Analysis of Beethoven's Music Essay Example

How much do we know about Beethoven? A lot of peoples' familiarity is that he created pieces like Fur Elise and was deaf. Pointing at simple aspects like these does not tell the entire story of Beethoven. There are more important details like performing as an organist and harpsichordist at eleven to support his mother. Despite his loss of hearing in his twenties, he still pushed to achieve his goal. Factors like inheriting elements from Mozart, the growth of concert life, and helping music-loving aristocrats have all been influential on Beethoven's life and music. In each of his pieces, Beethoven uses form to create a complex structure of repetition or variations. At the same time, Beethoven uses expression to build tempo and dynamics. Throughout the essay, I will explain the possible connection between form and expression. 

Most music utilizes form and expression at the same time, indicating that they are both compatible. According to chapter thirty-one in "Enjoyment of Music Essential Listening," the second movement in Beethoven's fifth symphony has an overall structure of peaceful variations and theme but changes in harmony, dynamics, and tempo within the variations. Typically, if music consists of a theme and variation, it should contain different volumes and pacing. The changes in these aspects allow the music to seem less dull as a person listens to it. As you can see, the use of expressions like dynamics is why the second movement has a serene theme. It proves that two musical aspects can work together without producing an over-complication. Without both, the music may not create the intended mood for the audience. It could be either scattered regarding beat or dull altogether.

Despite the different types of musical forms, they always rely on expression. Chapter six of "Enjoyment of Music Essential Listening" discusses sequences and thematic development. With sequences, it restates the beginning idea but at a higher or lower pitch. Additionally, thematic development varies in melodic outlines and rhythm. Therefore, form is not mutually exclusive because some aspects of repetition will make slight changes over time. With expression, the seventh chapter explains how it shapes the overall content of musical work and delivers the message. Usually, music with particular names emphasizes the vibe or mood it is trying to present. Upon listening, you realize that it has a somber tone if it is quiet and the tempo is slow. But every music needs a theme, small repetition moments, and contrast. The result is a musical piece that needs both form and expression to help tell its story.

When it comes to Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," it is the prime example of form and expression being compatible with one another. When I listen to this piece, I pay attention to its steady pace, the low sound quantity, and the repetition. As far as form, the beat is a triple meter and has an A-B-A outline in the second movement. The three arpeggiated notes per beat are the theme and repeat itself, with few note alterations. The expression includes the use of syncopation, in which the two rhythms do not line up with one another. However, implementing this allows the listener to look back on details they may have missed. The pitch remains low to maintain that somber feel while the tempo keeps a steady momentum to prevent it from feeling energetic. The significance is that all of these aspects happen at the same time without it losing simplicity.