Beethoven

Beethoven''s Third Symphony originally entitled Bonaparte now bears the title Eroica (Heroic). Napoleon promised an Enlightened Europe but ultimately Beethoven was disillusioned by him. This handbook treats the politics aesthetics reception and musical meaning of this decisive work which because of its unique design powerfully expanded the potential of symphonic expression. Beethoven''s ideals derived largely from the writings of Friedrich Schiller and clearly perceived already by the composer''s contemporaries are readily apparent in the music.