classical
Beat showcases all things classical; get your fix of Beethoven, Bach and beyond with plenty of Pomp and even more Circumstance.
The Aftermath of Beethoven's Symphonies - An Overview
With a grandiose conclusion of his symphonies, Ludwig van Beethoven established not only a definitive leading voice of nineteenth-century music, but ultimately tapered the now-heraldic symphony's imagery, form, and style to be his own, leaving later composers of the same century with aesthetic anxiety. Although a symphony of the sublime still remained an option, composers were vehement in producing original works and dared not venture into familiar compositional territory, contrasting from the Classical composer mindset of paying homage to older generations in mimicry. Because of this staunch individuality, the genre of symphony significantly transformed to include various aspects of music that do not necessarily fall into the category of the heroic and sublime, and composers such as Berlioz, Mahler, and Dvorak were key catalysts in this metamorphosis of the definition of symphony.
By Cameron Smith5 years ago in Beat
COVID-19 Has Changed Our World - Part 1
It is surprising how much our world has changed within this calendar year of 2020. Back in January, the world was operating in a normal manner. All restaurants were open for dine-in service (in addition to take out and/or drive thru). Similarly, movie theatres and bars were open for business. Shortly after January however, these services were shut down due to the coronavirus. Events such as concerts and important meetings were either being cancelled or postponed. In addition, schools were closed and people were laid off from their jobs. In today’s society, many people are working from home. Business meetings are now being held through means of virtual communication Those who are not able to work from home (with the exception of essential emergency services) have had to file for unemployment. The large number of people who have had to file for unemployment has led to a financial crisis. This financial crisis is in addition to the health crisis that the coronavirus has caused.
By Frank Sartain5 years ago in Beat
COVID-19 Has Changed Our World - Part 2
The second piece on the release (Foreign Area) titled “Beauty in the Unfamiliar” is a short and calm piano piece which is meant to convey the nature of everything being shut down by COVID-19. The piece begins in a very calm manner and then maintains a steady eighth note motion in the accompaniment line. On this steady rhythmic motion begins in the key of B Major, the chords in this piece travel in unexpected directions as a way of highlighting uncertainty and the unexpected. However, the piece returns to B Major occasionally to illustrate stability and confidence moving forward in this challenging time. Eventually the eighth note momentum ceases and the piece concludes with a B Major chord. This ending is meant to help the listener feel at ease. In general, this piece can help the listener relax whenever they are stressed or trying to go to sleep. (See links below.)
By Frank Sartain5 years ago in Beat
Great Art Made Impossible By Superficial Entertainments
Charlotte Moorman, naked, wrapped in plastic, performing a concert in 1966. People went to such Classical music concerts back then, and considered it fun and worthwhile. Now, not so much. We are over-saturated with flashy entertainment on our digital devices. (I really wanna be the guy holding the cello end-pin in my teeth! That looks like fun!!)
By Roscoe Forthright6 years ago in Beat
An Orchestra Experience
Imagine this, if you would. You are one of the many ticket-holders for tonight’s orchestra performance. Perhaps you have never been to such an event. You have seen numerous Rock, Hip-hop and/or Country/Western groups perform . . . Perhaps some even had pyrotechnics. You may have a dizzying collection of CDs and of course, all of your favorite stations are programmed into your media player. But just maybe, there is a chance that you have never seen a real orchestra perform live before. Sure, you have likely heard Grandmother’s old LPs of something called Classical Music, that doesn’t mean you actually listen to it. You would never have dreamed of actually paying to see anything but the most current artists . . . But someone, Maybe Granny, herself has given you a ticket to this very concert tonight and maybe you decided to go and see. Maybe you were forced to go, bored or just curious. But here you are.
By Amber M Martell6 years ago in Beat
Everything You Need to Know About Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was one of the most accomplished composer of all time. To reach his goal of becoming world-famous, he had to face many challenges as a young man. One of the many famous compositions that he composed were, 'Don Giovanni' and 'Turkish March.'
By justalilpeachy 6 years ago in Beat
Maria-Anna Mozart
Maria-Anna 'Nannerl' Mozart was five years older than her younger brother, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and before his genius came to light, Nannerl was THE musical genius of the Mozart family and was well-known throughout Europe. Born to Leopold Mozart and his wife Anna Maria, in July 1751, their eldest and only daughter could play, and even compose, the most difficult musical pieces way before she was 12 years of age. Her father, Leopold, made several notations on his own musical pieces of the prodigal talent that both his beloved children possessed. In a letter dated in 1764, he wrote that she could play 'with incredible precision' the most difficult musical pieces and that 'although she is only 12 years old, was one of the most skillful players in all of Europe'.
By Lady Sunday6 years ago in Beat
Catapulted By Vivaldi
When it is all finished, you will discover that it was never random. The day I saw the advertisement for the Behind the Beat Contest, I had read a line in a book titled, “The Clockmakers Daughter” by Kate Morton. I was sitting in a quiet parking lot with my car window down, listening to distant birds and kids playing in an open grass area directly ahead of me. It was a crisp February day, yet the sun was tenderly draped over my arm, as well as the book pages with a calming warmth. I was waiting to pick up my daughter from school when I read the line, “…music has the ability to alter people’s lives – their very minds.” Whether it was a sign or not, it positioned me to decide to enter the contest.
By Amy Oelrich6 years ago in Beat
The Legacy of George Frideric Handel
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) was not a one-hit wonder. However, one of his hits is of such towering importance, and represents such a huge proportion of his legacy, that it deserves far more attention than anything else. But before considering The Messiah, let’s have a look at what else he has left us.
By John Welford6 years ago in Beat
