1. 1770-1827

2.  Composed in 1796  One of many sets of variations that Beethoven composed in his early years  Composing a set of variations is an easy way for composers to learn how to compose. The tune and the harmony already exist. The composer has to simply think of ways to creatively decorate or vary them.  Here Beethoven bases his composition on a little Swiss tune, which is simplistic, but quirky because of its unusual phrase lengths. It is made up of two three- measure phrases followed by a phrase of five measures.  The phrase structure and the skeleton of the tune and its harmony are maintained in all of the variations.  Listen how Beethoven uses triplets, march rhythms, dynamic changes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, and the minor key to vary the original theme.

3.  Composed in 1807-08 for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 horn, 2 trumpets, timpani, strings  Composed in the middle of his heroic period. It is his most famous piece and probably the most famous symphony ever composed.  The opening four-note motive: short-short-short- long, pervades the entire symphony  The symphony opens in C minor, but concludes triumphantly and exuberantly in C Major  He also adds instruments to the last movement to increase power and range to give the sense of triumph.  To unify the symphony, the last two movements are played attaca- no pause between movements. Beethoven also quotes the theme of third movement in the last movement  When we listen to Beethoven, we get the sense that music is an expression of a personal and subjective point of view. It is no longer the objective presentation of an artistic creation. This would become the base thought of those in the Romantic Period.

4.  Composed in 1820  Completely untraditional in the form of each movement and in the order of its movements.  Contains abrupt changes of mood and ideas  Transcends the accepted boundaries for the piano sonata genre in architecture and emotional depth.  The three movements are Vivace, Prestissimo, and Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo. Normally the movements of a piano sonata are : fast-slow-minuet-fast  The first movement is also unconventional because it is interrupted twice by sections that are labeled Adagio espressivo  3 rd movement in the form of theme and variations (6)  The theme is presented in two sections, both repeated, with each section being eight measures long