Liberty, Equality, Fraternity; the motto of the French Revolution and the legacy of the Age of Enlightenment. Science, reason, humanism, individual liberty and religious tolerance are all central to this evolution in human thought. This philosophical era propelled the revolution that became the United States of America, and is at the core of how Beethoven defined himself, both personally, politically, and artistically. This influence cannot be underestimated. It was how he looked at the world, himself and his music.
As we set out on this journey of experiencing Beethoven, we need to understand who and what inspired him. For those of us who have been inspired by Beethoven, we must understand this connection to the Enlightenment, which looked back to classical writings and heroes of the ancient republics of Greece and Rome as the model for the new age. Reading Plutarch, the 1st century biographer of Greek and Roman leaders, became the foundation of the Enlightenment Era. From Plutarch, the new thinkers would learn of the heroes of those ancient republics, and also the mythology and spirituality that contributed to their republican form of government and philosophy.
In our first two blog posts, we’ve read poetry that was inspired by Beethoven’s music. Throughout this journey, we will also look at the writers who inspired Beethoven to create. There are a few who stand out. Perhaps you have heard of Goethe (pronounced like “gurta”, in case you were wondering.) He is one of the most famous and recognized figures in all the Enlightenment. Beethoven actually got an opportunity to meet and spend time with this literary superstar, but let’s just say that it was not a friendship that lasted. Beethoven was not a warm and fuzzy kind of guy, to say the least. Goethe was well-mannered and a member of the elite culture, and this, dear readers, is not at all how we would describe our friend Ludwig.
One of Goethe’s most famous poems, “Prometheus,” is based upon a story from Greek mythology. Prometheus was a low-rank deity who stole fire from Zeus. In direct opposition to the king of the gods, he created human beings and gave them fire. It is not difficult to see why this mythological character spoke to those of the Enlightenment. For them, Prometheus represented “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” and stressed the imposition of reason over religious power structures. And because Prometheus suffered horrific punishment from Zeus, he became the ultimate tragic hero.
Here is an excerpt from Goethe’s poem, “Prometheus.”
I’m seated here, form human beings
according to my image,
a race that will follow my lead,
to suffer, to cry,
to enjoy, to rejoice,
and to ignore you completely,
just like me.
–Translated by Thomas Dorsett
Beethoven composed only one ballet, The Creatures of Prometheus. It honors this mythic hero, who finds humanity stupid and unenlightened. In order to improve them, Prometheus introduces them to Apollo, god of the arts, and all the artistic muses. The result is that humanity becomes transformed, lifted out of darkness, through understanding and beauty. You can’t be more enlightened than that!
This ballet was performed in New York City in 1808, which was probably the first time a large-scale performance of Beethoven was ever done in the USA. Beethoven would have been in his late 30’s at the time. I wish I could tell you that he attended this important performance, but sadly, Beethoven was not much for travel…
Here is a wonderful performance of the overture to Creatures of Prometheus, which is only about six minutes long. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFFeED162Sw Here is a link to a recording of the full ballet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2Yd3C4lcI0
Since this composition was made for dancing, you might enjoy this VERY modern off-beat interpretation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaMAMkFlGiE And though this music is not from Beethoven’s ballet, it is 3 dances called “The Prometheus Project”, with piano music by Beethoven, created during the current pandemic. It is astounding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX0VUYBn3hg
Until next time we meet, enjoy music, dive into poetry, and thanks for visiting thetonepoet.com.
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