Lecture 1, Question 1: Ensemble and Influence

[Luna Elise “Luna” van Beethoven]

How might the size of the ensemble and the potential size of the audience influence a composer when s/he is writing? If a piece seems destined to be played only in the home, and therefore to reach relatively few people, is that discouraging or liberating?

If I will be placing myself in the shoe of the composer during the said era; I have to acknowledge the side of my audience and to encapsulate the mood of the audience. To give an example, in one part of our lecture; Mr. Biss stated that the ideology of Beethoven when he is starting is to play for the smaller audience aka in the houses of his patrons and students. That's why the Sonata format that he made is base of his small audience and bewilderment of his mind. Combining this two elements most of his sonatas are not expose until the modern era where Chopin, Satie, and Debussy incorporate those into their works. 

Also, having a small audience doesn't mean that you should be discourage. Consider this as your inspiration to exhale your creativeness and ideology towards your work. Beethoven and Chopin may have this thinking of having small group performance. Since in my opinion Beethoven and Chopin may be have similar introvert personalities. That's why they chose to perform with their close friends and patrons.