1. Home
  2. Entertainment
  3. Classical Music

Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven is one of the most popular and well-known composers. Beethoven's nine symphonies are widely performed and imitated by many composers including Schubert, Brahms, and Mahler. Learn more about the history, life, and music of Beethoven.

Beethoven's Music

Aaron's Classical Music Blog

Listen to this...

Thursday July 17, 2008
Here's an art song by Italian composer Giovanni Battista Martini. Martini, born in 1706 in Bologna, Italy, wrote music that straddled the Baroque and Classical periods. I actually came across this piece of music while looking for another of his works ("Domine Ad Adiuvandum Me"). This delightful song, "Plaisir d'Amour" ("Pleasure of Love") is tranquilly melodic. I'm actually surprised I did not hear it sooner, having graduated from a music college. Below, I've posted two videos from YouTube of "Plaisir d'Amour" by two artists. Both versions I find extremely pleasing, however, they are too different to compare. Janet Baker's version is poised and flawlessly controlled, while D.Kai Ma's nonchalant attitude coupled with the guitar accompaniment gives the song an air of easiness.

The Definition of Arabesque

Monday July 14, 2008
Depending on the context, the term arabesque has several different meanings. Learn the meaning of arabesque as it applies to classical music. I've also included a few YouTube videos of a couple of famous arabesques.

Explore Classical Music

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Entertainment
  3. Classical Music

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.