On the Performance of Beethoven's Symphonies

Author: (Austrian) Anton Weigl
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-17
Features: Beethoven was born on December 16, 1770, in the small German town of Bonn. His father was a court alto singer but had a habit of alcoholism. From the age of four, Beethoven received rigorous musical training from his father and was often confined to his room to practice the piano. Beethoven learned to play the piano, organ, violin, viola, and flute at a very young age. By the age of 13, he became the principal violinist and teacher, as well as an assistant organist at the court theater. Due to his family's poverty, Beethoven had to take on the burden of the household at a young age, which hindered him from receiving a good education. He grew up through self-study by interacting with Italian, French, and German operas filled with social themes at the theater, as well as the works of literary giants from various European countries. At the age of 17, his mother passed away, and the young Beethoven, as the head of the household, struggled to make a living. In 1789, the French Revolution broke out, and its influence reached Germany. Beethoven, who was auditing classes at the University of Bonn, was deeply immersed in the revolutionary fervor. The French Revolution had a decisive impact on Beethoven. He believed in the republic, loved the ideals of "freedom, equality, and fraternity," and admired the people, struggle, and victory. He regarded these beliefs as his life's goal, unwavering until his death.