Question

What role did Napoleon play in Beethoven’s Eroica? Did Beethoven continue this? How did patronage affect Beethoven’s work? Why does Beethoven use contrasting keys in the symphony? What determines a key’s character?

Answer 1

One of Beethoven's great disappointments was that Napoleon Bonaparte had self-crowned emperor, taking her from Pope Pius VII at Notre Dame. As an enthusiast of the ideals of the French Revolution, he dedicated his Symphony No. 3 to Napoleon, of whom he was a great admirer. Faced with this fact, feeling betrayed and disappointed, crossed out the dedication of the score. He said, "If I knew both strategy and music, it would cause Napoleon serious trouble."