Contemplating Bethoven’s greatness in an age of lesser men | Opinion
Widely considered the greatest composer of all time. He is a crucial transitional figure in the development of Western music. Beethoven’s body of musical compositions stands with Shakespeare’s plays at the extreme limits of human accomplishment. In the early 1800s he composed an opera, six symphonies, four solo concerti, five string quartets, six string sonatas, seven piano sonatas, five sets of piano variations, four overtures, four trios, two sextets and 72 songs.
Some quick notes about the impact of his work: In 1918, German prisoners of war bolstered morale by singing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Their Japanese captors were impressed and called the music “Daiku” which simply means “the great song.” Years later, the European Union declared the song its official anthem. And years after that, NASA included Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony on the “golden record” that was launched into space on Voyager One.
After analyzing chromosomes from living descendants, scientists have determined that they do not match those of Beethoven. Sometime prior to Beethoven’s birth, there was what scientists call an “extra pair paternity event.” In other words, someone had an affair that resulted in an illegitimate child – maybe Beethoven, himself. An interesting new tidbit that might someday shed light on where his extraordinary gifts really came from.
Most historians believe that Beethoven’s last recorded words were: “Pity, pity – too late!” Some have suggested that he was talking about a late inspiration that came to him before he could translate it to music. Others believe he was lamenting the fact that medical care was too little and too late to save him. The reality is that he was longing for the vice that may have compromised his health.
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