Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven was one of the most influential composers of the Classical era, and of all time. He expanded existing forms as well as created new innovations. His style and influence had a major impact on musical development.
Beethoven's musical style was very distinct, reflecting the passions of his own soul, as well as the ideals of his time. His music expressed deep emotion through the use of dynamics, rich chords, and movement. His musical development is generally divided into three periods: the early period, the middle period, and the late period. During the early period, Beethoven's style reflected that of Haydn and Mozart and remained within the confines of Classical convention. During this time he wrote the "Moonlight" Sonata (Op. 27) and the "Spring" violin sonata (Op. 24). During the middle period, Beethoven began experimenting with new forms. He began to expand conventional forms and create large-scale works. He composed the "Appassionata" Piano Sonata, the "Emperor" Piano Concerto, and the "Pastoral" Symphony during this time. Beethoven's music expressed deep emotions and inner turmoil with mighty works during the late period. He composed the "Hammerklavier" piano sonata and the "Choral" symphony during the late period.
Beethoven's piano sonatas are very important. His two volumes of piano sonatas are considered the "New Testament" of keyboard music. His piano concertos were influential, especially the "Emperor", because Beethoven began writing out the cadenzas. This practice became standard for future composers. Beethoven's chamber music is still widely played, and he revolutionized the string quartet. The one opera he wrote, "Fidelio", was not a success due to political circumstances; however, Beethoven worked on "Fidelio" for 10 years.
One of his most important compositional genres is the symphony. Beethoven's nine symphonies expanded and revolutionized the form, using a scherzo instead of a minuet and utilizing different instrumentation. He also expanded the coda to make a more dramatic conclusion. By Beethoven's ninth symphony, he was using a full orchestra, soloists and even a chorus for the massive work.
Beethoven's influence and contribution to musical development is unparalleled; he paved the way for the ideas and conventions of romanticism.
Franz Schubert
Schubert is the "fulcrum", for lack of a better word, on which the Classical and Romantic eras sit. His musical style was highly influenced by Classical forms and conventions, but some of his works are the essence of romanticism. Schubert is undoubtedly one of the greatest composers of all time, and his long-lasting influence has shaped the evolution of music.
Schubert is considered one of the best melody-writers, and his long cantabile phrases are indeed effective. Schubert began to relax and expand the sonata form, but his symphonies in particular remained very Classical in style; however, the development section in his symphonies did not display the dramatacism that marked symphonies of the Classical era. Instead, Schubert focused on interesting melodies and harmonies. The vibrant "Symphony in C Major" is considered Schubert's greatest orchestral masterpiece. Schubert also wrote 14 complete string quartets. His "String Quartet in C Major" is thought to be the greatest of Schubert's chamber works. He also wrote many piano duets, two string and two piano trios, two string quintets, one piano quintet, and two octets. Schubert began to move away from the styles of Mozart and Beethoven in his piano sonatas, and began exploring smaller forms, such as the Impromptu.
Schubert often wrote music around the poetry of Müller and Göethe. He wrote the song cycles "Die schöene Müllerin" (The Lovely Maid of the Mill) and "Winterreise" (Winter Journey). Schubert's vocal music is considered to be romantic in form and emotion, and his lyrical cantabile style of writing is very clear in his many lieder and other vocal works.
