Beethoven: Piano Trios Op. 1 No.s 2 & 3

Advantages: A work that changed the way we look at symphonies
Disadvantages: none whatsoever

...music for Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus, further emphasizing the cosmic hero consept. This theme was originally composed as a contredanse that he used in the ballet, which was followed in 1802 by the "15 variations and fugue on a theme from Prometheus for piano, Op.35." The first variation begins pizzicato in all the strings. No.2 is presented by cellos and partly by violins against no.1, bowed, by the second violins. This is then played together with no.1, now back in the basses. After this the movement proper gets under way. There follows a short fugue subject in C minor in the first violins, with counterpoint from no.2. As this comes to a close, the music changes to D major for the third variation for bassoon, cellos, basses and two horns. This is soon dispelled as we arrive at No.4 in G minor, beginning very suddenly, like a more... Read review

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Advantages: A new way to hear Beethoven
Disadvantages: Surpassed by some later period cycles

...depiction of a trio of birds, a village band and a thunderstorm. The Seventh brought a completely new emphasis on the use of rhythm, something that had never been heard of before at this scale, while the Eighth proved that little is sometimes more with its witty and humor-filled attitude completely off-setting the greater Seventh. And finally there came the Ninth Symphony that not only out-scaled the Eroica, but also introduced human voices in a symphony. The addition of a chorus and soloists in a profoundly instrumental work would be much explored by the Romantics that followed. In essence and deed, Beethoven was one of the greatest (if not THE greatest) influences in the way music evolved through the Classical era to the Romantic. And, of course, his influence also effected many other genres like piano sonatas, chamber music, concertos, etc... Read review

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Advantages: Dramatic, emotional music
Disadvantages: The introductory chords will wake you up

...accepted the title of Emperor in 1804, he tore the original title page in half delaring that Bonaparte was “an ordinary mortal after all. Now he, too, will trample on all the rights of man and indulge only his ambition. He will exalt himself above all others, become a tyrant!" The Symphony is composed in four movements. 1. Allegro con brio 15:06 2. Larghetto 16:59 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace 6:10 4. Finale. Allegro molto. 12.45 The first movement is by far the grandest. It famously opens with two mightly chords. The first subject immediately follows in E flat. The second movement is a monumental funeral march.. The third , the shortest of the four movements, is notable for its detached rhythms and flashing outbursts. The finale begins with a tempestuous flourish and is in a form of free variations on a theme. Egmont Overture, Op 84... Read review

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