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Beethoven Rocks!

ARTSEDGE: The Kennedy Center's Arts Education Network

Get ready to meet one of the biggest names in music. Did you know two hundred years ago, Classical music composer Ludwig van Beethoven was the world’s most popular rock star? And guess what? He’s still BIG! This audio series, hosted by National Public Radio’s Susan Stamberg, gives you an introduction to his life and works—visit artsedge.kennedy-center.org for even more!

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Top 10 Beethoven Rocks! Episodes

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Beethoven Rocks! Symphony No. 9

Beethoven Rocks!

02/22/11 • 6 min

The Ninth Symphony is as big as Beethoven gets. By the time he wrote this symphony, he was near the end of his career—and he was also completely deaf. Visit artsedge.kennedy-center.org for even more, including an “Ode to Joy” sing-along!

Beethoven Rocks! Symphony No. 6, part 2

Beethoven Rocks!

02/15/11 • 2 min

Beethoven painted pictures with music in his Sixth Symphony, which is often called the Pastoral Symphony. In this episode, we learn about another scene, “Storm,” in which Beethoven paints a musical picture of a storm that brews in the distance, coming closer until it is right overhead. Visit artsedge.kennedy-center.org for even more!

Beethoven Rocks! Symphony No. 6, part 1

Beethoven Rocks!

02/08/11 • 9 min

Beethoven painted pictures with music in his Sixth Symphony, which is often called the Pastoral Symphony. In this episode, we take a closer look at a happy scene called “Peasants’ Merrymaking,” when the farmers gather in a field for an afternoon of eating, dancing and relaxing. Visit artsedge.kennedy-center.org for even more!

Beethoven Rocks! Symphony No. 5, part 2

Beethoven Rocks!

02/01/11 • 7 min

Beethoven’s 5th Symphony is so famous, it even got sent into outer space, so that aliens can find it (seriously, check out our Art/Space podcast). In this episode, you will learn about the famous “da-da-da-DUM” motif in Symphony No. 5. Visit artsedge.kennedy-center.org for even more!

Beethoven Rocks! Symphony No. 5, part 1

Beethoven Rocks!

01/25/11 • 3 min

Beethoven’s 5th Symphony is so famous, it even got sent into outer space, so that aliens can find it (seriously, check out our Art/Space podcast). In this episode, you learn about Symphony No. 5 and get to know the composer’s basic tools including beat, rhythm, and pitch. Visit artsedge.kennedy-center.org for even more!

Beethoven Rocks! Meet Mr. Big

Beethoven Rocks!

01/18/11 • 2 min

Beethoven’s greatest hits include Moonlight Sonata, Für Elise, “Ode to Joy,” and his famous Fifth Symphony. You might not recognize these titles, but you’re sure to know the melodies. You hear them today in movies, television, ring tones—and orchestral concert halls.

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