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Introduction
Beethoven is one of the most successful classical artists. His symphonies such as symphony erotica have remained relevant for a long time. Nature and natural landscape were important to classical and romanticism artists. Beethovens love for nature and natural landscape is especially featured in his sixth symphony, Pastoral symphony. Unlike his other symphonies that concentrated on freedom and political issues, the pastoral symphony is dedicated to nature.
Beethovens love for nature
Beethovens love for nature is seen in almost all his works. He fully personifies in his various symphonies. His work shows not only his fascination with the law of nature but also the power of nature. His greatest strength in portraying nature in his symphony was his emotional response to nature (Grove 54). Although many artists in romanticism have featured nature in their works, nonetheless, have managed to portray nature as described in the Pastoral symphony. The title of Beethovens symphony, Pastoral symphony, says much about nature and the natural landscape. At the time of composing the symphony, pastoralists were regarded as people who valued and respected nature. The symphony is divided into five parts, with each part showing some elements of nature and landscape.
Nature and landscape in Pastoral Symphony
Beethovens attitude towards nature is seen right from the start of the symphony. The first part shows Beethovens joy as he arrives in the countryside. The F key used in this part depicts the landscape of the countryside where pastoral activities are carried out. The part is in Romantic sonata form. The part also uses the method of placing themes in different contexts such as instrument, key, or format. This gives the impression of a sudden change of atmosphere and appearance in the countryside. Varied landscapes such as rivers, hills, and planes peculiar to the countryside are implied. The movement in this part also shows the emotions that one would have while in the countryside (Schindler & MacArdle 73). The first movement starts with both F and C pedal notes. These notes bring out a sound related to traditional country dance and fork songs. The pedal notes are periodically repeated in the movement by use of other instruments. This brings out the theme of cheer and joy in the countryside. Variety of articulation such as the use of staccato shows the different features of the landscape. Overall, the first part shows a beautiful countryside landscape that arouses a sense of joy in the composer.
The second part of the symphony paints the picture of a stream in the landscape (Rich 102). The B major used in this part brings the peace associated with a brook. Legato quaver figures bring out the flow of water in the stream (Jones 53). Beethoven succeeds in painting the picture of the brooks in his hometown. The landscape has brooks with cool water that flow smoothly down the streams. The composer brings out a feeling of peace and calmness through this movement.
The third movement brings out the joy of villagers in the countryside (Lockwood 49). The movement starts with F major to bring out the joy of merrymaking villagers. The countryside does not contain hills, valleys, or brooks alone but also has the villagers. The countryside is a source of joy to its occupants. The villagers in this part make merry in celebration of what nature has availed to them.
The fourth part of the symphony describes a storm. Besides the beautiful landscape of the countryside, cool brook, and the joy of villagers, the countryside also experiences a thunderstorm. The tension and anxiety of expecting a thunderstorm are brought out in the introductory part. The movement shows the trend from the anticipation of the storm to its dying down. The unpredictable rise and fall of the storm in the countryside are clearly depicted in the fourth part. The fifth part of the symphony is a thanksgiving song. This part brings back the picture of the pastoral nature of the first part. The movement brings out a feeling of contentment, happiness, and thanksgiving.
Conclusion
Beethoven succeeds in painting the nature of his hometown. Various aspects of nature such as the beauty of the countryside, cool brooks, joy of villages, and storms are brought out in the symphony. Besides painting a picture of nature, Beethoven also succeeds in bringing out emotions associated with nature.
References
Grove, George. Beethoven and his nine symphonies. New York: adamant Media Corporation, 1962.
Jones, David. Beethoven, Pastoral symphony. Massachusetts: Cambridge University Press, 1995.
Lockwood, Lewis. Beethoven: The music and the life. New York: Norton & Company, 2005.
Rich, Alan. Beethoven Rediscovered, A Ditch Treat. New York Magazine,11. 23.
Schindler, Anton, and MacArdle, Donald. Beethoven as I knew him. New York: Courier Dover Publications, 1996.
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