Ludwig+Van+Beethoven+by+Flynn+Coughlan

Born in Bonn, Germany; December 17, 1770 Died in Vienna; March 26, 1827 He was a very widely known classical music composer/pianist.
 * Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827):**


 * The Classical Period**

The classical period was a period of time (1750-1830), that falls somewhat between the Baroque and Romantic musical periods. Ludwig Von Beethoven was one of the best known composers from this period, and regarded as either a romantic #|composer, or one that took #|part in the Romantic transition. During this classical period, there was several characteristics that defined the music, one major characteristic being sonata form. The 5 characteristics that music had of this period are:

1. **Mood/Contrast of Mood**- Compositions from the classical period fluctuated in mood; it will change suddenly and express the main ideas the composer is trying to show in the piece.

2. **Melody**- Melodies from the classical period are generally very easy to remember, and possibly one of the most tuneful of melodies. Even a very sophisticated composition's theme can have a very folk or popular feel to it.

3. **Rhythm**- Classical compositions have a great deal of rhythmic patterns in them. This style of music includes frequent syncopation's, unanticipated pauses, and frequent changes of the length of a note.

4. **Dynamics**- Generally a classical composer is very interested in expressing many different shades of emotion in a piece they are writing, which results in many dynamic changes in the composition. This included crescendos (gradually getting louder) and diminuendos (gradually getting softer).

5. **Texture**- The texture of a classical composition is mostly homophonic, but can be just as flexible as the rhythm. The piece can change very suddenly, or have a smooth change from one texture to another.


 * Sonata Form**

Sonata form is a three sectioned composition, these three sections being: development, exposition, and recapitulation. In these sections, there are two themes that are explored according to the #|set key relationships. This forms the basis for most classical music pieces, including symphony, concerto and sonata. Beethoven had made more piano sonatas more than anything, composing all together 32 piano sonata pieces.


 * Works of Beethoven (Sacred & Secular Music)**

Sacred Composition. Sacred music is music performed for the church and religious use. One of Beethoven's sacred musical compositions is Missa Solemnis-Benedictus, which is set in a D major scale.

Secular composition. Secular music is non-church music and music used outside of church. A secular composition by Beethoven is //allegro con brio.// This is one of his most famous pieces he has composed in his lifetime.


 * Choral Music**

Choral music is music performed by a choir. And a choir is a musical ensemble of singers.


 * Instrumental Music**

Instrumental music however, is a musical compositon that is performed with no vocals whatsoever. It is performed using the various brass and woodwind instruments.