Throughout the history of western music there have been composers that have stood out above the rest, and either epitomized their art during their period or have
led music in an unanticipated new direction.  Ludwig von Beethoven was such a composer. He is known as a transitional composer, leading music from the
structured and balanced compositions of the Classical period, to the idiosyncratic and fantastic works of the Romantic period.

THE TASK

To use the items in the resource section of this webquest, and materials of your choosing, to compare and contrast the different compositional periods within
Beethoven’s musical life and hence, gain a further understanding of why musicologists consider him transitional.

THE PROCESS

Each student will begin by researching Beethoven’s three compositional periods, early, middle, and late.  Each student will use the resources listed below and
others of the students choosing in selecting three pieces from each of Beethoven’s compositional periods.  Each student will present the research in the form of a
3 to 5 page essay describing these pieces.  The student will describe the pieces in the context of form, instruments used, color, compositional techniques, and why
the piece selected fits this certain compositional period. Students will also include the date of all compositions.  In addition to the written essay, students will be
expected to give an oral presentation describing one of these pieces to the class using the criteria described above (form, color, etc.).  Part of this oral presentation
will include a listening example of the piece, highlighting the criteria. The example may be from a CD, mp3, or midi file.

RESOURCES

Use the following sites for your research:

 The Internet Public Library
 Classical Music Archives
 Classical Music Resources
 L.V. Beethoven
 Romantic Composers

EVALUATION

80% of your grade will be based on your written essay. I will not only be grading on content, but on form, punctuation, and grammar. I will also be looking for
an introductory paragraph and a conclusion paragraph.  Please remember to use #12 font and 1” margins.  Use black ink only in New Times Roman font.  20%
of your grade will be based on your oral presentation with approximately 10 points on coherency of speech and flow of presentation and 10 points on a proper
listening example.  A CD player and computer with both a zip drive and regular floppy drive will be accessible.

CONCLUSION

Beethoven is one of western music’s greatest composers. He mastered the compositional styles of the Classical period and later challenged those practices to lead
music into what is now called the Romantic period. Beethoven’s music indeed, inspires us today and will inspire future generations of composers.