Listen to this first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony number 5.
See if you can hear the pattern 1234 repeating.

Franz Josef Haydn was so fed up with his audiences falling asleep that he made a piece of music with a loud bang in the middle of it. His aim was to make the point that his music should be listened to properly, with what we call ‘active listening’. He was half joking – and his music became known as “The Surprise Symphony”. He liked jokes though, as one time he made music called “The Farewell Symphony” and one by one the performers leave the stage until there are just two instruments left! It was said that he wanted more money from his boss and was sending a message that he would leave if he didn’t get it!

Composers choose and organise sounds to communicate ideas and moods.

One of the most famous composers of all time, Ludwig van Beethoven, has a reputation for being a moody and grumpy man. He had reason to be. Although his music was amazing, he lost his hearing later in life. He could not hear the beautiful music that he continued to compose. His music often expresses his different moods, as you can hear in the music below….
What is Beethoven expressing here? Is he saying “I feel so grumpy” (ta titi ta ta)? Can you hear this rhythm in the music?
Does he relax, fall asleep and dream?

Can you be a composer? Of course you can.

Chopin’s Nocturne in C Sharp minor no.20

The Greatest pianist and composer of all time…?