Oh Beethoven!

Abstract

OH, BEETHOVEN! is a collection of the composer's themes with added lyrics describing aspects of his life and work. The themes include excerpts from some of his very famous and not-so-famous compositions, as well as one theme by another now largely forgotten composer, which Beethoven used for a set of variations.

The aim of the work is to introduce children to Beethoven's music and life in an enjoyable and unthreatening way. The lyrics allow for an expanded discussion of his life, and the short, interconnected themes are easy for the children to assimilate. The memory of these famous and beautiful melodies also gives children an easy mode of access to the longer and more complex works from which they come. At the same time, the length of this musical journey (about eight minutes) can help children's attention span and attitude towards major musical works.

Susan West was trained as a music educator in Australia, Hungary and New York. For 5 years she was a principal flautist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. She currently teaches music in Canberra at various levels from kindergarten to university. Show more