Date of Award
3-1973
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Music
First Reader
Professor Faye Holiman
Abstract
In 1803 young Europe regarded Napoleon I as its Messiah and apostle of liberty, very much as it was destined for a short time, one hundred and fifteen years later, to regard Woodrow Wilson.
The ambassador of the French Republic to the Austrian court was at that time General Bernadotte. His salon was frequented by distinguished persons of all ranks among whom was Ludwig van Beethoven, who had already expressed great admiration for the First Consul of the Republic. The suggestion was made by the General that Beethoven should honor the greatest hero of the age in a musical composition. The idea soon became a reality which the master, having battled with his political scruples, gave to the world under the title of "Sinfonia Eroica," or Heroic Symphony.
Recommended Citation
Terry, Rex Moreland, "Sinfonia Eroica: Beethoven's Third Symphony" (1973). Honors Theses. 563.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/honors_theses/563