Read/review the following resources for this activity:
- Textbook 7 Edith: Chapter 9, 10
- Minimum of 1 primary source (from artist)
- Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook – from critic)
- Choose one of the music or dance movements that you read about this week and at least one work from that movement. Then, address the following:
- Examine the movement and specific work in relation to historical and political influences of the movement.
- Identify characteristics of the movement and how the work reflects these characteristics.
- Include a statement from the artist and one from a critic.
- Include a link to the lyrics and/or video depending on your choice.
- Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside source)
- APA format for in-text citations and list of references
Grading
This activity will be graded using the Discussion Grading Rubric. Please review the following link:
- Link (webpage): Discussion Guidelines
Course Outcomes
CO 1: Identify the content, forms, and/or techniques of work of art (e.g., architecture, fine art, literature, and/or drama).
CO 2: Analyze the content forms and/or techniques of a work of art (e.g., architecture, fine art, literature, and/or drama).
CO 3: Explain the historical/cultural/social context in which a work was created.
CO 4: Classify works of art using different approaches (by discipline, genre, style, period, etc.) in order to contextualize the works and relate them to a variety of influences.
Make one original post. Read chapters 9-10 about music and dance in Martin & Jacobus. Select one stylistic period movement, such as romanticism, and one work (music or dance) within that movement. Place the work within a historical and cultural context. Discuss critical analysis of the work. For example,
For example, Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony 3 in B flat is a romantic work that was originally dedicated to Napoleon. Bonaparte. See Ludwig van Beethoven’s Eroica. A Symphonic Revolution. Keeping Score. San Francisco Symphony. Retrieved from:
For this activity, I have chosen to examine the Romantic movement in music, focusing on one of its seminal works, “Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55” by Ludwig van Beethoven. This symphony, commonly known as the “Eroica Symphony,” represents a significant departure from the Classical style that preceded it.
Historical and Political Influences:
The Romantic period in music, spanning roughly from the late 18th to the late 19th century, was characterized by a focus on emotion, individualism, and the sublime. This period coincided with major political and social upheavals, including the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony, composed in 1804, is a testament to this turbulent period. Originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, Beethoven intended the symphony to embody the heroic ideals of the French Revolution. However, upon learning that Napoleon had declared himself Emperor, Beethoven famously scratched out the dedication, reflecting his disillusionment with Napoleon’s betrayal of republican ideals.
Characteristics of the Romantic Movement:
The Romantic movement in music is characterized by its emphasis on emotion, expressiveness, and individualism. Composers sought to evoke a wide range of feelings and experiences, often through expansive forms and innovative harmonic language. The Eroica Symphony exemplifies these characteristics through its dramatic contrasts, dynamic intensity, and expansive structure. From the bold opening chords of the first movement to the triumphant finale, Beethoven’s symphony takes the listener on a journey of profound emotional depth and complexity.
Critical Analysis:
Statement from the Artist:
Beethoven himself described the Eroica Symphony as a groundbreaking work, declaring, “I am not satisfied with the work I have done so far. From now on, I will take a new path.” This statement reflects Beethoven’s revolutionary spirit and his desire to push the boundaries of musical expression.
Statement from a Critic:
Renowned music critic E.T.A. Hoffmann praised the Eroica Symphony as “the greatest, most moving, and most imaginative symphony ever composed.” Hoffmann lauded Beethoven’s ability to convey profound emotion and heroic struggle through music, praising the symphony’s innovative use of form and orchestration.
Sources:
- Textbook: Martin & Jacobus, Chapters 9-10
- Primary Source (from artist): Beethoven’s statement on the Eroica Symphony
- Scholarly Source (from critic): E.T.A. Hoffmann’s critique of the Eroica Symphony
References:
Martin, T., & Jacobus, L. (Year of publication). Title of the textbook. Publisher.
Hoffmann, E.T.A. (Year of publication). Title of the critique. Journal Title, Volume(Issue), page numbers.