The 'Heroic' Beethoven

On Wednesday, July 18, 2018, Gil Harel returned for the second lecture in his Beethoven series.

Week 2: The 'Heroic' Beethoven
Though his reputation had been established with early masterpieces (such as the "Sonata Pathétique"), Beethoven's legacy was perhaps cemented when he completed his Symphony no. 3 (Sinfonia Eroica) in 1803. Contemporary accounts relate that audiences were initially polarized by the work, as it presented them with a symphony whose length and scope was completely unprecedented. Historians, connoisseurs, and casual listeners alike are often fascinated by this work for many reasons. Chief among these is the fact that Beethoven's hearing had deteriorated considerably by the time the symphony was premiered. The composer's resolve to write music in the face of this relentless malady planted the seeds for the Demigod status future artists would confer upon him.

About the Presenter
Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from classical repertoire to jazz and popular music, as well as opera, medieval, and renaissance music. Previously, he has served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College, where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching", as well as the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, China. Currently, he teaches at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he was recently presented with the coveted "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College." At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions. Outside of teaching, he enjoys staying active as a pianist and vocalist.

[dania]

Correction, Beethoven did write a piece in C# minor, one of the Opus 131 quartets.

[dong]

I wish he would of gone in on Listz and Chopin