Classical Scores, the Music of Angels

  True that musical style and structure changes over time, but how far will it go? We've strayed so very far from the elegantly appointed orchestras and their ethereal melodies. Repetitive, insipid beats and otherwise meaningless or disturbing lyrics seem all the rage these days. Hip hop artists abound who glorify rape, murder and misogyny (the hatred of women). Pop artists such as Katy Perry who operate on sex appeal, attempting to make prancing about half naked empowering to the millions of young girls who idolize her. Rebecca Black provided us with "Friday" earlier this year, which is to say the least, a waste of a song. But enough about them, this is about one of true musicians without whom there would be no foundation for music to stand on. One of the troubled yet brilliant few whose music has withstood the test of time and has earned the label of classic.    

  Ludwig Van Beethoven, who needs no introduction (but it seems I gave one anyhow) is arguably the greatest musical mind of all time. Born in Bonn, Germany in 1770 he was one of only three children who survived infancy. Under the tutelage of his alcoholic father, Johann he began to hone his genius in boyhood. At the age of seven he gave his first live performance in Cologne and published his first of many works at nine years old. Moreover, at fourteen he was appointed organist of the court of the Elector (one who helps elect the Holy Roman Emperor) of Cologne. However, his life was tumultuous and uncertain. His father was neglecting his wife and two sons at home so little by little Ludwig became their caregiver as he was the eldest. At seventeen his mother, Maria, the only member of his family with whom he had a loving relationship died and it tore his hear out. What followed was years of illness, misfortune, rocky love affairs and alcoholism. In this period he produced some of his most well-known pieces such as "Fur Elise and "Moonlight Sonata" along with the "Eroica" symphonies. To top it all off in 1801 at around thirty years of age he began to suffer from a ringing in the ears known as tinnitus which later morphed into total deafness at forty-five. With the death of his brother, Kaspar and the less than inhibited nature of his wife, Beethoven sparked an embittered custody battle for their son. He provided well for the child but it left him penniless. Near the end of his life (1824) the Ninth Symphony or "Ode to Joy" was performed for the very first time. It is perhaps his most well known piece but it brought him no money. His "Missa Solemnis" of the same year is also hailed as genius. The Tenth Symphony remained unfinished for Beethoven died in 1827, freed from his life of loss and hardship. 

  This was the story of a man whom everyone knows but few actually understand and perhaps even take for granted. Very much a mortal but immortal through all we have left of him, music. Hopefully there is a glimmer of interest in the readers to further explore his works. His hypnotizing, whimsical and often dramatic works continue to excite and delight millions today. The Katy Perrys and Rebecca Blacks out there are a dime a dozen. It seems at the drop of a hat someone else is famous for an internet video or gained notoriety from the plethora of mainstream shows which promise easy fame to musicians and singers.  

  Beethoven is not the only one who deserves recognition. Twentieth century Hungarian composer Bela Bartok produced dark, subtle melodies with his string quartets and was fueled by raw passion. Frederic Francois Chopin of Poland possessed remarkable knowledge of musical theory and was able to pen intricate and complex piano concertos and sonatas. Still, there is Pytor Tchaikovsky who dazzled with his Nutcracker Suite and another famous ballet "The Sleeping Beauty". So there you have it, a few names to go by if anyone should ever wish to experience how true music sounds and feels. Yes, by all means listen to what you want. Just remember who started it all and lend an ear to their much loved and respected works. You may even find that you enjoy it, perhaps even more so than you ever dared to imagine.