Michael's Blog

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Why Beethoven? He was a curmudgeon, boor, and as erratic as they come, according to most accounts. He was also kind, generous, and caring in turn. Still, without Beethoven there would not be modern music as we know it.  He was the bridge between Mozart and Haydn most directly, and between Bach and Handel once removed. Essentially, between all that came before and after -- in Western music anyway, centered in Europe throughout the 17th - 20th centuries. I'm no musicologist, so I can't explain the ins and outs of how and why. I just know it to be the case after listening to a lot of music over the years, across genres and eras.  Bach laid the foundation for classical music.  Handel gave depth to its spiritual and oratorial aspects. Haydn and Mozart perfected it. Beethoven revolutionized it.  Expanded it. Gave it all it needed to move into the future. Power.  Subtlety.  Emotion. Scope. Innovation.  Meaning . And he did th...