Beethoven is seen as a groundbreaker in classical music. One big way he did this was by changing how harmony works in his music. Let’s check out how he made his music different:
Beethoven often used dissonance, which is when notes clash, to create tension. A great example is in his Symphony No. 5, where the famous four-note theme is made more exciting with surprising harmonic changes that add drama and intensity.
He looked at chromatic harmonies more than those before him. In the Piano Sonata No. 32, Beethoven adds chromatic sections that give a feeling of unease and complexity, stretching the limits of normal chords.
Beethoven was also great at changing keys in new ways. In the Piano Sonata No. 14 (better known as the “Moonlight Sonata”), he suddenly moves from the main key to a minor key. This shift adds deep emotions and a feeling of longing to the music.
He liked to keep listeners guessing by delaying where the music would resolve. In the String Quartet No. 13, the way he uses harmony makes you think he will return to the main key, but instead, he throws in surprises that change everything, making the emotions even stronger.
Through these changes, Beethoven transformed harmony and opened the door for future composers to discover new musical ideas.
Beethoven is seen as a groundbreaker in classical music. One big way he did this was by changing how harmony works in his music. Let’s check out how he made his music different:
Beethoven often used dissonance, which is when notes clash, to create tension. A great example is in his Symphony No. 5, where the famous four-note theme is made more exciting with surprising harmonic changes that add drama and intensity.
He looked at chromatic harmonies more than those before him. In the Piano Sonata No. 32, Beethoven adds chromatic sections that give a feeling of unease and complexity, stretching the limits of normal chords.
Beethoven was also great at changing keys in new ways. In the Piano Sonata No. 14 (better known as the “Moonlight Sonata”), he suddenly moves from the main key to a minor key. This shift adds deep emotions and a feeling of longing to the music.
He liked to keep listeners guessing by delaying where the music would resolve. In the String Quartet No. 13, the way he uses harmony makes you think he will return to the main key, but instead, he throws in surprises that change everything, making the emotions even stronger.
Through these changes, Beethoven transformed harmony and opened the door for future composers to discover new musical ideas.