Word: beethoven
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...sounds and rhythms together requires intellect of the highest order--the difficulty is far more than in dealing with words and paints--and, granting for the moment Beethoven's emotional power his genius is nowhere more evident than in the structure of his symphonies, quartets, and pianoforte works. In such a masterpiece, e.g., as the Fifth Symphony (that in C minor), everything is just right; when led up to a climax, we expect something, we get it. Then how marvelously is our excitement assuaged without being allowed to die out entirely! The valleys, tablelands, and mountain peaks have the same...
...chief source, indeed of Beethoven's inspiration was his passionate and persistent love of nature. While taking his daily walks, his friends spoke of him as being in his "raptus." He says himself, "No one can love nature more than I". His works, in consequence, have the elemental force and variety of natural phenomena. With what dramatic power does he at times take us in his arms, hurl us down, and stamp upon us--"Listen to me, base mortal, or perish." And what a saving grace is his gift of humor, just as important in art as in daily life...
This world-wide celebration of the validity and significance of Beethoven's work seems of particular importance just at this period of our civilization, especially as represented by America. Everyone should read and ponder Beethoven's life and career. His courage, sincerity, generosity, and unswerving devotion to his ideals of art and life cannot fail to supply that inspiration and tonic force which our industrial and financial age sadly lacks. Let us, therefore, enlarge somewhat upon the permanent quality in Beethoven's music, its emotional and spiritual power. So much emphasis today is laid upon science, book learning, research, behaviorism...
...foregoing considerations in Beethoven's works is found a perfect balance between content and mode of expression, between spirit and body; and the message always comes from a human being capable of every emotion and aspiration...
...long as we have emotions--and any other conception of life is unthinkable--a craving for the dramatic and for the humorous; so long shall we feel for Beethoven that love and reverence which open before us vistas of a realm where the soul and the imagination have endless scope...