Spruce Peak Chamber Music Society: Beethoven’s 250th

Regarded as one of the most definitive composers in the transition between the classical and romantic eras in classical music, Ludwig van Beethoven has continued to be a vivid presence through his music. With the coming of his 250th birthday in December 2020, the Spruce Peak Chamber Music Society is paying tribute to his work with a program inspired by Beethoven’s career as a composer during 3 periods of his life – early, middle, and late.

Beethoven’s musical talent was obvious in the early period lasting through 1802.  His father, his first teacher, promoted him as a child prodigy and by 1793, Beethoven had established a reputation as a piano virtuoso and had mastered the ‘Viennese style’.  Beethoven’s middle (heroic) period from 1802 through 1812 began shortly after the personal crisis brought on by his recognition of intruding deafness and includes large-scale works that express heroism and struggle.  The work of the middle period established Beethoven as a master, and one of the greatest ”Romantic” composers.  During Beethoven’s late period, around 1815, he lost total hearing and began a renewed study of older music, including works by Bach and Handel.  Works from this period are characterized by their intellectual depth, formal innovations, and intense, personal expression.

Selections on the evening of January 18 will include Beethoven Serenade for String Trio Op.8; Beethoven Piano Trio “Ghost” Op. 70/1; Beethoven Piano Sonata Op. 110 – Finale (III .Adagio ma non troppo-Allegro ma non troppo).

Beethoven’s 250th Musicians