Beethoven's Legacy

Today, December 16, is, as most "Peanuts" fans know, is the anniversary of Ludwig von Beethoven's birth. I know Beethoven is regarded as a classical genius, and yes, he did write some tremendous music, but I ask the following question: Is Beethoven overrated?

Some of Beethoven's pieces sound rather pompous after repeated listening, particularly his overplayed Fifth Symphony and his "Ode To Joy." And I think I know what the problem is. Beethoven was born in 1770, so when he was coming of age, the greatest composer of the time was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart was famous for breaking old rules about writing classical music and inventing new ones. While older composers and music listeners of the time might have been turned off by his audacity, the younger generation - which, inevitably, included Beethoven - undoubtedly loved Mozart and was influenced by him. So the question begs to be asked - is Beethoven's music, composed under the influence of Mozart, merely a variation of what Mozart had accomplished?

That could be. After all, a lot of seventies rock musicians were influenced by the Beatles and the Stones, but much of the best seventies rock is merely a redo of what the Beatles and the Stones had accomplished. Nonetheless, Beethoven did write some highly original music, and he was clearly a genius, but then he got cocky and damn made sure that everyone knew it.

This is not unlike the posturing Bono and Sting engage in these days. :-D