ECU Libraries Catalog

Beethoven : a life in nine pieces / Laura Tunbridge.

Contents A note on Beethoven's finances -- A note on musical terms -- Introduction: beginnings -- Success: Septet, op. 20 (1800) -- Friends: Violin Sonata no. 9, op. 47, the 'Kreutzer' (1803) -- Heroism: Symphony no. 3, op. 55, the 'Eroica' (1804) -- Ambition: Choral Fantasy, op. 80 (1808) -- Love: 'An die Geliebte', WoO 140 (1812) -- Liberty: Fidelio, op. 72 (1814) -- Family: Piano Sonata no. 29, op. 106, the 'Hammerklavier' (1818) -- Spirit: Missa solemnis, op. 123 (1823) -- Endings: String Quartet, op. 130, and the 'Grosse Fuge', op. 133 (1826) -- Coda.
Abstract The iconic image of Beethoven is of him as a lone genius: hair wild, fists clenched, and brow furrowed. Beethoven may well have shaped the music of the future, but he was also a product of his time, influenced by the people, politics, and culture around him. The author offers an alternative history of Beethoven's career, placing his music in contexts that shed light on why particular pieces are valued more than others, and what this tells us about his larger-than-life reputation. Each chapter focuses on a period of his life, a piece of music, and a revealing theme, from family to friends, from heroism to liberty. We discover, along the way, Beethoven's unusual marketing strategies, his ambitious concert programming, and how specific performers and instruments influenced his works. This book offers new ways to understand Beethoven and why his music continues to be valued today.
General noteOriginal edition published by Penguin Books, London.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
LCCN 2020940897
ISBN9780300254587
ISBN030025458X

Available Items

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Music Stacks ML410.B4 T86 2020 ✔ Available Place Hold