Beethoven: an introduction to his music

What is the course about?

This course is intended for explorers of classical music who want to know more about Beethoven’s life and some of his most important works. We’ll trace his career from early years in Bonn to his international fame. We’ll also explore various pieces, from symphonies and string quartets to opera and piano sonatas, to give you a taste of his changing musical style and technical innovations as he bridged the classical and romantic eras of music. In many ways our current idea of what an artist is and their role in society is modeled on Beethoven, his career and his personality.

What will we cover?

- Beethoven’s musical world: concert life in Vienna, and the place of professional musicians during his lifetime
- His connection with Mozart and Haydn, both important mentors and influences on his own music. Beethoven’s music context in the classical era.
- Some of his radical innovations which took musical forms in a new direction in the early 1800s
- His personal life and the gradual onset of his deafness which began in his thirties.
- His large-scale works: symphonies, string quartets, piano sonatas and Fidelio his opera.
- Beethoven’s challenging and strange late period.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- An awareness of the key genres in which Beethoven composed
- Summarise the major compositional developments he explored in his work
- A familiarity with some of his most important compositions
- An understanding of the musical culture of his time, and his relationship with other composers and performers.
- A familiarity with the three main periods of Beethoven’s career: Early, ‘Heroic’ and Late. Plus and understanding of how they came about.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No prior knowledge of the subject is required. You do not need to read music to take this course (although we will look at music notation and scores occasionally). Some experience thinking and talking about movements in art and culture in 18th and 19th century would be useful but not necessary.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Tutor presentation and explanation, including handouts, powerpoint slides or writing on a whiteboard
Guided listening and watching of audio and audio-visual examples
Class discussion and debate
Listening and reading outside class is encouraged and once enrolled further online resources will be recommended.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring paper and writing implements to take notes. You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online after each session.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You may be interested in other City Lit Music history courses. See Music history: our guide to the programme for a list by day, time, title and tutor.