Today, we’re going to take a trip down memory lane and appreciate the muses that inspired some of the best composers of their era.

Beethoven and the everyday hero

A man who needs no introduction, Beethoven is regarded as one of the most influential composers of all time. His Symphony No. 3, commonly known as the “Eroica” Symphony, has been considered the point at which Western classical music began to transition into the Romantic Era. Part of what made Symphony No. 3 so revolutionary was the first inklings of what would later be called programmatic music. Unlike typical compositions from the Classical Era, programmatic music is a type of instrumental music that tells a story. Famous examples are Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture or Berlioz’s Symphony Fantastique.

The Eroica Symphony didn’t yet have a cohesive story to tell, but rather communicated a feeling, an idea that stirred the audience to think of triumph and freedom. In the beginning, Beethoven was inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte. To many, Napoleon embodied the sentiments of democracy and justice that permeated the French Revolution. Considering himself a “free spirit,” Beethoven felt a kinship with Napoleon that fueled his composition. However, upon hearing that Napoleon had crowned himself Emperor of France, the furious Beethoven cried out, “So he is no more than a common mortal! Now, too, he will tread under foot all the rights of Man…” He promptly scratched out his dedication and renamed the symphony in honor of the everyday hero.

Robert Schumann and the incomparable Clara Schumann

Clara Schumann was one of the most distinguished musicians of the Romantic Period. An incredible pianist, teacher, and composer, she also inspired a flurry of compositions. Felix Mendelssohn, Franz Liszt, and Johannes Brahms all dedicated works to her. When she met her future husband, Robert Schumann, Clara had already made a name for herself touring across Europe. Robert was one of her father’s piano students, and throughout the years, he developed an affection for Clara that resulted in the frequent exchange of love letters.

Once her father caught wind of their affair, he promptly kicked Robert to the curb and sent Clara on tour to separate the young lovers. Despite many attempts by Robert to win him over, Clara’s father continued to refuse to consent to their marriage. In the end, the case went to court, where the judge ruled in favor of the couple. They were married in September of 1840, the day before Clara’s 21^st birthday. The following year, Robert wrote his fourth symphony and dedicated it to Clara, although it was later revised and rededicated to their mutual friend, violinist Joseph Joachim. While one might feel confused by the change, Clara had gone on record to say she strongly preferred the second version.

Richard Wagner and his gift to Cosima Wagner

Richard Wagner was an imposing figure credited with revolutionizing opera and changing theatre as we know it. One would be forgiven for believing this titan of history was more myth than man. However, he was hounded by many romantic debacles throughout his life. These failed relationships culminated in his invitation to Cosima von Bülow and her husband, Hans von Bülow, to Wagner’s home in Switzerland. Cosima, the daughter of pianist and fellow composer, Franz Liszt, arrived a few days before her husband. Thus started a love affair that would persist for the rest of Wagner’s life.

The then-married Wagner did not publicly pursue Cosima, but they continued seeing each other in secret. She even gave birth to two of his illegitimate daughters. In the end, Cosima divorced Hans in 1863, shortly after the death of Wagner’s first wife. She promptly moved in with Wagner, followed by their children. In 1869, he composed Siegfried Idyll as a gift to Cosima in celebration of the birth of their son. The sweet, tender piece was first performed Christmas morning on the stairs of their villa, letting Cosima awaken to its opening melody.

Edward and Alice Elgar’s guessing game

On the evening of October 21^st, 1898, an exhausted and exasperated Edward Elgar sat down at his piano. He had hoped that playing would help raise his spirits, but little did he know he would stumble upon the melody that would inspire one of the greatest pieces of the 19^th century. During his mindless playing, his wife, Alice, exclaimed, “Edward, that’s a good tune.” Awakened from his daydream, he played the tune again and saw potential.

In the coming weeks, Elgar would manipulate and shift the melody to imitate his friends, family, and neighbors. Alice listened, endlessly entertained, and tried to guess who he was mimicking. These moments between them would become the groundwork for his orchestral work, Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36, more commonly called the “Enigma Variations.” Elgar dedicated the work “to my friends pictured within” and prefaced each of the 14 variations with the initials, name, or nickname of the friend depicted.

More Musical Relationships to Explore

• Love Stories – A More Intimate Look
• Musical Friendships
• Cats In Classical Music

Sonata in G Minor, “Devil’s Trill” by Giuseppe Tartini

To start our list, we have a deceptively beautiful piece, Sonata in G minor “Devil’s Trill.” No one would blame you if you didn’t know the tale behind its creation. Legend tells of a long, restless night, in which Giuseppe Tartini dreamt of the devil himself appearing at his bedside. The devil offered to be his servant and teacher, and Tartini sagely handed the devil a violin to test his skill. Tartini claims that the devil played so passionately and with such intensity that when he awoke, he couldn’t help but rush to the table to try to transcribe it.

It is said that what we’re left with is but a shadow of the devil’s piece, but it’s hard to imagine how it could be improved upon. Each of the sonata’s four movements has a distinct sound, and transitions from long languid lines to fiendishly difficult arpeggiated triads.

“Dream of a Witches’ Sabbath” from Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz

A superb example of programmatic music , (music used to tell a story or depict an idea) Symphonie Fantastique tells the story of an artist tortured by unrequited love. In the depths of his despair, he attempts to poison himself with opium. What ensues is a transcendental nightmare as the artist journeys through his own drug-fueled hallucinations, coming to an end with this masterful scene. The artist can only watch as his beloved joins the witches in their vulgar display and dances to Berlioz’s parody of the “Dies Irae.” Incandescently beautiful and frighteningly hellish, Berlioz’s final movement is the perfect backdrop for a ghostly October evening.

“Catacombs” from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky

In 1868, composer Modest Mussorgsky was introduced to Victor Hartmann, a Russian architect and painter. Mussorgsky was inspired by one of his exhibitions to create a piano suite in ten movements, aptly titled Pictures at an Exhibition. The eighth movement, “Catacombs,” had a note scrawled in the margins, “cum mortuis in lingua mortua.” Translated from Latin, it means “With the dead in a dead language.”

A haunting and somber piece, it features a sparse accompaniment, largely alternating between block chords, that help evoke the grand stillness of the Paris catacombs. The striking dynamic contrasts throughout echo with a melancholy that leaves the listener holding their breath, wondering what will come next.

Mephisto Waltz No. 1 by Franz Liszt

The Mephisto Waltzes are four waltzes composed by Franz Liszt. “Waltz No. 1” is the most popular of the four, and it’s not hard to see why. Another wonderful example of programmatic music, it tells of a wedding feast at a village inn. Faust, from Nikolaus Lenau’s 1836 verse drama Faust, is tempted by Mephistopheles to join in the festivities. Throughout the night, Faust gets carried away dancing with the village beauty, and together they dance away into the night. This vibrant piece features dramatic, syncopated lines contrasted with relaxed, sensual passages. For those of us who don’t mind a midnight tryst, this waltz is sure to have you on your feet.

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach

Of course, no monster music list is ever complete without the addition of Bach’s iconic Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. While its origins may be disputed, the profound cultural effect it has had can’t be argued. Its first use in film was in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931). Since then, it has been played in countless other films, such as Disney’s Fantasia, the 1962 version of The Phantom of the Opera, and even comedies such as Zoolander 2. Long associated with the horror genre, this piece is truly the only way to welcome the Halloween season and invite all the monsters to come and play.

More Spooky Tunes and Tales:

• Monster Music (on icanradio.org)
• The Sounds of Fear: 10 Scary Horror Film Scores
• Boo! A Halloween Special

Root Chakra

Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra is linked to grounding, safety, and emotional security. When blocked, it can cause feelings of insecurity in our basic needs and our well-being. Physical issues that arise may be arthritis or blockages of the bladder and colon.

The root chakra is stimulated by the lowest solfeggio frequency, 396 Hz . In combination with meditation, reflection, and self-care, this tone removes blockages and lets the energy flow freely.

Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is below the navel and is stimulated by the frequency of 417 Hz. We link this energy point to creativity, pleasure, and sexuality. It also has deep ties with our emotional expression. A blockage here can manifest feelings of social insecurity, as well as illnesses within the urinary tract and lower back. To unblock the chakra, partake in creative expression, like dancing, painting, or creating, while listening to the frequency of 417 Hz.

Solar Plexus Chakra

Situated above the navel, the solar plexus chakra represents our personal power. When open, it is the seat of confidence, self-esteem, and self-discipline. This chakra determines how we move through the world and our ability to assert ourselves. When blocked, digestive issues are often the resulting consequence. Problems like stomach ulcers, heartburn, indigestion, and eating disorders stem from the solar plexus.

To help unblock the chakra, listen to the frequency of 528 Hz while doing activities that foster discipline. Core workouts or energetic yoga practices are great exercises, but be sure to check in with yourself and connect to what is best for you.

Heart Chakra

As the name suggests, the fourth chakra is over the heart. This energy point is all about finding peace, compassion, and forgiveness. When blocked, diseases of the heart and asthma can manifest. But, most often, people with a blocked heart chakra are likely to be people pleasers and put the needs of others before their own. To unblock the energy point, listen to tones at 639 Hz during meditative practices.

Throat Chakra

The throat chakra is located over the voice box and relates to the frequency of 741 Hz. You’d be right in assuming this chakra is heavily involved with our ability to communicate. Blockages can lead to behaviors such as lying, gossiping, and miscommunication. When open, this energy point helps us to express ourselves with authenticity and empathy.

Chanting, singing, and other vocalizations stimulate the point and allow energy to flow. Some added benefits of unblocking this chakra are emotional detox, and pain relief.

Third Eye Chakra

The third eye is the source of our intuition and spiritual sight. Linked with the frequency of 852 Hz, this tone balances the energy in the middle of the forehead. The benefits are deep relaxation and increased perception. People with blockages in the third eye can appear to be “know-it-alls,” and can suffer from chronic headaches or poor vision.

To boost the flow of energy, listen to 852 Hz while practicing meditation or visualization. Some people have also reported the benefits of keeping a dream journal.

Crown Chakra

The final of the seven chakras is the crown chakra. This energy point is at the crown of the head and connects to our highest form of consciousness. Many consider it the chakra of enlightenment. When it’s open, it allows all the other energy points in the body to flow more easily.

To stimulate this point, deep reflection and honesty are required. The most powerful tone, 963 Hz, helps with feelings of well-being, mental clarity, and a positive outlook on life. When you’re not sure exactly what is misaligned within the body, listening to this frequency is recommended to help pinpoint where your emotions are getting stuck.

Curious to learn more about music and healing? Here are some other posts we think you’d enjoy from All Classical’s Arts Blog:

• Healing Notes: Stories of Reflection and Inspiration
• Music and the Brain: Music and Memory