Ludwig van Beethoven - Revision history

Brett at 19:01, 12 August 2023

2023-08-12T19:01:18Z

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	{{picture\|file=Ludwig van Beethoven.jpg\|caption='''Ludwig van Beethoven''' (1770-1827)}}		{{picture\|file=Ludwig van Beethoven.jpg\|caption='''Ludwig van Beethoven''' (1770-1827)}}
	German composer (b. 16 December 1770 in Bonn; d. 26 March 1827 in [[Vienna]]).		German composer (b. 16 December 1770 {{NS}} in Bonn; d. 26 March 1827 {{NS}} in [[Vienna]]).

	==Tchaikovsky and Beethoven==		==Tchaikovsky and Beethoven==

Brett: /* External Links */

2023-08-08T07:48:28Z

External Links

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	* [[wikipedia:Ludwig van Beethoven\|Wikipedia]]		* [[wikipedia:Ludwig van Beethoven\|Wikipedia]]
	* {{IMSLP\|Beethoven,_Ludwig_van}}		* {{IMSLP\|Beethoven,_Ludwig_van}}
			* {{viaf\|32182557}}

	==Bibliography==		==Bibliography==

Tony: /* Notes and References */ Text correction - "Se" to "See"

2022-11-09T10:23:36Z

Notes and References: Text correction - "Se" to "See"

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	<ref name="note4">As Tchaikovsky observed in the above [[Letter 659]] to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], immediately after his thoughts about his [[mother]]: "And so you can see, my dear friend, that I am entirely made up of contradictions, and that, despite having reached maturity, I have not managed to settle on anything; I have not been able to calm my restless spirit either through religion or through philosophy. Truly, I think I should go mad if it weren't for '' music''. Yes, for the latter really is the best gift from heaven for mankind while it strays in the dark. Music alone can clarify, reconcile, and set one at rest. But it is not simply a straw which one just about manages to clutch at. No, it is a loyal friend, protector, and source of consolation, and for the sake of music alone it is worth living in this world. After all, in heaven perhaps there won't be any music. So let us live on this earth for as long as we are alive!".</ref>		<ref name="note4">As Tchaikovsky observed in the above [[Letter 659]] to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], immediately after his thoughts about his [[mother]]: "And so you can see, my dear friend, that I am entirely made up of contradictions, and that, despite having reached maturity, I have not managed to settle on anything; I have not been able to calm my restless spirit either through religion or through philosophy. Truly, I think I should go mad if it weren't for '' music''. Yes, for the latter really is the best gift from heaven for mankind while it strays in the dark. Music alone can clarify, reconcile, and set one at rest. But it is not simply a straw which one just about manages to clutch at. No, it is a loyal friend, protector, and source of consolation, and for the sake of music alone it is worth living in this world. After all, in heaven perhaps there won't be any music. So let us live on this earth for as long as we are alive!".</ref>
	<ref name="note5">{{bib\|1997/94\|Жизнь Петра Ильича Чайковского ; том 3}} (1997), p. 115.</ref>		<ref name="note5">{{bib\|1997/94\|Жизнь Петра Ильича Чайковского ; том 3}} (1997), p. 115.</ref>
	<ref name="note6">Se [[Herman Laroche]]'s {{bibx\|1898/15\|Foreword}} to {{bib\|1898/24\|Музыкальные фельетоны и заметки Петра Ильича Чайковского (1868-1876)}} (1898), i–xxxii.</ref>		<ref name="note6">See [[Herman Laroche]]'s {{bibx\|1898/15\|Foreword}} to {{bib\|1898/24\|Музыкальные фельетоны и заметки Петра Ильича Чайковского (1868-1876)}} (1898), i–xxxii.</ref>
	<ref name="note7">{{bib\|1980/89}} (1980), p 48.</ref>		<ref name="note7">{{bib\|1980/89}} (1980), p 48.</ref>
	<ref name="note8">{{bib\|1980/89}} (1980), p 51. The manuscript of this exercise, however, seems to have been lost.</ref>		<ref name="note8">{{bib\|1980/89}} (1980), p 51. The manuscript of this exercise, however, seems to have been lost.</ref>
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	<ref name="note14">See also {{bib\|1980/24\|Воспоминания о П. И. Чайковском}} (1980), p. 115.</ref>		<ref name="note14">See also {{bib\|1980/24\|Воспоминания о П. И. Чайковском}} (1980), p. 115.</ref>
	<ref name="note15">See also [[Letter 1081]] to [[Modest Tchaikovsky]], 24 January/5 February 1879.</ref>		<ref name="note15">See also [[Letter 1081]] to [[Modest Tchaikovsky]], 24 January/5 February 1879.</ref>
	<ref name="note16">See also [[Letter 1115]] to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], 19 February/3 March–20 February/4 March 1879. In a diary entry for 1/13 July 1886 Tchaikovsky also looked back on his conversations with [[Tolstoy]] ten years earlier and recalled how the latter had been very keen to talk with him about music: "He liked to ''reject'' Beethoven and openly expressed doubts as to his genius. Now that is a trait which is not at all characteristic of a great man, since bringing down to the level of one's ''ignorance'' a genius who has been recognized as such by all, is typical of ''narrow-minded people''." See {{bib\|1993/231\|Дневники П. И. Чайковского, 1873–1891}} (1993), p. 210.</ref>		<ref name="note16">See also [[Letter 1115]] to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], 19 February/3 March–20 February/4 March 1879. In a diary entry for 1/13 July 1886, Tchaikovsky also looked back on his conversations with [[Tolstoy]] ten years earlier and recalled how the latter had been very keen to talk with him about music: "He liked to ''reject'' Beethoven and openly expressed doubts as to his genius. Now that is a trait which is not at all characteristic of a great man, since bringing down to the level of one's ''ignorance'' a genius who has been recognized as such by all, is typical of ''narrow-minded people''." See {{bib\|1993/231\|Дневники П. И. Чайковского, 1873–1891}} (1993), p. 210.</ref>
	<ref name="note17">[[Letter 1408]] to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], 16/28–17/29 January 1880: "Beethoven and Michelangelo are very much kindred temperaments, don't you think?". See also the letter to [[Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich]] quoted in more detail above.</ref>		<ref name="note17">[[Letter 1408]] to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], 16/28–17/29 January 1880: "Beethoven and Michelangelo are very much kindred temperaments, don't you think?". See also the letter to [[Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich]] quoted in more detail above.</ref>
	<ref name="note18">Diary entry for 20 September/2 October 1886 in {{bib\|1993/231\|Дневники П. И. Чайковского, 1873–1891}} (1993), p. 212.</ref>		<ref name="note18">Diary entry for 20 September/2 October 1886 in {{bib\|1993/231\|Дневники П. И. Чайковского, 1873–1891}} (1993), p. 212.</ref>

Tony: /* In Tchaikovsky's Letters */

2022-11-09T10:15:37Z

In Tchaikovsky's Letters

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	===In Tchaikovsky's Letters===		===In Tchaikovsky's Letters===
	* ''Missa Solemnis'' in D major, Op. 123 (1822) — [[Letter 200]] to [[Anatoly Tchaikovsky]], 24 June/6 July 1870, in which Tchaikovsky describes his impressions of a music festival organized in [[Mannheim]] to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Beethoven's birth: "Amongst other things I heard for the first time Beethoven's ''Missa Solemnis'', which is so very difficult to perform. It is one of the greatest works of music ever written.". See also letter 707 to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], 24 December 1877/5 January 1878 (quoted above under 'General reflections')		* ''Missa Solemnis'' in D major, Op. 123 (1822) — [[Letter 200]] to [[Anatoly Tchaikovsky]], 24 June/6 July 1870, in which Tchaikovsky describes his impressions of a music festival organized in [[Mannheim]] to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Beethoven's birth: "Amongst other things I heard for the first time Beethoven's ''Missa Solemnis'', which is so very difficult to perform. It is one of the greatest works of music ever written." See also letter 707 to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], 24 December 1877/5 January 1878 (quoted above under 'General reflections')
	* Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19 (1795/1798) — [[Letter 3675]] to [[ Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich]], 21 September/3 October 1888 (quoted above under 'General reflections')		* Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19 (1795/1798) — [[Letter 3675]] to [[ Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich]], 21 September/3 October 1888 (quoted above under 'General reflections')
	* String Quartet No. 14 in C♯ minor, Op. 131 (1826) — [[Letter 3675]] to [[Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich]], 21 September/3 October 1888 (quoted above under 'General reflections')		* String Quartet No. 14 in C♯ minor, Op. 131 (1826) — [[Letter 3675]] to [[Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich]], 21 September/3 October 1888 (quoted above under 'General reflections')

Tony: /* General Reflections on Beethoven */ Text replacement - "givens" to "gives"

2022-11-08T20:36:54Z

General Reflections on Beethoven: Text replacement - "givens" to "gives"

Tony at 20:23, 8 November 2022

2022-11-08T20:23:50Z

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	Still, during the first year of his studies at the Conservatory, one of Tchaikovsky's most memorable experiences was getting to hear the six concerts which [[Richard Wagner]] gave in [[Saint Petersburg]] in February 1863. At these [[Wagner]] conducted not just excerpts from his operas but also several symphonies by Beethoven, and a letter to [[Nadezhda von Meck]] in 1879 (quoted below) reflects the profound impression which these left on the young Tchaikovsky. Many years later, once he had finally overcome his fear of standing on the conductor's rostrum, Tchaikovsky would himself conduct a successful performance of Beethoven's Ninth at a special Russian Musical Society concert on 25 November/7 December 1889 to raise funds for musicians' widows and orphans <ref name="note10"/>.		Still, during the first year of his studies at the Conservatory, one of Tchaikovsky's most memorable experiences was getting to hear the six concerts which [[Richard Wagner]] gave in [[Saint Petersburg]] in February 1863. At these [[Wagner]] conducted not just excerpts from his operas but also several symphonies by Beethoven, and a letter to [[Nadezhda von Meck]] in 1879 (quoted below) reflects the profound impression which these left on the young Tchaikovsky. Many years later, once he had finally overcome his fear of standing on the conductor's rostrum, Tchaikovsky would himself conduct a successful performance of Beethoven's Ninth at a special Russian Musical Society concert on 25 November/7 December 1889 to raise funds for musicians' widows and orphans <ref name="note10"/>.

	It is true to some extent that, as [[Laroche]] remarked, Tchaikovsky did not intend to 'follow in the footsteps' of Beethoven — at least initially. Thus, apart from the [[First Symphony]] (1866–68), which cost him a great deal of effort, and [[String Quartet No. 1]] (1871), Tchaikovsky's major creative endeavours in these early years were concentrated on the opera stage and programme music. In this respect it is interesting that Tchaikovsky did not think too highly of Beethoven's single opera ''Fidelio'' (except for a few parts, such as Florestan's aria — see the references below), and in his articles he pointed out that Beethoven's mighty symphonic talent was simply unsuited to the requirements of the stage. While working on ''[[The Enchantress]]'' in 1885, however, Tchaikovsky wrote a letter to [[Nadezhda von Meck]] justifying himself in effect for devoting so many of his energies to opera (whereas his benefactress was convinced that he would one day be rated higher than Beethoven not for his operas but for his symphonic works!) <ref name="note11"/>. Tchaikovsky argued in this letter that even such great composers of orchestral and instrumental music as Beethoven and [[Schumann]] had been drawn to the genre of opera, "not out of vanity, but out of the wish to extend their circle of listeners, to act on the hearts of as many people as possible" <ref name="note12"/>. Tchaikovsky clearly felt himself to be part of this tradition of communicating, through grandly conceived music, with the people of his country, if not of the whole world — a tradition which was in effect started by Beethoven, since earlier composers accepted that their works would be heard only by a limited audience.		It is true to some extent that, as [[Laroche]] remarked, Tchaikovsky did not intend to 'follow in the footsteps' of Beethoven — at least initially. Thus, apart from the [[First Symphony]] (1866–68), which cost him a great deal of effort, and [[String Quartet No. 1]] (1871), Tchaikovsky's major creative endeavours in these early years were concentrated on the opera stage and programme music. In this respect it is interesting that Tchaikovsky did not think too highly of Beethoven's single opera ''Fidelio'' (except for a few parts, such as Florestan's aria — see the references below), and in his articles he pointed out that Beethoven's mighty symphonic talent was simply unsuited to the requirements of the stage. While working on ''[[The Enchantress]]'' in 1885, however, Tchaikovsky wrote a letter to [[Nadezhda von Meck]] justifying himself in effect for devoting so many of his energies to opera (whereas his benefactress was convinced that he would one day be rated higher than Beethoven not for his operas but for his symphonic works!) <ref name="note11"/>. Tchaikovsky argued in this letter that even such great composers of orchestral and instrumental music as Beethoven and [[Schumann]] had been drawn to the genre of opera "not out of vanity, but out of the wish to extend their circle of listeners, to act on the hearts of as many people as possible" <ref name="note12"/>. Tchaikovsky clearly felt himself to be part of this tradition of communicating, through grandly conceived music, with the people of his country, if not of the whole world — a tradition which was in effect started by Beethoven, since earlier composers accepted that their works would be heard only by a limited audience.

	Although Tchaikovsky dismissed the plot of ''Fidelio'' as "bourgeois-sentimental" (see [[TH 269]]), one particular work linked to this opera, the ''Leonore'' Overture "No. 3", was for him one of the greatest wonders of symphonic music. Tchaikovsky repeatedly praised it in his articles of the 1870s, and [[Alina Bryullova]] later recalled how at her house in [[ Saint Petersburg]], where she had two grand pianos, Tchaikovsky would often ask her and her husband [[Herman Konradi]] to join him and [[Modest]] in playing various orchestral works transcribed for 8 hands: "He would always start with the '' Leonore'' Overture No. 3, which with regard to dramatic intensity he rated above everything else. 'It makes my flesh creep each time,' he said, 'when the trumpet-call rings out in the distance. I think that nowhere else can one find such a staggering effect as this.' But whilst he bowed before the genius of Beethoven, he directed all his love towards [[Mozart]]" <ref name="note13"/>. Here, too, we find the same juxtaposition of [[Mozart]] and Beethoven, again to the detriment of the latter if it is true that in Tchaikovsky's eyes he commanded respect rather than affection! However, [[Alina Bryullova]] herself states in these memoirs that during one summer at her family estate in [[Grankino]] she and Tchaikovsky had played through all of Beethoven's string quartets transcribed for piano duet <ref name="note14"/>. (Tchaikovsky had bought these arrangements in [[Clarens]] at the beginning of 1879) <ref name="note15"/>. Such zeal in acquainting himself with Beethoven's less accessible works does suggest that Tchaikovsky's feelings about them were not just limited to awe-struck reverence, and if in that diary entry of 1886 he turns away almost in disgust from the "chaos" which prevailed in the works of Beethoven's final period, a letter written to [[Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich]] two years later (it is quoted below) shows that Tchaikovsky was capable of appreciating the late string quartets after studying them more closely.		Although Tchaikovsky dismissed the plot of ''Fidelio'' as "bourgeois-sentimental" (see [[TH 269]]), one particular work linked to this opera, the ''Leonore'' Overture "No. 3", was for him one of the greatest wonders of symphonic music. Tchaikovsky repeatedly praised it in his articles of the 1870s, and [[Alina Bryullova]] later recalled how at her house in [[ Saint Petersburg]], where she had two grand pianos, Tchaikovsky would often ask her and her husband [[Herman Konradi]] to join him and [[Modest]] in playing various orchestral works transcribed for 8 hands: "He would always start with the '' Leonore'' Overture No. 3, which with regard to dramatic intensity he rated above everything else. 'It makes my flesh creep each time,' he said, 'when the trumpet-call rings out in the distance. I think that nowhere else can one find such a staggering effect as this.' But whilst he bowed before the genius of Beethoven, he directed all his love towards [[Mozart]]" <ref name="note13"/>. Here, too, we find the same juxtaposition of [[Mozart]] and Beethoven, again to the detriment of the latter if it is true that in Tchaikovsky's eyes he commanded respect rather than affection! However, [[Alina Bryullova]] herself states in these memoirs that during one summer at her family estate in [[Grankino]], she and Tchaikovsky had played through all of Beethoven's string quartets transcribed for piano duet <ref name="note14"/>. (Tchaikovsky had bought these arrangements in [[Clarens]] at the beginning of 1879 <ref name="note15"/>.) Such zeal in acquainting himself with Beethoven's less accessible works does suggest that Tchaikovsky's feelings about them were not just limited to awe-struck reverence, and if in that diary entry of 1886 he turns away almost in disgust from the "chaos" which prevailed in the works of Beethoven's final period, a letter written to [[Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich]] two years later (it is quoted below) shows that Tchaikovsky was capable of appreciating the late string quartets after studying them more closely.

	For someone as independent-minded as Tchaikovsky, who liked to reach his own conclusions rather than take anything on trust, the unquestioning veneration of Beethoven which he encountered among many of his teachers and colleagues could not but seem rather suspect. He discusses this issue in an early article of 1871 (see [[TH 259]]), observing that it was absurd to maintain that Beethoven was "infallible" in all his works. Now a similar scepticism towards Beethoven was also characteristic of [[Lev Tolstoy]], the Russian writer for whom Tchaikovsky professed the greatest admiration. [[Tolstoy]] liked Beethoven's early piano sonatas very much (he was competent enough on the piano to be able to play some of them himself), but whenever he came across professional musicians who spoke about the 'depth' of the German composer's more complex works, especially the final string quartets, that always seemed to be pretentious, insincere talk to him. At his notable meetings with Tchaikovsky in December 1876 it seems that [[Tolstoy]], who liked to provoke arguments, decided to test the latter's sincerity precisely by criticizing Beethoven, whom he supposed to be the idol of all contemporary musicians. In a letter to [[Nadezhda von Meck]] a few years later, Tchaikovsky describes the dismay he had felt when [[Tolstoy]] during their first conversation suddenly burst out saying that Beethoven had no talent whatsoever! Tchaikovsky had tried to protest, but not very effectively. This was of course not because he agreed with [[Tolstoy]]'s 'nihilism' in any way, but due to his dislike for quarrelling — especially with a writer whom he so looked up to <ref name="note16"/>.		For someone as independent-minded as Tchaikovsky, who liked to reach his own conclusions rather than take anything on trust, the unquestioning veneration of Beethoven which he encountered among many of his teachers and colleagues could not but seem rather suspect. He discusses this issue in an early article of 1871 (see [[TH 259]]), observing that it was absurd to maintain that Beethoven was "infallible" in all his works. Now a similar scepticism towards Beethoven was also characteristic of [[Lev Tolstoy]], the Russian writer for whom Tchaikovsky professed the greatest admiration. [[Tolstoy]] liked Beethoven's early piano sonatas very much (he was competent enough on the piano to be able to play some of them himself), but whenever he came across professional musicians who spoke about the 'depth' of the German composer's more complex works, especially the final string quartets, that always seemed to be pretentious, insincere talk to him. At his notable meetings with Tchaikovsky in December 1876 it seems that [[Tolstoy]], who liked to provoke arguments, decided to test the latter's sincerity precisely by criticizing Beethoven, whom he supposed to be the idol of all contemporary musicians. In a letter to [[Nadezhda von Meck]] a few years later, Tchaikovsky describes the dismay he had felt when [[Tolstoy]] during their first conversation suddenly burst out saying that Beethoven had no talent whatsoever! Tchaikovsky had tried to protest, but not very effectively. This was of course not because he agreed with [[Tolstoy]]'s 'nihilism' in any way, but due to his dislike for quarrelling — especially with a writer whom he so looked up to <ref name="note16"/>.

Tony at 20:24, 7 November 2022

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	Tchaikovsky's most well-known declaration about Beethoven is a diary entry made in the autumn of 1886 in which he contrasts the love he had always felt for [[Mozart]], a "musical Christ" who was both divine and human at the same time, with the awe that Beethoven, like God in the Old Testament, instilled in him (the diary entry is quoted below) <ref name="note1"/>. However, as [[Vasily Yakovlev]] already stressed, when working on the first critical edition of Tchaikovsky's complete works, if one takes account of the many other statements he made about Beethoven, a much more complex picture emerges <ref name="note2"/>. Relevant extracts from Tchaikovsky's articles, letters, and diaries are given in the lists below, whereas the introductory paragraphs which follow are an attempt to broach the question of Tchaikovsky and Beethoven drawing on a few other sources as well.		Tchaikovsky's most well-known declaration about Beethoven is a diary entry made in the autumn of 1886 in which he contrasts the love he had always felt for [[Mozart]], a "musical Christ" who was both divine and human at the same time, with the awe that Beethoven, like God in the Old Testament, instilled in him (the diary entry is quoted below) <ref name="note1"/>. However, as [[Vasily Yakovlev]] already stressed, when working on the first critical edition of Tchaikovsky's complete works, if one takes account of the many other statements he made about Beethoven, a much more complex picture emerges <ref name="note2"/>. Relevant extracts from Tchaikovsky's articles, letters, and diaries are given in the lists below, whereas the introductory paragraphs which follow are an attempt to broach the question of Tchaikovsky and Beethoven drawing on a few other sources as well.

	It is true that Tchaikovsky first discovered the ideal beauty of music through [[Mozart]]'s ''Don Giovanni'', when he heard Zerlina's aria played on an orchestrion at the age of 5 and even more so when, aged 16 or 17, he first heard a full performance of the opera in [[Saint Petersburg]]; and, similarly, as he admitted in several letters to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], it was to [[Mozart]] that he felt himself obliged for the fact that he had chosen to dedicate his life to music. Nevertheless, in his brief ''[[Autobiography]]'' of 1889, which only came to light in 2002, Tchaikovsky, whilst still emphasizing the revelation that ''Don Giovanni'' had been to him, also recalls how during the first two years that he worked as an official at the Ministry of Justice (1859–61) in his free time he would sometimes sit down at the piano at home:		It is true that Tchaikovsky first discovered the ideal beauty of music through [[Mozart]]'s ''Don Giovanni'', when he heard Zerlina's aria played on an orchestrion at the age of 5, and even more so when, aged 16 or 17, he first heard a full performance of the opera in [[Saint Petersburg]]; and, similarly, as he admitted in several letters to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], it was to [[Mozart]] that he felt himself obliged for the fact that he had chosen to dedicate his life to music. Nevertheless, in his brief ''[[Autobiography]]'' of 1889, which only came to light in 2002, Tchaikovsky, whilst still emphasizing the revelation that ''Don Giovanni'' had been to him, also recalls how during the first two years that he worked as an official at the Ministry of Justice (1859–61), in his free time he would sometimes sit down at the piano at home:

	{{quote\|I would play through my beloved ''Don Giovanni'' over and over again, or rehearse some shallow salon piece. From time to time, though, I would set about studying a Beethoven symphony. How strange! This music would cause me to feel sad each time and made me an unhappy person for weeks. From then on I was filled with a burning desire to write a symphony — a desire which would erupt afresh each time that I came into contact with Beethoven's music. However, I would then feel all too keenly my ignorance, my complete inability to deal with the technique of composition, and this feeling brought me close to despair..." (''[[Autobiography]]''.}}		{{quote\|I would play through my beloved ''Don Giovanni'' over and over again, or rehearse some shallow salon piece. From time to time, though, I would set about studying a Beethoven symphony. How strange! This music would cause me to feel sad each time and made me an unhappy person for weeks. From then on I was filled with a burning desire to write a symphony — a desire which would erupt afresh each time that I came into contact with Beethoven's music. However, I would then feel all too keenly my ignorance, my complete inability to deal with the technique of composition, and this feeling brought me close to despair..." (''[[Autobiography]]''.}}
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	This declaration suggests that it was Beethoven's symphonies in fact which kindled in the young Tchaikovsky the zeal to write music himself, rather than just escaping from everyday reality into the magical realm of [[Mozart]]'s opera. Moreover, the feeling of "sadness" which overcame him whenever he heard Beethoven's music is one that would remain with him all his life, and, if around 1860 it was perhaps mainly due to his despair at the thought that he would never be able to write anything similar since he knew nothing of compositional technique, in later years it was certainly the "tragic struggle with Fate and striving after unattainable ideals" expressed in many of Beethoven's works (see the references below) that struck a chord with Tchaikovsky. This affinity he felt with Beethoven and the element of 'struggle' in the latter's life and music is perhaps most interestingly revealed in the additions he made to a compilation of biographical material on Beethoven which he started writing in 1873 but did not complete — 'Beethoven and His Time]]'. These extra observations of his own suggest that Tchaikovsky clearly empathized with some important moments in Beethoven's life: the early loss of his mother <ref name="note3"/>, the German composer's struggle against adverse circumstances and against the failings of his own character. Thus, far from being merely a remote, awe-inspiring Old Testament God to him, Tchaikovsky recognized in Beethoven a kindred spirit, namely an artist who was deeply aware of the tragedy of human existence, and who sensed that the only true happiness he could find in life was in music <ref name="note4"/>. The comparison in his diary between [[Mozart]] and Beethoven, at first sight so 'unfavourable' for the latter, might therefore be interpreted, firstly, as a way of expressing how [[Mozart]]'s music acted like a balsam on his troubled soul as opposed to Beethoven's, which reflected back his own suffering, and, secondly, as an implicit confession of how daunting it was to have to write music in the wake of Beethoven — a feeling that was shared by almost all the other great composers of the nineteenth century!		This declaration suggests that it was Beethoven's symphonies in fact which kindled in the young Tchaikovsky the zeal to write music himself, rather than just escaping from everyday reality into the magical realm of [[Mozart]]'s opera. Moreover, the feeling of "sadness" which overcame him whenever he heard Beethoven's music is one that would remain with him all his life, and, if around 1860 it was perhaps mainly due to his despair at the thought that he would never be able to write anything similar since he knew nothing of compositional technique, in later years it was certainly the "tragic struggle with Fate and striving after unattainable ideals" expressed in many of Beethoven's works (see the references below) that struck a chord with Tchaikovsky. This affinity he felt with Beethoven and the element of 'struggle' in the latter's life and music is perhaps most interestingly revealed in the additions he made to a compilation of biographical material on Beethoven which he started writing in 1873 but did not complete — 'Beethoven and His Time]]'. These extra observations of his own suggest that Tchaikovsky clearly empathized with some important moments in Beethoven's life: the early loss of his mother <ref name="note3"/>, the German composer's struggle against adverse circumstances and against the failings of his own character. Thus, far from being merely a remote, awe-inspiring Old Testament God to him, Tchaikovsky recognized in Beethoven a kindred spirit, namely an artist who was deeply aware of the tragedy of human existence, and who sensed that the only true happiness he could find in life was in music <ref name="note4"/>. The comparison in his diary between [[Mozart]] and Beethoven, at first sight so 'unfavourable' for the latter, might therefore be interpreted, firstly, as a way of expressing how [[Mozart]]'s music acted like a balsam on his troubled soul as opposed to Beethoven's, which reflected back his own suffering, and, secondly, as an implicit confession of how daunting it was to have to write music in the wake of Beethoven — a feeling that was shared by almost all the other great composers of the nineteenth century!

	As [[Modest Tchaikovsky]] points out in his biography of the composer, before 1861 his brother's knowledge of orchestral and chamber music was very limited and he could not even list Beethoven's symphonies <ref name="note5"/>. In the years that Tchaikovsky was studying at the Imperial School of Jurisprudence (1850–59) there were very few opportunities to attend symphony concerts even in [[Saint Petersburg]], and, besides, his passion for Italian opera had prejudiced him against 'serious' German music. All this changed drastically when he signed up for [[Nikolay Zaremba]]'s harmony classes in the autumn of 1861. To the amazement of his younger brothers, who until then had only heard him play numbers from Italian operas and fashionable salon pieces on the family piano, Tchaikovsky now started working through tortuous fugues by [[Bach]], and, most importantly, transcriptions of Beethoven symphonies. The one that most fascinated his musically sensitive brother [[Modest]] was the Fifth, and Tchaikovsky himself would later draw inspiration from it when writing his [[Fourth Symphony]]. The passage quoted above from the ''[[Autobiography]]'' refers precisely to this period in Tchaikovsky's life when the vocation of a composer had awakened in him, thanks to the ideal realm opened up by Beethoven's music, but there seemed to be no hope of ever realizing his ambitions. This is what threw the young Tchaikovsky into a state of dejection until the opening of the Conservatory in September 1862 changed his life altogether.		As [[Modest Tchaikovsky]] points out in his biography of the composer, before 1861 his brother's knowledge of orchestral and chamber music was very limited and he could not even list Beethoven's symphonies <ref name="note5"/>. In the years that Tchaikovsky was studying at the Imperial School of Jurisprudence (1850–59), there were very few opportunities to attend symphony concerts even in [[Saint Petersburg]], and, besides, his passion for Italian opera had prejudiced him against 'serious' German music. All this changed drastically when he signed up for [[Nikolay Zaremba]]'s harmony classes in the autumn of 1861. To the amazement of his younger brothers, who until then had only heard him play numbers from Italian operas and fashionable salon pieces on the family piano, Tchaikovsky now started working through tortuous fugues by [[Bach]], and, most importantly, transcriptions of Beethoven symphonies. The one that most fascinated his musically sensitive brother [[Modest]] was the Fifth, and Tchaikovsky himself would later draw inspiration from it when writing his [[Fourth Symphony]]. The passage quoted above from the ''[[Autobiography]]'' refers precisely to this period in Tchaikovsky's life when the vocation of a composer had awakened in him, thanks to the ideal realm opened up by Beethoven's music, but there seemed to be no hope of ever realizing his ambitions. This is what threw the young Tchaikovsky into a state of dejection until the opening of the Conservatory in September 1862 changed his life altogether.

	[[Herman Laroche]], Tchaikovsky's closest friend at the [[Saint Petersburg]] Conservatory, later recalled how there they had played through Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, together with various works by [[Schumann]], arranged for piano duet. The student orchestra organized by [[Anton Rubinstein]], which Tchaikovsky was soon able to join after learning to play the flute, often performed symphonies by Beethoven, especially the Eighth, which was to become one of Tchaikovsky's favourites. [[Laroche]], in his memoirs, however, also pointed out that his friend's feelings about Beethoven's music even then had been ambivalent: for example, after one concert Tchaikovsky had described the exchanges between the wind instruments in the final movement of the Eighth as "an unsurpassable stroke of genius", whereas a year later he had merely said that they produced "a comic effect"! <ref name="note6"/> (This feature of the symphony is discussed enthusiastically in an article of 1875 — see [[TH 301]]). More generally, according to [[Laroche]], Tchaikovsky, "with the exception of very few works by Beethoven, felt far more respect for him than enthusiasm, and in many regards did not all intend to follow in his footsteps" <ref name="note7"/>. Tchaikovsky's attitude, at least as recorded by [[Laroche]], may have partly been a reaction to the cult of Beethoven amongst his teachers at the Conservatory, especially [[Zaremba]] and [[A. Rubinstein]]. The latter, for example, set him the task of arranging for orchestra one section of the ''Kreutzer Sonata'' (see [[TH 168]]) and, according to [[Laroche]] again, another exercise which Tchaikovsky was given was to orchestrate Beethoven's Piano Sonata in D minor (Op. 31, No. 2) in at least four different versions <ref name="note8"/>. The way that Beethoven was constantly held up as a paragon by his teachers very likely provoked Tchaikovsky's rebellious streak, leading him to turn to more modern composers, such as [[Berlioz]] and [[Liszt]], as the 'models' for his own orchestral works at first. [[Nikolay Kashkin]], another close friend from the Conservatory, would later also recall how Tchaikovsky at the time was indifferent to chamber music, in particular to Beethoven's late string quartets, one of which (the A minor quartet, Op. 132) made him feel quite "drowsy" <ref name="note9"/>.		[[Herman Laroche]], Tchaikovsky's closest friend at the [[Saint Petersburg]] Conservatory, later recalled how there they had played through Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, together with various works by [[Schumann]], arranged for piano duet. The student orchestra organized by [[Anton Rubinstein]], which Tchaikovsky was soon able to join after learning to play the flute, often performed symphonies by Beethoven, especially the Eighth, which was to become one of Tchaikovsky's favourites. [[Laroche]], in his memoirs, however, also pointed out that his friend's feelings about Beethoven's music even then had been ambivalent: for example, after one concert Tchaikovsky had described the exchanges between the wind instruments in the final movement of the Eighth as "an unsurpassable stroke of genius", whereas a year later he had merely said that they produced "a comic effect"! <ref name="note6"/> (This feature of the symphony is discussed enthusiastically in an article of 1875 — see [[TH 301]].) More generally, according to [[Laroche]], Tchaikovsky, "with the exception of very few works by Beethoven, felt far more respect for him than enthusiasm, and in many regards did not all intend to follow in his footsteps" <ref name="note7"/>. Tchaikovsky's attitude, at least as recorded by [[Laroche]], may have partly been a reaction to the cult of Beethoven amongst his teachers at the Conservatory, especially [[Zaremba]] and [[A. Rubinstein]]. The latter, for example, set him the task of arranging for orchestra one section of the ''Kreutzer Sonata'' (see [[TH 168]]) and, according to [[Laroche]] again, another exercise which Tchaikovsky was given was to orchestrate Beethoven's Piano Sonata in D minor (Op. 31, No. 2) in at least four different versions <ref name="note8"/>. The way that Beethoven was constantly held up as a paragon by his teachers very likely provoked Tchaikovsky's rebellious streak, leading him to turn to more modern composers, such as [[Berlioz]] and [[Liszt]], as the 'models' for his own orchestral works at first. [[Nikolay Kashkin]], another close friend from the Conservatory, would later also recall how Tchaikovsky at the time was indifferent to chamber music, in particular to Beethoven's late string quartets, one of which (the A minor quartet, Op. 132) made him feel quite "drowsy" <ref name="note9"/>.

	Still, during the first year of his studies at the Conservatory one of Tchaikovsky's most memorable experiences was getting to hear the six concerts which [[Richard Wagner]] gave in [[Saint Petersburg]] in February 1863. At these [[Wagner]] conducted not just excerpts from his operas but also several symphonies by Beethoven, and a letter to [[Nadezhda von Meck]] in 1879 (quoted below) reflects the profound impression which these left on the young Tchaikovsky. Many years later, once he had finally overcome his fear of standing on the conductor's rostrum, Tchaikovsky would himself conduct a successful performance of Beethoven's Ninth at a special Russian Musical Society concert on 25 November/7 December 1889 to raise funds for musicians' widows and orphans <ref name="note10"/>.		Still, during the first year of his studies at the Conservatory, one of Tchaikovsky's most memorable experiences was getting to hear the six concerts which [[Richard Wagner]] gave in [[Saint Petersburg]] in February 1863. At these [[Wagner]] conducted not just excerpts from his operas but also several symphonies by Beethoven, and a letter to [[Nadezhda von Meck]] in 1879 (quoted below) reflects the profound impression which these left on the young Tchaikovsky. Many years later, once he had finally overcome his fear of standing on the conductor's rostrum, Tchaikovsky would himself conduct a successful performance of Beethoven's Ninth at a special Russian Musical Society concert on 25 November/7 December 1889 to raise funds for musicians' widows and orphans <ref name="note10"/>.

	It is true to some extent that, as [[Laroche]] remarked, Tchaikovsky did not intend to 'follow in the footsteps' of Beethoven — at least initially. Thus, apart from the [[First Symphony]] (1866–68), which cost him a great deal of effort, and [[String Quartet No. 1]] (1871), Tchaikovsky's major creative endeavours in these early years were concentrated on the opera stage and programme music. In this respect it is interesting that Tchaikovsky did not think too highly of Beethoven's single opera ''Fidelio'' (except for a few parts, such as Florestan's aria — see the references below), and in his articles he pointed out that Beethoven's mighty symphonic talent was simply unsuited to the requirements of the stage. While working on ''[[The Enchantress]]'' in 1885, however, Tchaikovsky wrote a letter to [[Nadezhda von Meck]] justifying himself in effect for devoting so many of his energies to opera (whereas his benefactress was convinced that he would one day be rated higher than Beethoven not for his operas but for his symphonic works!) <ref name="note11"/>. Tchaikovsky argued in this letter that even such great composers of orchestral and instrumental music as Beethoven and [[Schumann]] had been drawn to the genre of opera, "not out of vanity, but out of the wish to extend their circle of listeners, to act on the hearts of as many people as possible" <ref name="note12"/>. Tchaikovsky clearly felt himself to be part of this tradition of communicating, through grandly conceived music, with the people of his country, if not of the whole world — a tradition which was in effect started by Beethoven, since earlier composers accepted that their works would be heard only by a limited audience.		It is true to some extent that, as [[Laroche]] remarked, Tchaikovsky did not intend to 'follow in the footsteps' of Beethoven — at least initially. Thus, apart from the [[First Symphony]] (1866–68), which cost him a great deal of effort, and [[String Quartet No. 1]] (1871), Tchaikovsky's major creative endeavours in these early years were concentrated on the opera stage and programme music. In this respect it is interesting that Tchaikovsky did not think too highly of Beethoven's single opera ''Fidelio'' (except for a few parts, such as Florestan's aria — see the references below), and in his articles he pointed out that Beethoven's mighty symphonic talent was simply unsuited to the requirements of the stage. While working on ''[[The Enchantress]]'' in 1885, however, Tchaikovsky wrote a letter to [[Nadezhda von Meck]] justifying himself in effect for devoting so many of his energies to opera (whereas his benefactress was convinced that he would one day be rated higher than Beethoven not for his operas but for his symphonic works!) <ref name="note11"/>. Tchaikovsky argued in this letter that even such great composers of orchestral and instrumental music as Beethoven and [[Schumann]] had been drawn to the genre of opera, "not out of vanity, but out of the wish to extend their circle of listeners, to act on the hearts of as many people as possible" <ref name="note12"/>. Tchaikovsky clearly felt himself to be part of this tradition of communicating, through grandly conceived music, with the people of his country, if not of the whole world — a tradition which was in effect started by Beethoven, since earlier composers accepted that their works would be heard only by a limited audience.

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← Older revision		Revision as of 12:23, 9 November 2022
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	<ref name="note4">As Tchaikovsky observed in the above [[Letter 659]] to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], immediately after his thoughts about his [[mother]]: "And so you can see, my dear friend, that I am entirely made up of contradictions, and that, despite having reached maturity, I have not managed to settle on anything; I have not been able to calm my restless spirit either through religion or through philosophy. Truly, I think I should go mad if it weren't for '' music''. Yes, for the latter really is the best gift from heaven for mankind while it strays in the dark. Music alone can clarify, reconcile, and set one at rest. But it is not simply a straw which one just about manages to clutch at. No, it is a loyal friend, protector, and source of consolation, and for the sake of music alone it is worth living in this world. After all, in heaven perhaps there won't be any music. So let us live on this earth for as long as we are alive!".</ref>		<ref name="note4">As Tchaikovsky observed in the above [[Letter 659]] to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], immediately after his thoughts about his [[mother]]: "And so you can see, my dear friend, that I am entirely made up of contradictions, and that, despite having reached maturity, I have not managed to settle on anything; I have not been able to calm my restless spirit either through religion or through philosophy. Truly, I think I should go mad if it weren't for '' music''. Yes, for the latter really is the best gift from heaven for mankind while it strays in the dark. Music alone can clarify, reconcile, and set one at rest. But it is not simply a straw which one just about manages to clutch at. No, it is a loyal friend, protector, and source of consolation, and for the sake of music alone it is worth living in this world. After all, in heaven perhaps there won't be any music. So let us live on this earth for as long as we are alive!".</ref>
	<ref name="note5">{{bib\|1997/94\|Жизнь Петра Ильича Чайковского ; том 3}} (1997), p. 115.</ref>		<ref name="note5">{{bib\|1997/94\|Жизнь Петра Ильича Чайковского ; том 3}} (1997), p. 115.</ref>
	<ref name="note6">Se [[Herman Laroche]]'s {{bibx\|1898/15\|Foreword}} to {{bib\|1898/24\|Музыкальные фельетоны и заметки Петра Ильича Чайковского (1868-1876)}} (1898), i–xxxii.</ref>		<ref name="note6">See [[Herman Laroche]]'s {{bibx\|1898/15\|Foreword}} to {{bib\|1898/24\|Музыкальные фельетоны и заметки Петра Ильича Чайковского (1868-1876)}} (1898), i–xxxii.</ref>
	<ref name="note7">{{bib\|1980/89}} (1980), p 48.</ref>		<ref name="note7">{{bib\|1980/89}} (1980), p 48.</ref>
	<ref name="note8">{{bib\|1980/89}} (1980), p 51. The manuscript of this exercise, however, seems to have been lost.</ref>		<ref name="note8">{{bib\|1980/89}} (1980), p 51. The manuscript of this exercise, however, seems to have been lost.</ref>
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	<ref name="note14">See also {{bib\|1980/24\|Воспоминания о П. И. Чайковском}} (1980), p. 115.</ref>		<ref name="note14">See also {{bib\|1980/24\|Воспоминания о П. И. Чайковском}} (1980), p. 115.</ref>
	<ref name="note15">See also [[Letter 1081]] to [[Modest Tchaikovsky]], 24 January/5 February 1879.</ref>		<ref name="note15">See also [[Letter 1081]] to [[Modest Tchaikovsky]], 24 January/5 February 1879.</ref>
	<ref name="note16">See also [[Letter 1115]] to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], 19 February/3 March–20 February/4 March 1879. In a diary entry for 1/13 July 1886 Tchaikovsky also looked back on his conversations with [[Tolstoy]] ten years earlier and recalled how the latter had been very keen to talk with him about music: "He liked to ''reject'' Beethoven and openly expressed doubts as to his genius. Now that is a trait which is not at all characteristic of a great man, since bringing down to the level of one's ''ignorance'' a genius who has been recognized as such by all, is typical of ''narrow-minded people''." See {{bib\|1993/231\|Дневники П. И. Чайковского, 1873–1891}} (1993), p. 210.</ref>		<ref name="note16">See also [[Letter 1115]] to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], 19 February/3 March–20 February/4 March 1879. In a diary entry for 1/13 July 1886, Tchaikovsky also looked back on his conversations with [[Tolstoy]] ten years earlier and recalled how the latter had been very keen to talk with him about music: "He liked to ''reject'' Beethoven and openly expressed doubts as to his genius. Now that is a trait which is not at all characteristic of a great man, since bringing down to the level of one's ''ignorance'' a genius who has been recognized as such by all, is typical of ''narrow-minded people''." See {{bib\|1993/231\|Дневники П. И. Чайковского, 1873–1891}} (1993), p. 210.</ref>
	<ref name="note17">[[Letter 1408]] to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], 16/28–17/29 January 1880: "Beethoven and Michelangelo are very much kindred temperaments, don't you think?". See also the letter to [[Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich]] quoted in more detail above.</ref>		<ref name="note17">[[Letter 1408]] to [[Nadezhda von Meck]], 16/28–17/29 January 1880: "Beethoven and Michelangelo are very much kindred temperaments, don't you think?". See also the letter to [[Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich]] quoted in more detail above.</ref>
	<ref name="note18">Diary entry for 20 September/2 October 1886 in {{bib\|1993/231\|Дневники П. И. Чайковского, 1873–1891}} (1993), p. 212.</ref>		<ref name="note18">Diary entry for 20 September/2 October 1886 in {{bib\|1993/231\|Дневники П. И. Чайковского, 1873–1891}} (1993), p. 212.</ref>

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	* '''[[TH 259]]''' — Tchaikovsky first states that expressing "unquestioning astonishment" at every one of Beethoven's works would be insincere, but emphasizes that some of his symphonic works were indeed incomparable; lists among the essential qualities of Beethoven's music the "noble simplicity of his themes", "logical thematic development", and "moderation in the choice of orchestral effects"; points out that the Eighth Symphony was unusual in that, unlike so many of his works, it irradiated "joyful" feelings throughout.		* '''[[TH 259]]''' — Tchaikovsky first states that expressing "unquestioning astonishment" at every one of Beethoven's works would be insincere, but emphasizes that some of his symphonic works were indeed incomparable; lists among the essential qualities of Beethoven's music the "noble simplicity of his themes", "logical thematic development", and "moderation in the choice of orchestral effects"; points out that the Eighth Symphony was unusual in that, unlike so many of his works, it irradiated "joyful" feelings throughout.
	* [[TH 266]] — refers to Beethoven as "this greatest of all composers" and observes that some of his finest works (the string quartets dedicated to Razumovsky and Golitsyn) belonged to the "humble" genre of chamber music, thanks to his skill in "incredibly rich polyphonic development".		* [[TH 266]] — refers to Beethoven as "this greatest of all composers" and observes that some of his finest works (the string quartets dedicated to Razumovsky and Golitsyn) belonged to the "humble" genre of chamber music, thanks to his skill in "incredibly rich polyphonic development".
	* '''[[TH 268]]''' — gives an enthusiastic description of the ''Eroica'' as the symphony in which "the immense, astounding force of Beethoven's creative genius" had revealed itself fully for the first time; in a discussion of [[Liszt]]'s oratorios Tchaikovsky observes that Beethoven's masses were not really religious works, but, like his symphonies, were "poetically intensive effusions of sentiment", permeated by the same "spirit of despair and struggle" (Tchaikovsky also makes the same point in [[TH 273]]); remarks that Beethoven was a "purely subjective" genius.		* '''[[TH 268]]''' — gives an enthusiastic description of the ''Eroica'' as the symphony in which "the immense, astounding force of Beethoven's creative genius" had revealed itself fully for the first time; in a discussion of [[Liszt]]'s oratorios, Tchaikovsky observes that Beethoven's masses were not really religious works, but, like his symphonies, were "poetically intensive effusions of sentiment", permeated by the same "spirit of despair and struggle" (Tchaikovsky also makes the same point in [[TH 273]]); remarks that Beethoven was a "purely subjective" genius.
	* '''[[TH 269]]''' — Tchaikovsky criticizes the "bourgeois-sentimental" plot of ''Fidelio'', which, except for a few numbers (e.g. Florestan's aria) simply could not stand comparison with [[Mozart]]'s operas in his view; but describes enthusiastically the ''Leonore'' Overture "No. 3" as one of the most "colossal" works of symphonic music ever written!		* '''[[TH 269]]''' — Tchaikovsky criticizes the "bourgeois-sentimental" plot of ''Fidelio'', which, except for a few numbers (e.g. Florestan's aria) simply could not stand comparison with [[Mozart]]'s operas in his view; but describes enthusiastically the ''Leonore'' Overture "No. 3" as one of the most "colossal" works of symphonic music ever written!
	* '''[[TH 275]]''' — in this unfinished compilation of material on Beethoven's life and character, drawn from Alexander Wheelock Thayer's pioneering biography, Tchaikovsky inserts several important observations of his own, which suggest that in some respects he identified with Beethoven.		* '''[[TH 275]]''' — in this unfinished compilation of material on Beethoven's life and character, drawn from Alexander Wheelock Thayer's pioneering biography, Tchaikovsky inserts several important observations of his own, which suggest that in some respects he identified with Beethoven.
	* '''[[TH 285]]''' — Tchaikovsky describes the famous andante of the Piano Concerto No. 4 as one of the most powerful ideas ever expressed in music: the struggle of the human soul with "the inevitable blows of Fate".		* '''[[TH 285]]''' — Tchaikovsky describes the famous andante of the Piano Concerto No. 4 as one of the most powerful ideas ever expressed in music: the struggle of the human soul with "the inevitable blows of Fate".
	* [[TH 287]] — in a brief discussion of the Second Symphony Tchaikovsky notes that it was a work written still largely under the influence of [[Mozart]], and that its "carefree merriness" was worlds away from the motifs of "hopeless disillusionment" and "desperate striving towards a lost ideal" which filled Beethoven's later works.		* [[TH 287]] — in a brief discussion of the Second Symphony, Tchaikovsky notes that it was a work written still largely under the influence of [[Mozart]], and that its "carefree merriness" was worlds away from the motifs of "hopeless disillusionment" and "desperate striving towards a lost ideal" which filled Beethoven's later works.
	* [[TH 295]] — criticizes the ''Consecration of the House'' overture as being dry and empty and unworthy of the level which Beethoven attained in his final period, "that period in which otherwise the most colossal works of this musical giant sprung forth".		* [[TH 295]] — criticizes the ''Consecration of the House'' overture as being dry and empty and unworthy of the level which Beethoven attained in his final period, "that period in which otherwise the most colossal works of this musical giant sprung forth".
	* '''[[TH 296]]''' — ~~givens~~ an enthusiastic discussion of the Seventh Symphony, noting in particular how the famous slow movement revealed "an ideal world of eternal beauty and harmony", and praising "the richness of Beethoven's creative fantasy" and his amazing mastery of thematic development and instrumentation.		* '''[[TH 296]]''' — gives an enthusiastic discussion of the Seventh Symphony, noting in particular how the famous slow movement revealed "an ideal world of eternal beauty and harmony", and praising "the richness of Beethoven's creative fantasy" and his amazing mastery of thematic development and instrumentation.
	* '''[[TH 299]]''' — makes a very interesting comparison between [[Berlioz]] and Beethoven, observing how the latter was able to construct "a tremendous musical edifice" from a simple idea.		* '''[[TH 299]]''' — makes a very interesting comparison between [[Berlioz]] and Beethoven, observing how the latter was able to construct "a tremendous musical edifice" from a simple idea.
	* '''[[TH 301]]''' — Tchaikovsky compares the consistently "joyful and festive" mood of the Eighth Symphony with the "unearthly, ideal" kind of joy expressed in the great choral finale of the Ninth, which only left one sadder afterwards when returning back to earth; reflects on the "sorrow and despair" due to "~~unrealizable~~ hopes and unattainable ideals" which Beethoven generally expressed in his music.		* '''[[TH 301]]''' — Tchaikovsky compares the consistently "joyful and festive" mood of the Eighth Symphony with the "unearthly, ideal" kind of joy expressed in the great choral finale of the Ninth, which only left one sadder afterwards when returning back to earth; reflects on the "sorrow and despair" due to "unrealisable hopes and unattainable ideals" which Beethoven generally expressed in his music.
	* [[TH 304]] — includes some interesting observations in passing about the works of Beethoven's final period, which "would never be fully accessible" even to a musically competent audience, because of their "imbalance of form".		* [[TH 304]] — includes some interesting observations in passing about the works of Beethoven's final period, which "would never be fully accessible" even to a musically competent audience, because of their "imbalance of form".
	* '''[[TH 310]]''' — argues that Beethoven had stepped out of his element when writing the opera ''Fidelio'' and was unable within the constraints of that genre to unfold the "astonishing, inexhaustible originality" which his other works were bursting with; observes how the most beautiful and outstanding moments in ''Fidelio'' were of a symphonic nature; dwells again on the "incomparable" perfection of the '' Leonore'' Overture "No. 3".		* '''[[TH 310]]''' — argues that Beethoven had stepped out of his element when writing the opera ''Fidelio'' and was unable within the constraints of that genre to unfold the "astonishing, inexhaustible originality" which his other works were bursting with; observes how the most beautiful and outstanding moments in ''Fidelio'' were of a symphonic nature; dwells again on the "incomparable" perfection of the '' Leonore'' Overture "No. 3".