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Biography
Beethoven: The Sound and The Fury
It is almost impossible not to have heard the stirring music composed by Ludwig von Beethoven. His immortal compositions have survived for generations and are as much a part of the modern world as they were almost two centuries ago. But the beauty of Beethoven’s music was born amidst the darkness of a tortured soul. This angry, belligerent, and hostile man lost his hearing before he was thirty, yet continued to produce some of the world’s greatest music. Beethoven: The Sound and the Fury would be useful for classes on European History, Western Civilization, World Culture and Music. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
Vocabulary
Discussion Questions
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Beethoven was undoubtedly a genius. But what is genius? What is the price of genius? Who else in history has possessed genius?
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Beethoven’s father was an abusive alcoholic. How did Beethoven’s father and childhood affect Beethoven’s life and career?
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Beethoven was a surly, ill-tempered man. What were the roots of his bitterness and bad temper?
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Why is Beethoven’s music so difficult to play?
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Beethoven spent his life in the courts of Vienna but he was not a nobleman. Discuss the class implications of Beethoven’s life at court.
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Why was Beethoven embarrassed about his hearing loss?
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How does Beethoven’s music reveal his inner rage? Do you think his music would be different if his temperament had been different?
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Beethoven lost his hearing by the time he was thirty. How did this hearing loss affect him?
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How did he continue to compose such beautiful music despite his hearing loss?
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What was Beethoven’s contribution to the world of music?
Extended Activities
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Compare the music of Beethoven to the music of Mozart. What are the differences in their musical styles?
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You might not realize it, but you probably hear Beethoven’s music almost daily. Identify Beethoven’s music in everyday life.
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