The "Neoclassicism" is an artistic and cultural movement that emerged in the late 18th to early 19th century. This movement emphasizes the revival and imitation of ancient Greek and Roman artistic styles. Neoclassical artists sought simplicity, symmetry, clarity, and rational expression, aiming to convey universal values embedded in classical art.
The origins of Neoclassicism can be traced back to late 18th-century Europe. It was a reaction against the Baroque and Rococo styles and a revival of ancient art and culture. This movement influenced various fields such as visual arts, architecture, literature, music, and design.
In visual arts, Neoclassical artists aimed for concise, symmetrical, and rational expressions, often emulating forms from ancient Greek and Roman art. They frequently depicted ancient myths, heroes, historical scenes, and valued both individual and collective universal values. Renowned Neoclassical painters include Jacques-Louis David and Antonio Canova.
In the realm of music, Neoclassicism manifested as a return to classical music forms and styles, inspired by composers from the Classical era such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Neoclassical music pursued clear structures, harmonic contrasts, and refined musical expression. Composers like Niccolò Paganini and Igor Stravinsky incorporated elements of Neoclassical style in their works.
Neoclassicism also significantly influenced architecture, literature, and design, extending into the early 19th century and overlapping with the Romantic period. Although the Neoclassical movement gradually evolved into other artistic styles in the late 20th century, its impact on subsequent artistic developments remains significant.
Ludwig van Beethoven, German composer, the predominant musical figure during the transition between the Classical to Romantic eras. He occupies an unprecedented dominance in the history of Western music history, and has been widely regarded as the greatest, most influential and most popular musician who ever lived.
Beethoven's music inherited the artistic atmosphere of Haydn and Mozart, penetrated the desire for dignity, vented the anger tortured by fate, and demonstrated his determination to fight with fate.
Compared to other musicians, Beethoven is effectively to interact the philosophy of life with audience through music. Although he was not a romantic, he had become the object followed by other romantics.
As a musician, Beethoven suffered from ear diseases. However, he was unwilling to succumb to fate, vowing to take fate by the throat, and continue to complete his career. In the last ten years of his life, without hearing any sound, his compositions influenced the development of music for nearly two hundred years.