Double Break Of Beethoven' Symphony Creation

Being regarded as a music sage, Ludwig van Beethoven epitomized the Viennese Classic. Symphony, as one of the main field in Beethoven's creation, seemed to be the only way to realize his divine knowledge and great ideas on music, although there were only nine symphonies being composed in all his life. Besides, a sense of revolutionary spirit is also embodied in Beethoven's symphonies.To carry on this in-depth study in a more comprehensive way, the author has searched for the background of Beethoven himself as well as the society at the time. The creative features of the symphonies and the influences of some historic events— the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the Storm and Stress—are analyzed by the thesis.Influenced by the predecessors of Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Beethoven adopted classical musical forms and techniques in two of his early-composed symphonies. However, he combined the traditional composing techniques with the display of individualism, which endowed symphony with new power and laid a solid foundation for composing of the Symphony No.3 "Eroica".The author first studied the new creative ideas of Beethoven by setting composing background and motive of the Symphony No.3"Eroica" as an entry path. Then she discussed the breakthrough in display techniques that Beethoven had made in composing of the "Eroica" compared with his two earlier symphonies. The breakthrough was made in the context of the new creative conceptions and demonstrated in five aspects:musical structure, orchestration, theme, harmony, and dynamics. At last, the author listed Beethoven's contributions to successors, in both innovative conception and skills, to illustrate his status in the history of classical music.From what has been discussed a conclusion can be drawn:Beethoven inherited principles of classical symphonies established by Haydn and Mozart in the 18th century while made innovative attempts in composing his first and second symphony, which surpassed his predecessors. He also innovated his own creative ideas and techniques in composing the "Eroica".The double-breakthrough that Beethoven achieved made him be regarded as a bridge linking the classical as well as the romantic schools of music, and opened a new era of symphony composing.