Beethoven's Conflict: Hero vs King

Did Beethoven view Napoleon as a hero or a king?

What role did Napoleon play in Beethoven's Eroica Symphony, and did Beethoven continue to see him in the same light?

Beethoven's Perception of Napoleon

Beethoven initially viewed Napoleon as a hero and an inspiration when he composed his Eroica Symphony. However, this perception changed when Napoleon crowned himself as the French king.

Beethoven's Eroica Symphony, also known as Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55, was originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, whom Beethoven saw as a champion of revolutionary ideals and a symbol of freedom and democracy. The symphony was a tribute to Napoleon's heroic qualities and his role in the fight against tyranny.

When news arrived that Napoleon had declared himself Emperor of the French in 1804, Beethoven was outraged and felt betrayed by his former hero. In a fit of anger, he scratched out the dedication to Napoleon on the title page of the symphony and renamed it simply "Sinfonia Eroica" (Heroic Symphony). This act symbolized Beethoven's disillusionment with Napoleon and his shift from viewing him as a hero to seeing him as a power-hungry monarch.

Despite this change in perception, Beethoven did not discard the symphony or disown it. He continued to perform the Eroica Symphony and it remained a significant work in his repertoire. The symphony itself is a powerful and innovative composition that marked a turning point in Beethoven's career, showcasing his growing mastery of orchestral writing and his uncompromising artistic vision.

In conclusion, Beethoven's conflicted feelings towards Napoleon are reflected in his Eroica Symphony, which began as a tribute to a hero but evolved into a symphonic protest against autocratic rule. The music itself transcends the historical circumstances of its creation and continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and groundbreaking artistic achievement.