subject: Did Beethoven Need Beginner Piano Lessons? [print this page] Author: Russell Levine Author: Russell Levine
So, the question arises, do geniuses need lessons or are they simply born with innate ability to play any instrument and express themselves freely, almost from birth? Well, history shows us that there have been a select few people who didnt need much tutoring before being able to recite, note for note, nearly any tune they wanted. Some even could play the piano with both hands competently, but these are the extremely rare exceptions. The rest of us (as well as the geniuses) needed lessons. Beethoven gave his first performance at age 8 on the harpsichord but this was under duress from his father who exerted great pressure on his young son to develop quickly. At the age of 16, Ludwig already had somewhat of a reputation in Bonn, the city he was born in. He taught music lessons and held concerts at aristocratic residences, as well as at court. His fervent harpsichord improvisations held his audience in complete awe. His keyboard playing ability fused with his genius in composition generated impromptu variations on a theme that must have seemed otherworldly at the time. Beethoven needed more and he sought the guidance of one of his famous contemporaries, Mozart, in Vienna. In 1787 Mozart found time to listen to him although at that time he was completely absorbed by his work on the composition of Don Juan. The not-yet mature Ludwig brilliantly improvised on a theme suggested by Mozart, astonishing his entire audience. After having listened to him, Mozart said: " watch out for that boy. One day he will give the world something to talk about". Beethoven then began taking lessons with Mozart, and later on studied with Haydn. History shows us that Beethovens facility on the keyboard was every bit as developed as his creative compositions would later be revered. But, without intensive training and hours of practice even Beethovens genius would have faltered, and the world might not have benefited from the volumes of pieces he wrote. Think about that the next time you hear one of Beethovens nine symphonies or the sonata in C sharp, opus 27, number 2, better known as The Moonlight Sonata.About the Author:
