MS373: Beethoven and Viennese Musical Life

An exploration the life and music of Ludwig van Beethoven. Students will study the musical works, aesthetic goals, and personal philosophy of the composer within his cultural surroundings, with a special emphasis on Beethoven’s position in Vienna’s musical life around 1800. Contexts during his lifetime will include the rapidly changing music profession during Beethoven’s lifetime, the erosion of the court music system, the continued importance of aristocratic patronage, and the rising importance of music publishing and music criticism. His compositions, which spanned nearly every contemporary music genre, will be surveyed in detail, and his immense influence on subsequent music and culture will be explored. Excursions to historic sites will complement course material.