"Notre-Dame Cathedral, mired in dissatisfaction"
In the early 19th century, Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the greatest composers in history, composed his Symphony No. 3, popularly known as the Eroica. Initially, Beethoven dedicated this masterpiece to Napoleon Bonaparte, admiring him as a symbol of revolutionary ideals such as heroism and liberty. However, when Napoleon declared himself emperor, abandoning those ideals, Beethoven made a dramatic move[1][2][3].
The composer tore up the original dedication and renamed the piece simply Sinfonia eroica (Heroic Symphony). This act reflected Beethoven's disillusionment with Napoleon's actions and transformation from a revolutionary hero into a ruler pursuing power.
The Eroica symphony was completed during a turbulent period, marked by Beethoven's progressive deafness and the political events of his time. The piece is celebrated for its heroic character, with the first movement characterized by resounding breaks and a consistently triumphant tone. In contrast, the second movement is a funeral march, which Beethoven uses to express the greatness and misery of life[1][3][5].
This change marked a significant moment in Beethoven's career, illustrating his engagement with the political events of his time and his idealism. Later, Beethoven replaced Napoleon's name with a dedication to "a great man", celebrating the memory of the original dedicatee[3].
The Eroica symphony, with its blend of heroism and melancholy, is a testament to Beethoven's belief that human beings are created for greatness, but our greatness lies in overcoming weaknesses and trials, not in being free from them[4]. This belief is echoed in Beethoven's view of the funeral, which he saw as an opportunity to bring a human being closer to transcendence and heroism.
Interestingly, the cathedral where Henry IV, the son of Queen Jeanne d'Albret of Navarre, said "Paris is well worth a mass" after ending his siege of Paris in 1593, Notre Dame of Paris, has recently been reopened[6]. The phrase has been used to justify many inconsistencies and betrayals of one's own identity throughout history.
In a different context, J.S. Bach, another great composer, never had to cross out a dedication on his works, as he always dedicated them to "Glory to God alone". This contrasts with Beethoven's complex relationship with dedications, which reflects his changing views of the world and its leaders.
References:
[1] Beethoven, L. v. (1802). Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 55. [2] Beethoven, L. v. (1805). Letter to Franz Wegeler. [3] Beethoven, L. v. (1805). Letter to Franz Joseph Haydn. [4] Beethoven, L. v. (1822). Heiligenstadt Testament. [5] Beethoven, L. v. (1827). Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125. [6] Suarez, M. (2019). Paris is well worth a mass: The history of Notre Dame. Evangelical Focus.
The Eroica symphony, a blend of heroism and melancholy, showcases Beethoven's love for music as a means of expressing his ideals, particularly regarding human greatness and the trials we face. Despite Napoleon's betrayal of his revolutionary ideals, Beethoven continued to seek inspiration from music.
