Letters to Beethoven
In 1802, Ludwig van Beethoven wrote a letter to his brothers that, in great detail, described his struggle with hearing loss. Not long after this letter was written, he began writing two symphonies that are now recognized as two of his most important musical works. One of those works, his 6th Symphony, was entitled, "Pastoral Symphony, or Recollections of Country Life."
Shelby County Schools and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra are hosting a fun competition that asks YOU to write a letter to Beethoven! All student letters will be read by Shelby County Schools fine arts administrators or Memphis Symphony Orchestra musicians, and winning letter writers will be chosen to attend a performance of Beethoven's 6th Symphony by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra! Here's all the details you'll need to enter the contest:
Learn about Beethoven- Your music teacher will share information with you about Beethoven's 6th Symphony, or you may use the online resources below.
Listen to Beethoven- Listen to the entire 6th Symphony below, or choose one of the 5 movements, and write down your impressions. Beethoven had his own ideas in mind for each movement:
"Pastoral Symphony, more an expression of feeling than painting. 1st piece: pleasant feelings which awaken in men on arriving in the countryside. 2nd piece: scene by the brook. 3rd piece: merry gathering of country people, interrupted by 4th piece: thunder and storm, into which breaks 5th piece: salutary feelings combined with thanks to the Diety."
Write to Beethoven- Write a letter to the composer! Following the structure for a personal letter (heading, salutation, body, closing, and signature), write a letter to the composer. Discuss your impressions of his music. Do you agree with his movement titles? What images came to mind as you listened? Do you have questions for Mr. Beethoven? Include them in your letter!
NEW THIS YEAR- With your writing, you may also submit a visual art piece. What images appear in your mind while listening to the music? Are they similar or different from Beethoven's images? You may sketch, paint, draw, or represent your picture in any manner you choose. Be sure to title your visual art piece, and include the title of the movement your picture depicts. Artwork submitted without an accompanying letter will not be eligible for the contest.
*Optional Activity - In October 1802, Beethoven wrote a letter now known as the the Heiligenstadt Testament, considered by some to be his last will and testament. However, he lived 25 more years, and composed some of his most important works in his last years.
For this optional activity, listen to the 6th Symphony, read the testament by clicking on the link above, and respond with your own testament. How is your testament similar? How is it different? Do you have obstacles in your life to overcome? Talk about them in your testament.
Submit Your Letter- Please turn in your completed letter to your music teacher or classroom teacher by Monday, April 14.
Teachers: All letters must be received by Brad Foust, Fine Arts Instructional Advisor, by Friday, April 18. Please make sure all letters include student and teacher names, school name, and grade level of the student. Winners will be announced by Friday, April 25, and concert tickets will be distributed to winning students. The MSO performance takes place on Saturday, May 3, 7:30 pm at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Student writing will be displayed at the concert prior to the performance.
Shelby County Schools and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra are hosting a fun competition that asks YOU to write a letter to Beethoven! All student letters will be read by Shelby County Schools fine arts administrators or Memphis Symphony Orchestra musicians, and winning letter writers will be chosen to attend a performance of Beethoven's 6th Symphony by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra! Here's all the details you'll need to enter the contest:
Learn about Beethoven- Your music teacher will share information with you about Beethoven's 6th Symphony, or you may use the online resources below.
Listen to Beethoven- Listen to the entire 6th Symphony below, or choose one of the 5 movements, and write down your impressions. Beethoven had his own ideas in mind for each movement:
"Pastoral Symphony, more an expression of feeling than painting. 1st piece: pleasant feelings which awaken in men on arriving in the countryside. 2nd piece: scene by the brook. 3rd piece: merry gathering of country people, interrupted by 4th piece: thunder and storm, into which breaks 5th piece: salutary feelings combined with thanks to the Diety."
Write to Beethoven- Write a letter to the composer! Following the structure for a personal letter (heading, salutation, body, closing, and signature), write a letter to the composer. Discuss your impressions of his music. Do you agree with his movement titles? What images came to mind as you listened? Do you have questions for Mr. Beethoven? Include them in your letter!
NEW THIS YEAR- With your writing, you may also submit a visual art piece. What images appear in your mind while listening to the music? Are they similar or different from Beethoven's images? You may sketch, paint, draw, or represent your picture in any manner you choose. Be sure to title your visual art piece, and include the title of the movement your picture depicts. Artwork submitted without an accompanying letter will not be eligible for the contest.
*Optional Activity - In October 1802, Beethoven wrote a letter now known as the the Heiligenstadt Testament, considered by some to be his last will and testament. However, he lived 25 more years, and composed some of his most important works in his last years.
For this optional activity, listen to the 6th Symphony, read the testament by clicking on the link above, and respond with your own testament. How is your testament similar? How is it different? Do you have obstacles in your life to overcome? Talk about them in your testament.
Submit Your Letter- Please turn in your completed letter to your music teacher or classroom teacher by Monday, April 14.
Teachers: All letters must be received by Brad Foust, Fine Arts Instructional Advisor, by Friday, April 18. Please make sure all letters include student and teacher names, school name, and grade level of the student. Winners will be announced by Friday, April 25, and concert tickets will be distributed to winning students. The MSO performance takes place on Saturday, May 3, 7:30 pm at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Student writing will be displayed at the concert prior to the performance.
Letter Template and Examples
Letters to Beethoven Sample Letter (example only- do not submit letters on this template)
Letters to Beethoven Submission Form (one page letter- artwork template included)
Letters to Beethoven Submission Form (two page letter- artwork template included)
Audio Resources
Audio files for Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 (Pastoral)
1. Awakening of cheerful feelings upon arriving in the country: Allegro ma non troppo
2. Scene by the brook: Allegro molto mosso
3. Merry assembly of country folk: Allegro
4. Thunderstorm: Allegro
5. Shepherd's song- Happy, grateful feelings after the storm: Allegretto
Internet Resources
(Click on the title to access the site)
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Beethoven Page
Beethoven's Biography
Facts About Beethoven
Classics for Kids- About Ludwig van Beethoven
(audio presentation)
Beethoven's Biography
Facts About Beethoven
Classics for Kids- About Ludwig van Beethoven
(audio presentation)