Beethoven and the Symphony
This series of 14 talks describes how Beethoven developed the symphony to express a very broad spectrum of ideas and values. He constantly changed and expanded the symphonic form so that it became a powerful medium of expression for him. First, he transformed elements that were not consistent with his ethic, such as the third movement minuet, which became a “scherzo”. He continued by changing the structure and weight of each movement making them reflect his objectives of liberation, transformation and growth. We will see how he created narratives to support and communicate his message. In the end, his symphonies became synonymous with liberty and fraternity, the pillars of our civilization.
We encourage everyone who watches our videos to ask questions through our Contact Us page. We’re looking forward to your insights!
This series has 14 Talks about Beethoven and the Symphony. The Talks, of varying length, are on average about 50 minutes long.
The cost of the series is a one-time fee of $45. The videos of the talks will be available for one year after payment.
Members will also be able to download a set of the Nine Symphonies conducted by Eduardo Chibás.
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Biographical data
Beethoven and his time
How Beethoven changed the Classical Symphony
Musical Forms used by Beethoven in the Symphonies
Tonality
Sonata Form
A new vision of music
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The Eroica and Napoleon
The Eroica and Prometheus
A leitmotif that guides the Symphony
The Eroica and Michelangelo’s Sistine ceiling
Analysis of First Movement
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Analysis of the Second Movement: Funeral March or Transformation
Analysis of the Third Movement: Rebirth
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Furtwängler and the Fifth Symphony
The great challenge: From Minor to Major
Analysis of the First Movement: The most famous theme
How that theme is played defines the meaning of the movement
Analysis of the Second Movement
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Analysis of the Third Movement: The journey to Hell and the great breakthrough
Analysis of the Fourth Movement: The challenge is resolved
Ecstasy: Triumph and Catharsis
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A manifest program: The individual and Nature or the individual and the Other
The dialectic of the 5 movements
The Narrative
Relationship with the Fifth Symphony: Two sides of a coin
Analysis of the First Movement: The pulse of life
Analysis of the Second Movement: In Mother’s bosom
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The last three movements: Unity
Analysis of the Third Movement: Too carefree
Analysis of the Fourth Movement: The Mother as a monster
Analysis of the Fifth Movement: The Synthesis with the Other
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Context of the composition: A special moment for Beethoven
The importance of sustained sound
Analysis of the Introduction: Propulsive rhythm
Analysis of the First Movement: Radiant rhythm
Analysis of the Second Movement: Rhythm as Destiny
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Analysis of the Third Movement: Fast rhythm vs. slower repetition
Intensity vs. depth of vision
Analysis of the Fourth Movement: Rhythms in conflict
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The strange 8th
Analysis of the First Movement: Begins with strength and ends in weakness
Analysis of the Second Movement: Satire
Analysis of the Third Movement: The absurdity of a Minuet
Analysis of the Fourth Movement: Compositional virtuosity but no catharsis
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Chronology and historical context
Wagner and the Ninth Symphony: A new vision
Analysis of the First Movement: A Cosmic cataclysm
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Analysis of the Second Movement: Where Titans tread
Analysis of the Third Movement: A synthesis that embraces all
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Analysis of the Fourth Movement
A Utopian vision is born for a new world
Ecstasy through masses of sound
Joy vs. Freedom