Beethoven, who is often bizarre and baroque, takes at times the majestic flight of an eagle, and then creeps in rocky pathways. He first fills the soul with sweet melancholy, and then shatters it by a mass of shattered chords. He seems to harbor together doves and crocodiles.
A review of Beethoven’s First Symphony, Tablettes de Polymnie, Paris, 1810. Cited in: Cited in: James Irsay, “The Complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas–Artur Schnabel”, https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/SchnabelBeethovenPianoSonatas.pdf, accessed 19 August 2020.
Harbouring doves and crocodiles
by
Tags:
Featured Content
Claude Debussy: Suite Bergamasque
I. Prélude II. Menuet III. Claire de Lune IV. Passepied The term “bergamasque” refers to the ancient city of Bergame, located forty kilometres east of Milan. The character of its citizens (“rustic and clumsy”) was personified by a series of dances and the Italian comic character Harlequin (1572). This comic character is evident particularly in […]
Schumann on musicAs to what concerns the knotty question in general of how far instrumental music may go in the representation of thoughts and events, many are here too anxious in their attitude. We are certainly wrong if we believe that composers set out pen and paper to realize the miserable intention of expressing, describing, or painting […]
The power of critics“Critics sometimes say, about this or that new work – it should betaken up by all our major orchestras and recorded. It never is. Critics have great power, but they have no power.” Ned Rorem (2000) Lies: A Diary 1986-1999. Cambridge: MA: Da Capo Press, p.27.
The art of whistlingIn mid-nineteenth century England, whistling was a common source of entertainment and as part of the general reception to a piece of music. An article in March 1854 in The Musical Times reported: We were sorry to hear the vile practice of whistling again carried on to some extent at the concert; were the well-meaning […]
Brahms’ harmonic exerciseIt was during the summer of 1858 that Brahms met Agathe von Seibold. He had gone to visit Ise Grimm at Göttingenm the university town where Joachim spent his holidays. Ise had recently married, and his home was a meeting place for the younger musicians. I have invited some people in this evening,” he told […]
Richard Bach on perseverance“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” — Richard Bach, American writer Applewhite, Ashton; William R. Evans, Tripp Evans, Andrew Frothingham (2003) And I Quote. Macmillan. Macmillan.
The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 22 (23)Title: The Lord is my shepherd Text: Psalm 22 (23) Related settings: – I shall live in the house of the Lord (Psalm 22; Greg Smith) – SATB and piano (PDF score) Composer: Greg Smith Instrumentation: SATB and piano Product medium: PDF score and part Sample:
To a friendTitle: To a friend Composer: Greg Smith Text: James Fenimore Cooper Jr. Instrumentation: TTBB Product medium: PDF score Sample:
Beethoven’s shuttersBeethoven moved often, and his landlords were not always keen to have him back. While he was working on the Ninth Symphony in 1923, Beethoven couldn’t stand his present lodgings in Hetzendorf, as the landlord, Baron Pronay, constantly bowed to him when they met.He sought lodgings where he had previously stayed in Baden. The landlord […]
Mass of SolidarityTitle: Mass of Solidarity Text: Roman Catholic Mass Composer: Greg Smith Sections: – Penitential rite – Gloria – Gospel acclamation – Creed – Holy – Eucharistic acclamations – Amen – Lamb of God Additional: – Gospel acclamations for Lent (Glory and Praise to You) – Gospel acclamations for specific Sundays or Feasts available on request. Instrumentation: – SATB […]