Beethoven and Napoleon

What happend between Beethoven and Napoleon?

Beethoven and Napoleon had a complicated relationship. Beethoven initially admired Napoleon as a champion of the French Revolution and a symbol of hope for freedom and equality. He dedicated his Third Symphony, the Eroica, to Napoleon in 1804. However, when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804, Beethoven was disgusted. He tore the dedication page from the score of the symphony and wrote "for a great man" instead.

Beethoven's disillusionment with Napoleon was likely due to a number of factors. He was a republican at heart, and he believed that Napoleon had betrayed the ideals of the French Revolution. He was also angered by Napoleon's ambition and his willingness to use military force to achieve his goals.

The falling out between Beethoven and Napoleon is one of the most famous stories in classical music. It is a reminder that even the greatest artists can be disappointed by the people they admire.

Here are some additional details about the events that led to Beethoven's disillusionment with Napoleon:

In 1802, Beethoven wrote to his publisher, Franz Anton Hofmeister, that he had "the highest esteem" for Napoleon and "compared him to the greatest consuls of ancient Rome."
In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France. This act shocked and dismayed Beethoven, who saw it as a betrayal of the ideals of the French Revolution.
Beethoven tore the dedication page from the score of the Eroica and wrote "for a great man" instead. He later said that he would have dedicated the symphony to Washington if he had been alive.
Beethoven continued to write music that was inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, such as his Ode to Joy. However, he never again expressed admiration for Napoleon.
The falling out between Beethoven and Napoleon is a reminder that even the greatest artists can be disappointed by the people they admire. It is also a reminder that the ideals of the French Revolution are still relevant today.

***

Beethoven and Napoleon were once close admirers of each other. Beethoven was inspired by Napoleon's revolutionary ideals, and he dedicated his Third Symphony, the Eroica, to him in 1804. However, Beethoven's admiration for Napoleon turned to disappointment when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804. Beethoven was a strong supporter of republicanism, and he believed that Napoleon had betrayed the ideals of the French Revolution.

In response to Napoleon's declaration as Emperor, Beethoven scratched out Napoleon's name from the title page of the Eroica and replaced it with the words "Sinfonia Eroica, composta per festeggiare il sovvenire di un grand'uomo." This translates to "Heroic Symphony, composed to celebrate the memory of a great man."

Beethoven never publicly explained why he removed Napoleon's name from the Eroica. However, it is clear that he was disappointed in Napoleon's decision to become Emperor. Beethoven believed that Napoleon had abandoned the ideals of the French Revolution, and he no longer considered him to be a great man.

The story of Beethoven and Napoleon is a reminder that even the most admired figures can fall from grace. It is also a reminder that we should always be critical of those we admire, and that we should not blindly follow them.

***
Beethoven and Napoleon were once close admirers of each other. Beethoven was inspired by Napoleon's rise to power, and he dedicated his Third Symphony, the Eroica, to him in 1804. However, Beethoven's admiration for Napoleon turned to disgust when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804. Beethoven was a republican, and he believed that Napoleon had betrayed the ideals of the French Revolution. He tore the dedication page from the Eroica score and replaced Napoleon's name with the words "to the memory of a great man."

Beethoven and Napoleon never met in person, but their relationship is one of the most famous and debated in history. It is a story of idealism, betrayal, and the power of music.

Here is a more detailed account of what happened between Beethoven and Napoleon:

In 1804, Beethoven was working on his Third Symphony, which he intended to dedicate to Napoleon Bonaparte. Beethoven was a great admirer of Napoleon, and he saw him as a champion of freedom and equality.
On May 18, 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France. Beethoven was disgusted by this, as he believed that Napoleon had betrayed the ideals of the French Revolution. He tore the dedication page from the Eroica score and replaced Napoleon's name with the words "to the memory of a great man."
Beethoven never forgave Napoleon for crowning himself Emperor. He continued to admire Napoleon's military genius, but he believed that he was a tyrant. Beethoven's feelings about Napoleon are reflected in his music, particularly in the Eroica Symphony.
The relationship between Beethoven and Napoleon is a complex and fascinating one. It is a story of idealism, betrayal, and the power of music. It is a story that continues to be debated and interpreted today.