmust be, trying to make a fresh start. It is quite evident thatthe Testament is filled with a preoccupation with death — hewrites as though death were at his doorstep, waiting for him tofinish his letter — “Farewell…How happy I shall be if I canstill be helpful to you in my grave…With joy I hasten to meetdeath. Come when thou wilt, I shall meet thee bravely.” He hasset his old self — the almost-deaf, tired, hopeless Ludwig –to rest through the Testament so that he may rise and liveagain. Beethoven had stated previously that he has not yetrevealed all of which he is capable. Coming to terms with hiscondition, he moves on to “develop all my artistic capacities.”This eventually leads to his heroic period in which Symphony No. 3 in E-flat (”Eroica”) composed in 1803 became one of the earlyprincipal works. The work broke from the earlier Vienese high -Classic style; many older composers and music pedagogues, notable to accept his new style, called it “fantastic,” “hare-brained,” “too long, elaborate, incomprehensible, and much toonoisy.” In fact the style drew much from contemporary Frenchmusic — the driving, ethically exalted, “grand style” elementscombined with the highly ordered yet flexible structure ofsonata form. It seems undeniable then that the Heilingenstadt Testamentin which Beethoven came to terms with and put to rest theincurable tragedy of his growing deafness, also set forth adetermination to prove his skills before death should take him. This quest coincided with and perhaps led to his graduation fromthe Vienese hi-Classic style to the development of his ownunique heroic style, a blend of French and Vienese elements. The “Eroica” can be viewed as a deliverance of both his life andhis career from despair and futility. Beethoven recreateshimself in a new guise, self-sufficient and heroic. TheTestament thus is likened to a funeral work. The composer setshimself up as the tragic hero — “my heart and soul have beenfull of the tender feeling of good will, and I was ever inclinedto accomplish great things” — withdrawn from the company ofmen, tortured by his growing deafness, tempted with thoughts ofsuicide, overcoming despair by the pure strength of faith in hisown music, searching for “but one day of pure joy.” In amusical perspective, the “Eroica” Symphony established amilestone in Beethoven’s development and in music history. Hismanipulation of sonata form to embrace the powerful emotions ofheroic struggle and tragedy went beyond Mozart or Haydn’s high-Classic style. Beethoven’s new path reflected the turbulence ofthe developing politics of the day (especially the NapoleonicWars), ignited perhaps by the hopelessness he felt in himself. He took music beyond the Vienese style which ignored theunsettling currents of Beethoven’s terror, anxiety, and death. Indeed he placed tragedy at the center of his heroic style,symbolizing death, despair, and loss — paralleling his ownsense of loss, pain and strife. But in addition, like his owntriumph over suffering, there is hope, triumph and joy asexpressed in the finale of the “Eroica.” The Heiligenstadt Testament is a prophecy of the greatnessto come of Ludwig van Beethoven. At a time in his life where hehad exhausted the musical possibilities of the Vienese high-Classic tradition and where his growing deafness foreshadowed adiminishing career, Beethoven seemed to have come to halt in1802. His Heiligenstadt Testament of that year revealed a soulset to despair and futility. At the same time however, despitethe looming impossibility of recovery, his ambition to fullyrealize his musical talent set him to establish a new milestonein musical history — the creation of the heroic style. Symbolizing struggle, the resistance of morality to suffering,and the triumph over despair, we can see how the heroism ofBeethoven’s music reflected his own struggles with fate and hisown triumphs.
Другие работы по теме:
Appearence Vs Reality Macbeth Essay Research
Paper The play Macbeth was written in 1606 by William Shakespeare. It s about a brave Scottish general named Macbeth who receives a prophecy from three sinister witches. The prophecy stated that he would be crowned king of Scotland; this combined with Macbeth s ambitious personality tempts him to murder the king.
What Is The One Dominant Force That
Leads To Macbeth?s Downfall? Essay, Research Paper In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare there are many forces that lead to the downfall of the lead character, Macbeth. The most dominant one, prophecy is introduced at the very beginning. If it were not for prophecy, none of what happened would have occurred.
1 Corinthians Essay Research Paper 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians Essay, Research Paper 1 Corinthians 14 In this chapter, Paul concludes his discussion of spiritual gifts. In comparing the gift of prophesying with that of speaking in tongues, he points out that prophesying excels when it comes to the edification of the church (1-5). In fact, unless the speaking of tongues provides a new revelation or teaching, and is properly interpreted, it does little good (6-19).
Hear No Evil Essay Research Paper In
Hear No Evil Essay, Research Paper In central park, a chess match has begun between two rival friends. One of whom brought along with him his girlfriend. As they played, his girlfriend wants him to
Hiding From Destiny Essay Research Paper Hiding
Hiding From Destiny Essay, Research Paper Hiding From Destiny Running from your problems, is not a method of solving them. This is advice I have received several times since I started school. I believe that, Oedipus, would be liked to have had this wonderful advice in his life. The protagonist, in our play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, learned this, the hard way.
Oedipus Free Will Essay Research Paper The
Oedipus Free Will Essay, Research Paper The characters in the story are free to make their own choices in life. Laios, upon being told that his son will kill him and marry his wife, chooses to have him killed. If Laios had not been told this
Oh Really Essay Research Paper Oh Reallyyou
Oh Really? Essay, Research Paper Oh Really, you think i am a lark, the dogs they run and bark, but when i say to them, shut up shut up shut up, you say to be nice to them,
OedipusMacbeth Comparison Essay Research Paper Oedipus was
Oedipus/Macbeth Comparison Essay, Research Paper Oedipus was similar to Macbeth because both Oedipus and Macbeth were confronted and destroyed by a set of circumstances, Oedipus by fate and Macbeth by the witches and their prophecies.
OedipusS Misfortunes Essay Research Paper Oedipuss MisfortunesWho
Oedipus?S Misfortunes Essay, Research Paper Oedipus?s Misfortunes Who is responsible for the misfortunes of Oedipus? Is it because of the careless way his parents, Laius and Jocasta handle problems, the disobedience of the Shepard, fate, the gods or Oedipus himself? Even though many people contribute to Oedipus downfall he is ultimately responsible.
Jocasta Essay Research Paper Blessed is the
Jocasta Essay, Research Paper Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. (James 1:12)
Shakespeare Essay Essay Research Paper Shakespeare EssayAlthough
Shakespeare Essay Essay, Research Paper Shakespeare Essay Although people have a mind of their own and are responsible for their own actions, it is through outside influences which give them the sheer potential to do the unpredictable. This is exactly what is portrayed in the play Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare.
Macbeth Essay Research Paper Macbeth EssayFrom the
Macbeth Essay, Research Paper Macbeth Essay From the very beginning Macbeth has been a victim of the witches? prophecy and Lady Macbeth?s ambition. With no support he soon succumbed to the pressures of each.
Brave New World 9 Essay Research Paper
In the book, Brave New World, there are many examples of prophecy. The first example of prophecy is cloning. In the book they were cloning up to 96 people that all looked identical. Today we have successfully cloned a sheep, and we are moving towards possibly cloning humans just like the book prophesied. The second example of prophecy is brainwashing and hypnotism.
Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper Oedipus RexCharacters
Oedipus Rex Essay, Research Paper Oedipus Rex Characters in the play Oedipus the King attempt to block the horrible outcome of the gods? oracle. The first people to do so were Oedipus? mother and father, Laius and Jocasta. After hearing the unmoral and disruptive prediction, they attempted to execute their own child.
Biography Of Oedipus Essay Research Paper Oedipys
Biography Of Oedipus Essay, Research Paper Oedipys’s date of birth is unknown. He was born to Polybus and Merope, but Jocasta is his real mother. Oedipus was born in Thebes, but he spent most of his adult life in Corinth. Due to some mistakes that Oedipus makes prior to the start of the play, trouble seems to surround him later.
Oedipus Essay Research Paper OedipusEven though
Oedipus Essay, Research Paper Oedipus Even though “fate” seems to determine Oedipus’ life, he does, in fact, have a free will. His choices brought the prophecy to life. Only his decisions (not influenced by anybody) he made. Of course those decisions were in side of the limits set by fate. When Oedipus heard a prophesy that his going to kill his father and sleep with his mother he ran away, even when he new there were suspicions of him being the real son of his parents.
Macbeth In Shakespeare Essay Research Paper Just
Macbeth In Shakespeare Essay, Research Paper Just so you know i made an 85 on this so you may want to look over it The character Macbeth in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth In 1606 William Shakespeare
Oedipus Rex By Sophocles I c 496
– 406 B.C.) Essay, Research Paper It would be hard to find a play that has been more universally praised than Oedipus Rex (”King Oedipus”). Aristotle considered it the model tragedy, and that opinion has been widely held
Sight And Blindness A Metaphor For Humanity
’s Place In The Universe Essay, Research Paper In Oedipus the King, sight and blindness were used as a metaphor for humanity’s place in the universe. The gods and unchangeable fate remained hidden from humans; therefore, they were blind to the truth of existence. It is ironic that the only insight Oedipus had into the gods’ will was through a blind man.
Macbeth Essay Research Paper In the first
Macbeth Essay, Research Paper In the first act of the play, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the reader is introduced to the two characters that will play the most significant part in the play’s storyline. Even though they are man and wife, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have much dissimilarity. One can tell how their personalities differ as the plot moves forward.
MacbethTragic Hero Essay Research Paper Is Macbeth
Macbeth-Tragic Hero Essay, Research Paper Is Macbeth a tragic hero? The character of Macbeth is a classic example of a Shakespearean tragic hero. There are many factors that contribute to the degeneration of Macbeth of which three will be discussed. The three points which contribute greatly to Macbeth’s degeneration are the prophecy which was told to him by the witches, how Lady Macbeth influenced and manipulated Macbeth’s judgment, and finally Macbeth’s long time ambition which drove his desire to be king.
Macbeth Is A Tragic Hero Essay Research
Paper Macbeth Is A Tragic Hero One might choose to assent to the statement, “Macbeth is a tragic hero.” This conclusion may be based upon certain characteristics , proposed by
Macbeth Tragic Hero Essay Research Paper Tragic
Macbeth Tragic Hero Essay, Research Paper Tragic Hero or Villain? MacBeth the play is considered a tragedy and every tragedy needs a tragic hero. There are many factors that caused the degeneration of Macbeth. Macbeth is not a villlian in this story he is a tragic hero. The major factor that started the downfall was the prophecy by the witches in Act 1, Scene 3.
Oedipus Rex The Oedipus Complex Essay Research
Paper Thousands of years after Sophocles wrote the story of Oedipus Rex; psychologists named a complex after the behavioral characteristics of Oedipus. For many years psychologists have called a son having a sexual attraction toward his mother the Oedipus Complex. It is common belief that Oedipus Rex did not actually suffer from the Oedipus Complex.
Oedipus In Greek Mythology Essay Research Paper
Oedipus is a very interesting character in Greek mythology. He encounters many episodes on his journey, escaping the dangers of the prophecy he was told. Oedipus the King us the is quite exciting to the readers because of the dramatic irony Sophocles uses throughout the trilogy. Dramatic irony is when the audience is aware of something that is going to happen in the story, and the charatcer really has no idea.
Was Macbeth Responsible For The Killings Essay
, Research Paper In the play Macbeth written by William Shakespeare I feel that Macbeth is responsible for the killings. Even though Macbeth was persuaded by the witches, Lady Macbeth, and his own desire to be king he still ultimately responsible for the actions he commit. We could easily allow ourselves to say he has been convinced by the prophecy and his wife?s manipulation, but he is still in command of whatever he chooses to do, and must try to resist temptation.
Macbeth Tragism Essay Research Paper Macbeth is
Macbeth Tragism Essay, Research Paper Macbeth is a tragic hero, a person of high rank who is brought to eventual ruin by a flaw in his character Macbeth’s tragic flaw is his ambition, which leads
Oedipus The King And His Fate Essay
, Research Paper Oedipus The King, by Sophocles, is a play about how Oedipus lives up his fate that he will kill his father and marry his mother, both of which are extremely bad in the Greek society, even though he thinks he is getting away from it. Despite the Greek notions of supreme power of the gods and fate, Oedipus’ downfall is primarily the result of King Laius? and his own actions and attempts to defy the gods, consequently Sophocles says that prophecies from the gods of someone?s fate should not be ignored.
Oedipus And Humanity
’s Flaw Essay, Research Paper Oedipus and Humanity s Fatal Flaw While the play Oedipus the Wreck was about a king whose reign was destroyed by his own deeds, the message contained within the play was much deeper, and aimed towards every man and woman. That message was that humanity s worst and most unconquerable enemy is their own misgivings.
Response To 2
Response To “Why I Hate The Celestine Prophecy” Essay, Research Paper The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield. More popular than The Bridges of Madison County, more philosophical than Socrates, and it rivals onlu R.L. Stein’s Fear Street series in bad writing. It’s a “novel of ideas” says Kenneth Moyle in his very critical essay “Why I Hate the Celestine Prophecy.”
Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper Oedipus RexIn
Oedipus Rex Essay, Research Paper Oedipus Rex In the story of Oedipus Rex, Sophocles portrays the main character, Oedipus, as a good natured person that has bad judgment and frailty. Oedipus