Music GCSE: A profile of Beethoven
An insight into the lives of composers at the turn of the 19th century, with a profile of Beethoven, focusing on his intention for his music and his development from classical composer to romanticism.
Includes extracts from Jan Dussek's Piano Sonata Opus 35, Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata, Eroica, and Pastoral Symphony.
This clip is from the series Howard Goodall's Story of Music.
Teacher Notes
This could be used as part of a composer study.
Ask students to compile a profile on Beethoven, with key dates and examples of compositions.
Students could also include an index of key terms associated with classical music for example: sonata form, movement, symphony.
Students could also have a discussion to explore how music is used to express and feelings and emotions.
Curriculum Notes
This topic is relevant to GCSE, AS Level and Higher Music in the areas of Romanticism, Music History and Understanding styles.
