Quick Update
Before getting into Beethoven, I just wanted to let you know: I hope to have a new series coming out in the next few weeks, on a new channel, specifically for composers or people interested in the art of composing.
This is a space where I can go into a lot more depth than I was ever able to on my main channel, and go into some really niche topics that I find fascinating, but might not be appropriate for my broader Inside the Score audience. Don't worry - the Inside the Score YouTube channel will still be a place for video essays on composers, styles of music, periods of history, or whatever is inspiring me that month. This new channel will be especially for the art of composing.
So if you're interested in diving deep into the art of composing, keep an eye on your inbox for an update in the next few weeks. I'm excited about this!
Beethoven's Daily Routine
My recent email on the daily routine of Mahler was popular, so I thought I'd share Beethoven's composing routine. See if you can notice some similarities!
Rise at Dawn Breakfast - Coffee. Beethoven would methodically count out 60 coffee beans (which is actually a moderate/strongish cup of coffee). The counting out of each individual bean might seem strange, but I like to think it was some kind of mental 'ritual' to warm up his brain. Wash - Beethoven would stand at his washstand and pour large pitchers of water over his hands, while singing up and down the scale, or humming tunes loudly to himself. He would sometimes walk across the room, write something down, and then continue doing this. As his staff said, "these were moments of deep meditation". (Singing in the shower, anyone?). Composing - He would sit at his desk and write until 2 or 3pm, taking the occasional break to walk around outdoors. These brief outdoor walks aided his creativity; he was generally more productive in warmer months. Lunch - Typically the largest meal of his day. After Lunch - He would take a long, vigorous walk, which would take up much of the afternoon. He carried a pencil and some manuscript paper with him, in case of any good musical thoughts.
Tavern - At the end of his walk, he'd often stop at the tavern to read the newspapers. Evenings - He would enjoy company, or trips to the theatre; in Winter, he preferred to stay at home and read. He enjoyed wine with his food (often a bowl of soup, or leftovers), and beer and a pipe after his supper. He would rarely compose in the evenings. Bedtime - 10pm at the latest.
You might notice a few parallels with Mahler's routine - waking at dawn, composing after a light breakfast until around lunchtime, and then taking a long walk in the afternoon, occasionally stopping to write down thoughts.
Best Wishes and Enjoy the Music, Oscar - Inside the Score
P.S. Just a reminder - keep an eye out over the next few weeks for an email about my new series, especially for people interested in the art of composing! I'm excited about this one... |