DU Enrichment Class: Beethoven 250 with Betsy Schwarm

Getting to Know Ludwig: A 250-Year Celebration

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): There may be no name more famous in all of music history. From Peanuts© cartoons to pop music re-imaginings to tens of thousands of classical performances, the man’s name and his music have not been absent from the spotlight since he appeared on the musical scene in Cologne, Germany—the site of his first concert at the age of 7. In times of joy or in times of trouble, Ludwig is our man. With the pandemic, last spring’s innumerable orchestras used online platforms to gather together digitally to perform his Ode to Joy. This year, the world celebrates the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, and music historian Betsy Schwarm shares her expertise and telling insights on the man, his life and his music. Join Schwarm as she broaches some beguiling questions: Where was classical music before Beethoven? How did he change it? How does his legacy continue to influence classical music today? What do other composers and performers have to say about his effect? And what were Beethoven’s own opinions, expressed in his correspondence? Explore a wide range of Beethoven’s works, from sonatas to quartets to symphonies, with lots of opportunities for discussion. Come away with an extensive list of superior Beethoven performances available online, one of which you’ll watch and discuss. Join your fellow music lovers for this not-to-be missed entertaining and educational celebration of one of music’s majestic virtuosos—Beethoven!

Three Zoom sessions

Betsy Schwarm writes program notes that have appeared internationally and gives pre-performance talks for Opera Colorado. She has contributed over 200 articles to Encyclopedia Britannica and published eight books on classical music, with the ninth, Viennese Visions, due this fall. She has also given talks for the Colorado Symphony and spent 12 years on the air with KVOD.