Celebrate the musical mastery and significant birthday of one of the world's most beloved composers, Ludwig van Beethoven.
Perhaps no composer in the western canon is more of a "household name" than Ludwig van Beethoven. A child prodigy, famed at the time for his improvisation skills at the keyboard, Beethoven would grow up to become one of the leading European composers in many genres, including piano sonatas, string quartets, symphonies, and more. Despite the name recognition attached to his legacy, many mysteries continue to spark the curiosity of neophytes and devotees alike. How can a deaf man compose music? What makes his music so "special"? What sort of person was the real historical Beethoven? During this program, Dr. Gil Harel will discuss several of Beethoven's most celebrated works. Using a balance of biographical investigation, score analysis, and reasonable conjecture, he will attempt to illuminate what it is about Beethoven that has cemented his status as a quasi-deity in the western world.
Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from western classical repertoire to jazz. Previously, he has served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College, where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching", as well as the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, China. Currently, he teaches at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he has thrice been presented with the "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College." Most recently, he was honored with the prestigious Connecticut Board of Regents Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.
Register online or by calling the library at 973 584-2400. The link to the virtual program will be emailed the day before the program.
AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | History | General | Arts & Entertainment |
The Roxbury Township Public Library is a municipal library serving the communities of Succasunna, Ledgewood, Landing, Berkshire Valley, Port Morris, and Kenvil. Residents of the township are eligible to a free library card which enables access to 2.8 million items across the Morris Library Alliance including digital books, museum passes and more.