The film “Beethoven” (USA), its first part, directed by B. Levant, was released in 1992. But the story here is not about the composer Beethoven, as someone might think: it is a kind, family comedy, a film about a dog. What breed of dog plays the title role in the film? Let's talk about this in more detail. The hero of the picture is a St. Bernard. A total of 6 parts of the film were released, but the first two turned out to be the most popular among viewers. It can rightfully be considered that the main role is assigned to this dog. The film featured a real purebred dog, captivating people with its good nature. A Saint Bernard starred in “Beethoven 2” with his puppies. The casting for the latter (and there are 4 of them in the film), according to the producers, was tough and there were about a hundred applicants.
Dog breed from the movie Beethoven
The breed of dog from the film “Beethoven” is St. Bernard.
The main four-legged head of the family, named Beethoven, won the hearts of all family members, but the father of the family had a hard time. For a long time he came to terms with the appearance of a huge and fluffy pet in his house. However, the dog’s charisma and loyalty won out, and the foundling remained with its new owners. It is believed that the Romans brought strong and large dogs with them to the Alps, which helped the soldiers conquer Europe. Since then, furry dogs began to live in the mountains - in the Alps. They were used to save people, because the animals were distinguished by their remarkable strength and high level of intelligence. It is believed that these dogs can sense the approach of avalanches, so monastic travelers used them to accompany them.
It was as a service, working dog that St. Bernards were used, and only in the 19th century did Beethoven’s dog breed begin to be used as a human companion.
Saint Bernard
Works
- № 1 (—),
- № 2 (),
- No. 3 “Heroic” (1803—),
- № 4 (),
- № 5 (1804—),
- No. 6 “Pastoral” (1808),
- № 7 (),
- № 8 (1812),
- № 9 ();
8 symphonic overtures, including “Leonora” No. 3; 5 concertos for piano and orchestra; music for dramatic performances: “Egmont”, “Coriolanus”, “King Stephen”; 6 youth sonatas for piano; 32, piano sonatas, "32 variations in C minor" and about 60 pieces for piano; 10 sonatas for violin and piano;
concerto for violin and orchestra, concerto for violin, cello and piano and orchestra (“triple concerto”);
- 5 sonatas for cello and piano;
- 16 string quartets;
- 6 trios;
- ballet “Creations of Prometheus”;
- opera "Fidelio";
- Solemn Mass;
- vocal cycle “To a distant beloved”;
- songs based on poems by various poets and adaptations of folk songs.
Performances of Beethoven's music
Among the conductors who recorded all of Beethoven's symphonies are:
- Claudio Abbado (twice)
- Ernest Ansermet,
- Nikolaus Harnoncourt,
- Daniel Barenboim,
- Leonard Bernstein (twice)
- Karl Boehm,
- Bruno Walter (twice),
- Gunter Wand,
- Felix Weingartner,
- John Eliot Gardiner
- Carlo Maria Giulini,
- Kurt Sanderling,
- Eugen Jochum (three times),
- Herbert von Karajan (four times, the entire symphonic cycle - twice),
- Otto Klemperer,
- Andre Cluitans,
- Willem Mengelberg,
- Pierre Monteux,
- George Sell
- Arturo Toscanini (twice)
- Wilhelm Furtwängler,
- Bernard Haitink (three times),
- Herman Scherchen,
- Georg Solti (twice).
Among the pianists who recorded all of Beethoven's piano sonatas are:
- Claudio Arrau (twice, second cycle not completed),
- Vladimir Ashkenazy,
- Wilhelm Backhaus (twice, second cycle not completed),
- Daniel Barenboim (three times)
- Alfred Brendel (three times)
- Maria Grinberg,
- Friedrich Gulda (three times),
- Wilhelm Kempff (twice),
- Tatiana Nikolaeva,
- Annie Fisher,
- Arthur Schnabel
- Maurizio Pollini.
They began to record complete cycles of sonatas, but died before completing these projects:
- Walter Gieseking,
- Emil Gilels,
- Rudolf Serkin.
In 2011, Manchester University professor Brian Cooper reported that he had recovered a 72-bar opus for string quartet written by Beethoven in 1799, discarded and subsequently lost: “Beethoven was a perfectionist. Any other composer would have been happy composing this passage." The newfound music was performed on September 29 by the University of Manchester String Quartet.
Musical fragments
| “Ode to Joy” - final chorus from the 9th symphony to the text by Schiller (the anthem of the European Union) |
| a short fragment of piano performance |
| Reproduction help |
| Reproduction help |
| Reproduction help |
| Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight”, part 1 – Adagio sostenuto |
| Reproduction help |
| Reproduction help |
| Reproduction help |
Where did the name of the dog breed come from?
Saint Bernard means "Saint Bernard" in French. In the Alps, on the Mons Jovis pass, there was a monastic shelter, the founder of which was the son of a French baron, who ran away from home almost immediately after graduating. While studying in Paris, he became interested in theology and chose serving God instead of a well-fed and rich family life. He founded a shelter that had about 100 rooms for weary travelers.
Young, healthy and strong men were selected to serve in such a monastery, because they had to live in harsh natural conditions. Is it any wonder that the monks chose equally hardy and strong animals as their assistants? It was in this monastery shelter that the standard of St. Bernards was bred, which were used to save people.
Interestingly, the shelter only housed males. The bitches and puppies lived in the valley. Before going to work, the dogs were trained, strengthening such qualities as reliability, endurance, strength, and obedience.
Image in culture
In literature
Beethoven became the prototype for the main character - composer Jean Christophe - in the novel of the same name, one of the most famous works of the French author Romain Rolland. The novel became one of the works for which Rolland was awarded the award in 1915.
The story of the Czech writer Antonin Zgorz “Alone against Fate” is dedicated to the life and creative path of Beethoven. The book includes letters from Beethoven, written by him in different years of his life.
The Bulgarian poet Pencho Slaveykov dedicated his poem “Cis moll” to Beethoven. In it, Beethoven understands that he will lose his hearing, but his destiny is to be a mediator between divine harmony and peace.
In cinema
- Beethoven was played by Ian Hart in the film Eroica Symphony.
- In the Soviet-German film “Beethoven. Days of the Life" Beethoven was played by Donatas Banionis.
- Rewriting Beethoven chronicles the last year of the composer's life (starring Ed Harris).
- The two-part feature film “The Life of Beethoven” (USSR, 1978, director B. Galanter) is based on the surviving memories of his close friends about the composer.
- Film "Lecture 21" (English)Russian. (Italy, 2008), the film debut of the Italian writer and musicologist Alessandro Baricco, is dedicated to the Ninth Symphony.
- In the film by Bernard Rose (English) Russian. "Immortal Beloved" the role of Beethoven was played by Gary Oldman.
In non-academic music
- American musician Chuck Berry wrote the song Roll Over Beethoven in 1956, which was included in the list of the 500 greatest songs of all time according to Rolling Stone magazine.
- The song “Beethoven” from the album “Split Personality” by the group “Splin” is dedicated to the composer.
- In 2000, the neoclassical metal band Trans-Siberian Orchestra released the rock opera Beethoven's Last Night, dedicated to the composer's last night.
- The song “Beethoven” from the album “Stranger” by the group “Picnic” is dedicated to the composer.
Description of the Beethoven dog breed
Saint Bernards are very strong and hardy dogs that are large in size. For excellent health, these animals must receive not only high-quality nutrition, but also sufficient physical activity. Life in a city apartment is too hard for a working dog. There can be only one way out of the situation - frequent and long walks.
Beethoven's breed from the film is not known for its longevity. Like all large dogs, St. Bernards live up to 8 years.
These animals grow quickly, increasing significantly in size. In order for the bones not to weaken and health to remain strong, it is necessary to carefully observe and provide a complete diet for the animal.
Unlike their ancestors, who served monks in the Alps, modern animals are much larger and have more expressive faces. However, the basic standard was established even then and is considered the ideal to which leading breeders strive.
The powerful body is covered with thick hair of white and red colors. Various combinations, spots and shades of red are acceptable. The upper lip hangs down, and there are small wrinkles on the large forehead.
Features and character
The animal doesn’t care about the heat: on the contrary, it likes cold weather, so it needs access to the yard. Most St. Bernards are prone to drooling.
They are very obedient, have absolutely no conflicts and will never allow themselves to disobey their beloved owner. Such dogs are naughty only when they are babies. An adult St. Bernard behaves with dignity, shows good manners and calmness. Saint Bernard loves children, he is also called a children's nanny.
Children can cuddle, ride on this dog, kiss and hug it - Beethoven likes all the joyful manifestations of feelings coming from the owners. What kind of dog would allow himself to be treated like this? In fact, there are not many breeds similar in character.
Beethoven is always ready to help both his masters and strangers, in general, everyone who needs it. This is an invincible friend and protector in dangerous situations (whether an attack on the owner, robbery, etc.).
The Saint Bernard gets along well not only with children, but also with animals: he communicates without problems with cats, horses and representatives of his dog tribe. And most importantly: do not leave your St. Bernard alone for a long time. Loneliness is difficult for a dog to endure, and it greatly “traumatizes” it.
Famous representatives of the Beethoven dog breed
After looking through history, you can learn about many famous dogs of the breed from the film “Beethoven”. Most of them have achieved recognition due to their working qualities, but there are representatives who have gained popularity for their appearance.
Saint Bernards in the Guinness Book of Records
The huge dog Benedictine entered the book of records for his enormous weight, which reached 140 kg! The dog Hercules, who weighed 128 kg and had a neck girth of 96.5 cm, is slightly inferior to his giant relative.
It was the St. Bernards that were included in the book as one of the strongest dogs in the world. The male Raittes Brandy Bear and the female Barbara managed to drag more than 2 tons of weight.
Barry, known throughout the world, became a record-breaking rescuer, because during his life he managed to pull 40 people out of the clutches of death. He lived in the 1800s at the Saint Bernard Monastery. The most famous rescue story was how Barry pulled a little boy from an ice cave whose mother had died in an avalanche.
"Little Bear" on a Norwegian ship
In the middle of the last century, a small St. Bernard appeared in the family of a whaling ship captain, who was named Bamsi, which means “little bear.” During the Second World War, the already experienced tailed sailor serves on a patrol ship of the Norwegian army. He became famous for carefully guarding his comrades, rescuing them from various troubles, and reconciling them during quarrels. The government made Bamsi a symbol of the Norwegian resistance, and after his death a monument was erected to the faithful dog.
Film actors and heroes of works of fiction
- Stephen King wrote a wonderful book about a St. Bernard, Cujo , who contracted a serious illness. A film was made based on this book.
- Astrid Lingren, in his work “ On the Island of Saltkrok, ” mentioned the pet of one of the heroines, who also belongs to the St. Bernard breed.
- The St. Bernard-Collie mix became one of the heroes of Jack London's The Call of the Wild
- St. Bernard Lel was one of the key characters in the Strugatsky brothers’ story “ Hotel “At the Dead Climber” .”
- Felix is the Family's Best Friend was released , the main character of which was a representative of this strong breed.
- The heroine of the Soviet film “ Where are you, Bagheera?” "became a spectacular St. Bernard.
- In the story of Peter Pan, there was a four-legged St. Bernard dog, Nana.
- Maxipes Fic was published in Czechoslovakia , describing the adventures of a giant St. Bernard.
Where can I buy
The price of St. Bernard puppies depends on their pedigree, participation in exhibitions and the working qualities of their ancestors.
You can buy two-month-old animals from nurseries for around fifteen to twenty thousand rubles, provided that these are not purebred pets. There are an abundance of advertisements starting from five thousand, but there, most likely, the animals have some kind of deformity. An adult with good pedigree and training is estimated at fifty thousand rubles.
Before getting a pet, it is recommended to weigh the pros and cons and familiarize yourself with its characteristics in detail. The dogs in the photo are more than cute. But can you provide him with full content? If yes, then your choice will bring only joy to both parties!
The rise of a musical career
Haydn briefly noted that Beethoven's music was dark and strange. However, in those years, Ludwig's virtuoso piano playing brought him his first fame. Beethoven's works differ from the classical playing of harpsichordists. There, in Vienna, the future famous works were written: Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, Pathétique Sonata.
Rude and proud in public, the composer was very open and friendly towards his friends. Beethoven's work in the following years is filled with new works: the First and Second Symphonies, “The Creation of Prometheus”, “Christ on the Mount of Olives”. However, Beethoven's further life and work were complicated by the development of an ear disease - tinitis.
The composer retires to the city of Heiligenstadt. There he works on the Third – Heroic Symphony. Complete deafness separates Ludwig from the outside world. However, even this event cannot make him stop composing. According to critics, Beethoven's Third Symphony fully reveals his greatest talent. The opera “Fidelio” is staged in Vienna, Prague, and Berlin.
Chow chow
Made in China. A powerful animal with a harmoniously built body, the height of which can reach a maximum of 56 cm. The most striking feature, in addition to the fluffy thick fur, is their blue tongue.
Brown Chow Chows are more difficult to describe than other colors. The color of the coat varies from sand with a gray tint to brown with a coffee tint. On top, the brown fur gives a reflection of matte silver. The hair never shows stains. The cover is a single color. The Chow Chow's muzzle is covered with a mixture of light and dark hairs. The eyes of the Chow Chow breed of this color are brown.
Read Top 20 best guard dogs for protecting a private home
Your pet's thick coat requires constant care on a daily basis.
Smart bully
The character of the St. Bernard is balanced, calm and patient. The size of dogs is such that it is impossible to imagine any other behavior. Weight – under 100 kg, height at the withers – up to 90 cm.
In the film, Beethoven, a purebred St. Bernard named Chris, appears as a real bully. He steals food from the table, jumps over it, jumps out the window, and performs actions that you would not expect from a St. Bernard. He learned to pose, play for the camera, and also fall, pretending to be dead at Eleanor's command. The film crew chose a dog from 12 applicants and chose the most cheerful, restless and intelligent one - Chris.
This behavior is uncharacteristic of the breed, but the filmmakers decided that this was the dog they needed so that the audience would fall in love with him, just like the fictional owners.
In the film's sequels, Chris had to hire stunt doubles to stay healthy. Eating bacon 5-7 times in a row is very harmful for one dog.
History of the Origin of the Basenji
This breed was not bred by humans, but appeared on the African continent a very long time ago. Images of a lean dog, like the extinct greyhound, are found on artifacts starting with the XII dynasty of the pharaohs of Egypt, who ruled during the Middle Kingdom in the 20th-18th centuries BC. e. They were originally kept for hunting small animals, tracking them down and driving them into nets.
The Basenji breed was described by Europeans in the Congo in 1895 and named Basenji. She is highly valued by local residents for her courage, intelligence, speed and silence. These dogs, like wild Australian dingoes, do not bark.
After the discovery and description of the breed, several attempts were made to bring the Basenji to England, but they all ended in failure, as the animals died from disease. For example, Lady Helen Nutting brought six individuals from Sudan in 23 of the last century, but they all died without even leaving the quarantine zone. Only in the 30s were they successfully brought to England, and then, by Heinrich Trefflich, to America (1941). All dogs in Europe and the USA are the ancestors of these animals.
The breed was registered with the AKC in 1943. At the request of the American Club, the AKC stud book was reopened for the Basenji in 1990, and then for selected imported dogs from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013. An expedition of American dog handlers collected breeding individuals in villages in the Basankusu region of the Congo in 2010. The dogs are also registered with the United Kennel Club.
This breed was defined as basal, that is, prior to the appearance of modern breeds. Recent DNA studies based on whole genome sequences indicate that the domestic dog is a genetic subspecies of the gray wolf.
It emerged from a now extinct population of Late Pleistocene wolves, primarily including Basenjis and dingoes. The term "basal" means a line extending at the beginning of the origin of a group, which is the basis of a branch originating from a common ancestor.
Intelligence of St. Bernards
Due to its enormous size and sad expression on its face, many people consider the breed not very smart. But this is not so, St. Bernards are endowed with high intelligence, they are able to make lightning-fast decisions, and react to events quickly.
Saint Bernards love their owners very much, they try to please and please in every possible way. This is why training a dog is easy and brings pleasure not only to humans, but also to animals.
High intelligence is manifested in excellent terrain orientation, which is inherent in the breed at the genetic level. If you are going on a hike, then you cannot find a better companion who will lead you home in a difficult situation.
Training
The breed lends itself very well to education and training. You need to start your education small - accustom the baby to his place, do not allow pranks (chewing slippers, furniture). Toys are purchased for the puppy to play with. The breed is well suited for beginner dog lovers, as it does not require any special training methods.
The dog's sharp mind, insight and desire to please its owner make it amenable to training. The Labrador is one of the ten smartest dogs in the world. Of course, education and training must be carried out using the method of motivation, rewards for success, without shouting and cruelty.
Selection of puppies
The audience loved the first film so much that several sequels were made. In the second part of the film, Beethoven finds his love - the St. Bernard girl Missy, and according to the plot, they have puppies.
Even more dogs were now needed for filming. The film crew needed to view more than 100 St. Bernard puppies 7 weeks old or older. Puppies with shaggy and smooth hair, like the main characters, were required.
Missy is a girl, more balanced and calm, neat, with smooth fur. Beethoven is playful, funny, his shaggy fur adds to his hooligan look. Both types - shorthair and longhair - are breed standards. Therefore, puppies were also required, different in age and appearance. All were then returned to the owners.
Notes
- ↑
- ↑ Beetgoven // Encyclopedic Lexicon
- Beethoven, Ludwig van // Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie
- ↑ Beethoven, Ludwig // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg, 1890-1907.
- H. C. Robbins Landon. Beethoven. Macmillan Company, 1970
- ↑ Eduard Herriot.
Beethoven's life (fragments from the chapter “Man, His Character”). - ↑ Velikovich E.I.
Great musical names // Composer: A manual for musicians. schools and gymnasiums. - St. Petersburg, April 3, 2006. - No. 030560. - Milton Cross, David Ewen. The Milton Cross New Encyclopedia of the Great Composers and Their Music. Doubleday, 1953. p. 79
- Glenn Stanley.
The Cambridge Companion to Beethoven. - Cambridge University Press, 2000. - ISBN 0521589347. - Henry E.
Notes from a publicist. M.: 1988. P. 94 - Henry E.
Notes from a publicist. M.: 1988. P. 93 - Susan Aldridge. Archaeforensics. What Killed...? BBC Focus, February 2008. P. 42
