Favourite Beethoven work

[OboeKing]

What is your favourite Beethoven piece of music? I know a lot of you will be thinking that it is impossible to answer this question as their are absolutely loads of different styles beethoven composed in, from his early works based on the strict classical style all the way up to such marvels as his ninth - big, bold, and a glimpse into the future world of music. He wrote for a great variety of instruments. It also goes without saying that the vast majority of his works are masterpieces, so making this question quite difficult to answer. But in my view, no matter how many Beethoven works you adore, you have to have a favourite amongst them.

Mine isn't too original I'm afraid - it has to be his 9th symphony. It has just the right mix of drama, comedy, love, and joy. The heart-warming finale gives me the shivers every time I hear it!

Whether it be piano sonata, symphony, concerto or the like, what is your all time favourite Beethoven work?

[This message has been edited by OboeKing (edited April 15, 2003).]

[Peter]

I think if I really had to choose then the 9th is probably what I'd go for as well. In Mahler's words a symphony should be like the world and contain everything - the 9th certainly does.

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'Man know thyself'

[Sorrano]

Indeed, this is not something easy to choose. Some days I prefer certain works to others, and on other days I prefer the others. Perhaps the one that has had the biggest impact in my life would be the 5th Piano Concerto. With a whole lot of other works very close behind!

[Poseidan73]

Originally posted by Sorrano:
Indeed, this is not something easy to choose. Some days I prefer certain works to others, and on other days I prefer the others. Perhaps the one that has had the biggest impact in my life would be the 5th Piano Concerto.

I totally agree with everything Sorrano says, including the Emperor Concerto.

[Leigh M]

Sonata no 32 op. 111. Remarkable, but then again it almost a very close tie with all of the late sonatas from op. 90 onwards. Still as modern as the day he wrote them.

[Andrea]

You had to ask such a difficult question as to what is our favorite Beethoven piece of music. Why not ask something much easier like why is grass green or the sky blue?

After racking my brain for awhile, I guess that I would have to say that his symphony #3, Eroica, is at the top of my list. That and the Egmont Overture. These both bring out some strong emotions in me personally and I can't begin to tell you the reasons why.

[lysander]

For me, the problem in life is that a lot of people haven't realized that the more you give, the more you will receive, as with Beethoven . If you listen to his Great Works in their entirety, you will receive a tremendous amount.
Whereas, if you just listen in the 'background' then you are missing an awful lot. The music IS Beethoven communicating to us. We must listen with the heart and mind.
Beethoven's late string quartets have a particular place in my heart, but it is Opus 135, that profoundly moves me the most.
It is an expression of mature human experience and captures the anguish of Beethoven nearing the end of his life and career. "muss es sein, es muss sein",
These pieces are like the keys to the spiritual kingdom, I think he was very ill, he most probably did get out of his body and travel from his earthly being.
Beethoven was at the end of his earthly life.... an incredible genius filled with much sadness and emotion. I feel him so close to me, I feel his anguish and want to comfort him.


[This message has been edited by lysander (edited March 16, 2003).]

[Joy]

A difficult question indeed. But for me it's the 9th Symphony as well and has been from a very young age. It was the first Beethoven piece I had heard and I remember thinking 'I have to find out more about this man and the music he wrote'! The 9th introduced me to him and his music. It has stayed my favourite ever since.

Joy

[Chaszz]

The last movement of the 5th Symphony, and the slow movement of the Violin Concerto.

[John Rasmussen]

I'd hate to be without any of them! But here are my essential favorites, in no particular order:

Symphonies 3,7,9
Piano sonatas Opus 57,106,111
Piano concerto 3
Violin concerto
Quartet 14 in c# minor

If I had to choose one, it would be the world-embracing Ninth Symphony.

[OboeKing]

surely more people have views on what is their all time favourite beethoven work???

[TJJ]

It would be difficult to pin me down on an absolute favorite. I very much enjoy his 3'rd symphony and the overtures are excellent. I own the 3'rd and 5'th piano concertos which I'm very fond of. Sorry,can't do it.

[lysander]

Originally posted by OboeKing:
surely more people have views on what is their all time favourite beethoven work???

It would be easier if you change work for
(works).
We beethoven music lovers are unanimous in our decision that it is nigh impossible to chose just one favourite piece.

I love so much of Beethoven's works
They are just so devastatingly beautiful.

I particularly love the choral works, and the string quartets, then there is the Piano contertos, the Emperor, and Piano Concerto no.4, Then there is the Sonatas.


Which other works of Beethoven do you like OboeKing?
Apart from the Celestial and Choral Symphonic masterpiece, the 9th .




[This message has been edited by lysander (edited March 22, 2003).]

[Peter]

Originally posted by OboeKing:
surely more people have views on what is their all time favourite beethoven work???

It is simply an impossible question to answer - if someone asked me the same question about food or colours I'd be just as stumped. Each in its own way is the best answer.

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'Man know thyself'

[Andrea]

Originally posted by Peter:
It is simply an impossible question to answer - if someone asked me the same question about food or colours I'd be just as stumped. Each in its own way is the best answer.

AMEN!