Experiencing Beethoven : a listener's companion / Geoffrey Block.
| Author/creator | Block, Geoffrey Holden, 1948- author. |
| Format | Book |
| Publication | Lanham : Rowman & Littlefield, [2017] |
| Copyright Date | ©2017 |
| Description | xx, 269 pages ; 24 cm. |
| Subjects |
| Series | The listener's companion Listener's companion. ^A1295188 |
| Contents | Introduction. Why Beethoven? -- "The spirit of Mozart" (1770-1792) -- "From the hands of Haydn" (1792-1801) -- The "Heroic" style (1802-1806) -- Fidelio: Beethoven's one and only opera (1805-1806 and 1814) -- Symphonic alternatives to the heroic style (1808-1814) -- Beethoven and song -- The late piano music (1816-1824) -- Daiku: the big ninth (1824) -- The String quartet in C-sharp minor, op. 131 (1826). |
| Abstract | In this book, music historian the author explores in layman's terms a highly representative body of about two dozen Beethoven instrumental and vocal works, offering listeners who know him well, or are just discovering him, an opportunity to grasp the breadth and depth of his musical genius. This book places the composer's works within the evolving context of his personal and professional life and social and cultural milieu. Block sheds light on the public and private audiences of Beethoven's music, from the concerts for the composer's own financial benefit to the debut of the "Eroica" Symphony at the palace of Prince Lobkowitz to the historic public premiere of his Ninth Symphony. This book paints a portrait of the composer's youth in Bonn, his early triumphs and artistic maturation in Vienna, and--despite the challenges his music posed to his contemporaries--the recognition he received during his lifetime as the most acclaimed composer of the era. Block conveys the range and scope of Beethoven's achievement, from his heroic style to his lyricism, grappling throughout with the composer's power to communicate his idealistic musical vision to listeners in both his time and ours. Finally, this book explores why Beethoven's music continues to enjoy an unwavering appeal in an age saturated with a range of musical styles. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 251-256), discography (pages 257-259) and index. |
| LCCN | 2016018116 |
| ISBN | 9781442245457 (hardcover alkaline paper) |
| ISBN | 144224545X |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Music Stacks | ML410.B42 B4913 2017 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |