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Beethoven. Beyond
Sezione 1
Sezione 2
The Romantic Hero
VIENNA, Baron von Pasqualati's house. 1811
PLAY ME
One of my great symphonies, the third, reflected a
very high level of self-confidence. I initially dedicated it
to one of my heroes: Napoleon Bonaparte, a giant of the French Revolution. I idolised his anti-aristocratic message and identified with him personally. For someone like me, who had disowned his father, Napoleon became a father figure, much more than a political figure.
I was convinced that he would lead his compatriots towards a utopian new enlightened world... Of course, this was not the case. Only a few years later, Napoleon extended his wars across the European continent, proclaiming himself emperor of France. I felt betrayed that my hero had turned into a tyrant,
so I erased the name 'Napoleon' from the score of the third symphony and titled it simply Eroica.Years later, a series of disastrous performances followed, which made me realise that I had to stop playing because I could no longer hear the notes. So, I composed full-time while living in Baron von Pasqualati's house.
I had to press my ear against the wood of the piano to create the 7th symphony. I kept falling hopelessly in love with young ladies, blond and aristocratic, none of whom corresponded to me. All my amorous passions for women ended, in one way or another. My only fiancée, lover, and wife was music; there was no room for anyone else...
Sezione 3
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