Overview

Course No. 730

See how Beethoven revolutionized musical composition and created works of unique beauty, power, and depth through the history and analysis of his nine symphonies. Beethoven is regarded as a titan of Western music, and understanding his symphonic contributions is essential to grasping the evolution of musical expression. This course consists of 32 lectures that provide an in-depth look at the intricacies of each symphony and the emotions they convey.

Video Lectures

1. Beethoven and the Heroic Style, I
   • Introduction to Beethoven’s life and symphonic development until Symphony No. 6.
   • Duration: 47 min

2. Beethoven and the Heroic Style, II
   • Continuation of exploring Beethoven’s development and early symphonies.
   • Duration: 46 min

3. Beethoven and the Heroic Style, III
   • Further insights into Beethoven’s innovations and personal struggles.
   • Duration: 45 min

4. Beethoven and the Heroic Style, IV
   • Final lecture on this topic, examining Beethoven’s impact on classical music.
   • Duration: 46 min

5. Symphony No. 1 – Beethoven as Classicist: Tradition and Innovation, I
   • Discussion on the innovations introduced in Beethoven’s first symphony.
   • Duration: 47 min

6. Symphony No. 1 – Beethoven as Classicist: Tradition and Innovation, II
   • Further analysis of Beethoven’s classical structure and innovations.
   • Duration: 45 min

7. Symphony No. 2 – Beethoven at the Edge, I
   • Examination of the second symphony and Beethoven’s growth amid challenges.
   • Duration: 46 min

8. Symphony No. 2 – Beethoven at the Edge, II
   • Continued analysis of Beethoven’s heroic style in Symphony No. 2.
   • Duration: 45 min

9. Symphony No. 3 – The “New Path”: Heroism and Self-Expression, I
   • Introductory analysis of the Eroica Symphony and its transformative power.
   • Duration: 46 min

10. Symphony No. 3 – The “New Path”: Heroism and Self-Expression, II
    • Further exploration of the revolutionary ideas in the Eroica Symphony.
    • Duration: 45 min

• Symphony No. 3 – The “New Path”: Heroism and Self-Expression, III
  • Continued analysis focused on the thematic elements of the Eroica.
  • Duration: 46 min

12. Symphony No. 3 – The “New Path”: Heroism and Self-Expression, IV
    • Final insights into the Eroica Symphony’s significance and legacy.
    • Duration: 46 min

13. Symphony No. 4 – Consolidation of the New Aesthetic, I
    • Examination of Symphony No. 4’s historical context and structure.
    • Duration: 45 min

14. Symphony No. 4 – Consolidation of the New Aesthetic, II
    • Further analysis of the innovative aspects of Symphony No. 4.
    • Duration: 45 min

• Symphony No. 4 – Consolidation of the New Aesthetic, III
  • Additional exploration of the symphony and its relevance to Beethoven’s oeuvre.
  • Duration: 46 min

16. Symphony No. 4 – Consolidation of the New Aesthetic, IV
    • Conclude the analysis of Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony.
    • Duration: 45 min

17. Symphony No. 5 – The Expressive Ideal Fully Formed, I
    • Introduction to Symphony No. 5 and its memorable motifs.
    • Duration: 45 min

• Symphony No. 5 – The Expressive Ideal Fully Formed, II
  • Continued analysis of Symphony No. 5 and its revolutionary impact.
  • Duration: 46 min

• Symphony No. 5 – The Expressive Ideal Fully Formed, III
  • Further delving into the structure and themes of Symphony No. 5.
  • Duration: 45 min

20. Symphony No. 6 – The Symphony as Program, I
    • Examining the Pastoral Symphony as an exploration of nature and emotion.
    • Duration: 46 min

• Symphony No. 6 – The Symphony as Program, II
  • Further analysis surrounding the programmatic elements of Symphony No. 6.
  • Duration: 42 min

22. Symphony No. 6 – The Symphony as Program, III
    • Final discussion on Symphony No. 6 and its expressive narrative.
    • Duration: 47 min

23. Symphony No. 7 – The Symphony as Dance, I
    • Exploring rhythmic innovations in Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony.
    • Duration: 46 min

24. Symphony No. 7 – The Symphony as Dance, II
    • More insights into the rhythmic and structural brilliance of Symphony No. 7.
    • Duration: 47 min

25. Symphony No. 8 – Homage to Classicism, I
    • Analysis of Symphony No. 8 within Beethoven’s evolution as a composer.
    • Duration: 45 min

26. Symphony No. 8 – Homage to Classicism, II
    • Further study of the themes and stylistic elements of Symphony No. 8.
    • Duration: 45 min

27. Symphony No. 8 – Homage to Classicism, III
    • Conclusion of the examination of Symphony No. 8’s relevance and impact.
    • Duration: 45 min

28. Symphony No. 9 – The Symphony as the World, I
    • Introduction to the monumental Ninth Symphony and its historical context.
    • Duration: 45 min

29. Symphony No. 9 – The Symphony as the World, II
    • Continued discussion on the sweeping narrative of Symphony No. 9.
    • Duration: 45 min

30. Symphony No. 9 – The Symphony as the World, III
    • Further exploration of the themes and structures within the Ninth Symphony.
    • Duration: 46 min

31. Symphony No. 9 – The Symphony as the World, IV
    • Concluding insights into the finale and legacy of Symphony No. 9.
    • Duration: 45 min

32. Symphony No. 9 – The Symphony as the World, V
    • Final reflections on the impact and significance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
    • Duration: 46 min