Beethoven Symphony No. 3, "Eroica"

Grieg's Peer Gynt suites are among the best-known and best-loved works of classical music in the world. They are practically embedded into popular culture, being used in a dizzying number of cartoons, advertisements, and films. In the classical music world, as with Beethoven's 5t ...  Show more

When it comes to a piece like the Mozart Clarinet Concerto, a few words or phrases regularly come up: the concerto is described as "mellow" or Mozart's "swan song," but most often it is described as "perfect." Such a perfect piece as Mozart's Clarinet Concerto must have been huge ...  Show more

With the "Eroica," Ludwig van Beethoven expanded the idea of what a symphony could be. The man who helped inspire the symphony? Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Ludwig van Beethoven's Second Symphony came at a pivot point in his life. Musically, the composer moved toward the more epic, revolutionary style that would define his later symphonies. Personally, Beethoven sank into despair as his hearing loss worsened. 

Its power and sheer ambition influenced and intimidated scores of composers who followed Beethoven. 

The Ecossaise is a Scottish dance, usually in 2/4 time. It is known for the energetic rhythm and wide-ranging dynamics. This particular Ecossaise was composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1823. This happens to be my first recording on my newly-acquired grand piano! I can't believe ...  Show more