3. Beethoven's Fifth Symphony

Date: 1804-1808
Nationality: German
Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Medium: Music

Ludwig van Beethoven was a German born composer who began his career in the Classical period of music.  He was a powerful performer and composer then, but soon his hearing began to fade.  As he became increasingly deaf, his music contained more passion and emotion, something not seen before.  He deviated from some of the forms involved in classical music and ushered in the new era of Romantic music.  These new types of music and art were highly emotional and told a story that drew in the audience.  Beethoven's Fifth symphony represents the height of his composing in the Romantic era. (the first movement of his fifth symphony is included)  I would bring this with our civilization to show that he faced great inner turmoil as he lost his hearing, something considered crucial to a performer.  However, because of his experiences, he could still compose and he wrote music to express his powerful emotions at the time.  He went against tradition and created something new and unexpected that became an era that is loved by so many today.  His empirical understanding led him to relate to the music and communicate the story of his pain as he lost his hearing. I believe that this could teach our civilization that learning requires a personal commitment and emotional involvement.  You can't have passive learning.