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Intro to Humanities - Task 1
Introduction to Humanities (C100)
Western Governors University
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C100 Intro to humanitiesPreview text
Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73 (Emperor Concerto)
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A1. Historical Events and Themes of the Romantic Period
Sandwiched between the Neoclassical and Realist periods, the Romantic period emphasized individualism, nationalism, heroism, and passion (MindEdge, 2019). Social and political strife occurred throughout this period, including the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the War of 1812. During this dramatic period, art become an outlet for expressing and understanding emotions. Slave narratives humanized captives and generated empathy, while egalitarian views promoted an intimate connection with nature, as seen in paintings and sketches.
Many historians believe that Romantic ideals played a strong role in contemporary art, radical politics, and psychology (MindEdge, 2019). In fact, some musical melodies from contemporary pop, such as Eric Carmen's "All By Myself", are derived from Romantic compositions. Several written works from the Romantic period are still widely available and used in educational settings. I remember reading "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe and "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville back in high school, both of which were created during the Romantic period.
A2. Analysis of Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73 (Emperor Concerto)
During the Romantic period, music was passionate and filled with emotion. As orchestras grew bigger, orchestral renditions often merged Classical period staples, such as brass and stringed instruments, with the dramatic sounds of pianos and percussion (MindEdge, 2019). Music became less structured compared to previous times, such as the Classical and Neoclassical periods where music was restrained and short pieces with lyrical memories were common. Instead, pieces from the Romantic period, including Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73 (Emperor Concerto), were expressive and bold.
Emperor Concerto starts off strong with a marked cadenza, followed by an exhilarating piano arpeggio. The piano melody continues until trumpists blare their notes confidently, adding energy to the lively orchestral melody. The melody slows down shortly after that, sharing a long, passionate story as the measures unfold. Beethoven doesn't rush through the piece, leaving the audience plenty of time to explore the emotions that unravel throughout this majestic composition. It's worth noting that Beethoven was notorious for his disgust with the French in the early 1800s (Ewen, 1966), including the Emperor Napoleon, which is the same time frame as this piece was produced.
A3. Contribution to Humanities (1–2 paragraphs)
Beethoven made many notable contributions to the Romantic period, including the
Emperor Concerto, Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, and his song called " Adelaide." Beethoven even produced an opera called Fidelio sometime around 1805. (Ewen, 1966). Rather than just focusing on strings and woodwinds like previous time periods, Beethoven's work included pianos and even some percussion pieces.
When I played the french horn for half a decade, Beethoven's work and life significantly influenced my performances despite the fact that many of his compositions were nearly 200 years old. To this day, I still remember some of the tragic events from his life, from his bout with pneumonia to his hearing loss that didn't stop him from leading majestic performances (Ewen, 1966). Though Beethoven eventually become bitter and abusive, he originally pushed through life despite his challenges. In my opinion, Beethoven's persistence exemplifies the passion and heroism associated with the Romantic period - and that's one reason he's such a memorable figure from this time.
References (Part B)
Ewen, D. (1966). Great Composers, 1300-1900. The H. W. Wilson Company.
MindEdge, Inc. (2019). Introduction to Humanities. Waltham, MA: MindEdge, Inc.
Intro to Humanities - Task 1
Course: Introduction to Humanities (C100)
University: Western Governors University
