Yeah, I agree with his praise of Beethoven. I’m not sure about some of his remarks. For example, Mencken says “He (Beethoven) saw music differently: he sensed possibilities in it that they were entirely unaware of... They point to the vastly greater skill and ingenuity of Beethoven” but then further on he goes on to say “for Haydn, too, had his superiorities; for example, his far readier inventiveness.” It seems that Beethoven’s ingenuity is pitted against Haydn’s inventiveness. But the two words are almost synonymous for me — I don’t see the difference.
I think Beethoven, unlike Mozart, really worked at different musical lines to find the best one (they have his notebook and can see his rough drafts), whereas Mozart appeared to have his music directly dictated from God or some musical muse without any editing. I dabble in composition so I can relate to Beethoven and forever trying to find the perfect line — and sometimes it does happen quite spontaneously. Some things can be born perfect without any need to mess with it.
But I do like Mencken and I wouldn’t put it past him to have the same insights as Trump about politics. I’m sure human nature was the same then as it is now.
Good, I pointed you to the right essay! I don’t know the slightest thing about music. Mencken was a decent piano player I hear and he knew what a sonata was.
I think you’re right. Mencken’s words flow, but he didn’t really pin down what the difference really was.
Take care.