Discussion Week 4 - Humanities 112

“Beethoven” – Ninth Symphony

Identify the composition that you listened to, and determine whether you would characterize the chosen composition as either the Classical or Romantic style of music. Be descriptive in your characterization by using Key Terms from your textbook in why you believe the chosen composition is Classical or Romantic.

Ludwig Van Beethoven, born Dec. 17, 1770 was a musical genius who had a significant effect on the transition between the gradual shift between the Classical and Romantic Era and was famous for his instrumental music compositions in Europe and his influence on subsequent composers generations later. His final symphony the Ninth which is also known as the Choral Symphony incorporates a vocal chorus within the track.

The Ninth Symphony is under the Romantic category and begins with a soft compelling graceful expression known as lento for slow with the tempo increasing as harmonic blends of the wind, brass, violin, cello and flute caress the air with romantic innuendo. Next, comes a quicker pace (allegro for fast), with a higher tempo giving the dramatized emotion of suspense and excitement with a low expression as if to express calm before the storm as if in triumph acknowledgement. Then at the last movement the chorus comes in as if in challenge with a fast tempo. Lastly, in the later movement comes joyous out poring of the combined chorus and ends with a finale.

Explain the key features that lead you to your conclusion.

The key features that lead me to this conclusion is that first historical fact states his preference of compositions and differentiation of Classical and Romantic music. Next, all of Beethoven’s compositions express strong emotional tones or levels in each overture which is opposite of typical Classical music that has more emphasis on formal structure.

His music is symbolically like his signature and autobiography. Further, his unique approach was spiraled by his illness which acted as a stimulus and motivator that propelled him or drove him with creativity to greatness. As in the case of tragedy this is sometimes a spur that develops untold abilities that might have been bypassed but because of this it allowed awesome developments to blossom and grow. Incorporated in each level are crescendos which vary from low to high to low to high and enable the expression of emotion and almost theatrical expression of opera.

Identify one (1) modern musician who you believe was great at one type of music yet pioneered another.

Quincy Jones, born March 14, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois is one of our most greatest and talented minds in the music industry that began his career as a jazz musician. Not only was he influential in the conducting, composing of jazz music he also became known as a icon. Him and his band (The Jones Boy (18 artists total)) traveled throughout Europe and America entertaining but due to financial woes the band dissolved.

In the year of 1964, he became vice-president of Mercury Records a position that had never been available or open to an African/Black American. In this position, he composed film scores for various movies that were not Black depictions of African/Black life. His career is enriched by the awesome musical scores, direction and assistance in hip hop and so many other types of music that the term music genre does not do justice to the awesome talent of his and the evolution and evolved nature of the African/Black music today.

Reply to co-student

I agree that his music is very evocative to producing an emotional response and carries you away on waves after waves from poignancy to drama to triumph to joy to poignancy.

I don't know if Will Smith is helping evolve another segment or category of music. If he is not then he should because he is very influential.

Thank you.

Felicia