Inspiration\u2014that elusive lightning strike that aids in the creation of novels, symphonies, and the most beautiful works of art. I\u2019m sure all of us can relate to that classic image of the tortured writer, up at 3:00 AM with nothing but a blank page in front of them. No matter what the medium, it isn\u2019t easy to find that spark that sets your idea in motion. For some, the best ideas come from the people around them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, we\u2019re going to take a trip down memory lane and appreciate the muses that inspired some of the best composers of their era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A man who needs no introduction, Beethoven is regarded as one of the most influential composers of all time. His Symphony No. 3<\/em>, commonly known as the \u201cEroica\u201d 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<\/em> 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\u2019s 1812 Overture<\/em> or Berlioz\u2019s Symphony Fantastique<\/em>. The Eroica Symphony didn\u2019t 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 \u201cfree spirit,\u201d 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\u2026\u201d He promptly scratched out his dedication and renamed the symphony in honor of the everyday hero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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