Beethoven and Goethe

Beethoven and Goethe 

1)

In this issue, we will talk about Beethoven and Goethe, two famous German figures known to all Japanese.

They are known as the "two shining suns" (Romain Rolland) of the German psyche and are still very popular today.

2)

How they met

These two men are so famous that I visited where they met in 1812.

It was in Karlovy Vary (Czech territory) near the border between the Czech Republic and Germany.

3)

Goethe was 63 years old at the time, and Beethoven was 42.

Beethoven had long had deafness.

He met Goethe when he went to Carlsbad in Bohemia, known as a spa resort, to cure his illness.

4)

Beethoven's last Symphony in Japan, "The Ninth (Joy)," is so famous as an annual year-end performance.

(Note: Incidentally, this piece was composed based on a poem by Schiller, a famous poet, and Goethe.)

In contrast, Beethoven's Eighth Symphony, composed around this time, is not so well known.

This piece reflected Beethoven's illness when he was on the mend.

The music is unusually cheerful for him.

5)

Rebellious Beethoven

Beethoven was known for his strict anti-aristocratic spirit from the people's point of view.

The Napoleonic Revolution moved him after the French Revolution, which is said to have overthrown the reactionary regime.

Beethoven composed his 3rd Symphony and dedicated it to Napoleon under the name "Hero."

6)

However, Beethoven was furious when Napoleon later became emperor.

So Beethoven was furious and destroyed it.

This rebellious spirit was not lost during his stay in Carlsbad while recuperating from his illness.

7)

While walking alone with Goethe, they met a group of aristocrats.

As was customary then, Goethe stopped by the side of the road to give way to the aristocrats and show his respect.

Beethoven, however, did not yield a single step and walked down the middle of the road.

8)

This tendency was also seen in Mozart, who grew up in the same environment (court musician), although at a different time.

Therefore, the rebellious spirit may not be unique to Beethoven, but it may be said to have been stronger.

9)

Goethe, a sensible man

On the other hand, Goethe, a writer and poet, was a politician in the Duchy of Weimar and is known as a sensible person who possessed so-called social common sense.

As a young man, however, he was short-tempered, easily offended, and troubled.

His troubles can be seen in "The Troubles of Young Werther."

10)

Later, he also developed a close friendship with Schiller, the poet who wrote the poem for Beethoven's 9th Symphony.

He also extended his interests to the study of art in Italy.

He is also famous for the words he is said to have muttered on his deathbed: "More light!"

11)

Beethoven's feelings were strongly opposed to the aristocracy.

However, it is also true that modern European music flourished only with the existence of aristocratic patrons.