Free Republic

Discover the story behind Beethoven’s revolutionary ‘Eroica’ Symphony No. 3 – an extraordinary masterpiece which changed the musical world.Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, the ‘Eroica’ Symphony, changed the musical world and is perhaps his defining work. At a stroke, orchestral music moves into another dimension with a breadth of conception and emotional freight and range beyond anything previously dreamed of. Beethoven originally dedicated his ‘Eroica’ Symphony to Napoleon –but removed his name in a rage on hearing he had made himself Emperor. The symphony’s first public performance took place on April 7, 1805 at the Theater an...

By LISA LEFF, Associated Press Writer Thu Nov 17,10:30 PM ETTests: Skull Fragments May Be Beethoven's SAN FRANCISCO - A California businessman said Thursday that skull fragments that once belonged to his great-great-uncle in 19th century Europe very likely came from German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Paul Kaufmann made the announcement at the Center for Beethoven Studies at San Jose State University, which helped coordinate forensic testing aimed at authenticating the fragments and determining what killed Beethoven at age 56. The center already has a lock of the composer's hair, which showed he suffered from lead poisoning among other ailments...