For a long time, we’ve been fascinated with creativity. What is it? How can we get better at “being creative”? How do we encourage and inspire others to explore their creativity – employees, kids and others? Is creativity something you are born with or can you learn it?
Well, just like everything else, it takes talent (at least some) AND practice/dedication (a lot) to excel. Groundbreaking ballet choreographer Twyla Tharp makes this very clear in her book “The Creative Habit”. Already in the introduction she states ” Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is a result of good work habits. That’s it in a nutshell.” Wether you are an artist, engineer or business professional, there is an abundance of wisdom in her book.
Mozart and Beethoven are two composers who broke new ground in the musical arena by creating music that was way out of the ordinary. Where did they get their inspiration and creativity from? We know very little of Mozart’s composing process, which has fueled the myth that he was so talented that he just sat down and wrote down the music that came to his mind. About Beethoven, the other hand, we know he scribbled melodies and movements into a notebook during his daily walks through Vienna and the surrounding countryside. The walks broke up the intense work of composing and gave his mind room to wander and take in inspiration from the world around. The walks were also his way of exercising, something that enhances creative thinking. Psychology Today has more on Beethoven’s creative habits.
During a mix of research, hard work and creative bliss, we created a reflective slap bracelet featuring a Beethoven mini biography. It features some of his signature pieces – the piano sonata “Für Elise” the 5th symphony and the 9th symphony with full choir singing “Ode to Joy” with lyrics by Friedrich Schiller.
We often get the question “Why Beethoven?” As usual, it’s a plethora of reasons. 1) We love Beethoven’s music! 2) In “Für Elise” and the 5th, Beethoven’s ability to create a mood with very few notes does not only make amazing music for your ears, but for the same reason, those pieces also lend themselves to pleasing graphic design. 3) Beethoven was an amazing character; incredibly dedicated to what he loved and did not give up composing even when his hearing failed him. 4) We love the peace message in the 9th and Friedrich Schiller happens to be one of our favorite German authors. We think the text elements also make the design more interesting…
Although there is no paper trail, December 16th was the day his birthday was celebrated by his family.
Happy Birthday, Beethoven!
At funflector, we celebrate by giving you a free Beethoven Slap Bracelet today! Buy two, but only pay for one with code TADADADA – and you need to hum the theme of Beethoven’s 5th as you type it ;)! Reading orchestral scores can be hard, but we found a beautifully animated version ov Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Listen and watch the music unfold.
Elisabeth
P.s. Today’s google doodle reminds us that Beethoven isn’t the only creative artist born on this day. Happy birthday to Wassily Kandinsky too!