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Beethoven: The Man and the Artist, As Revealed in His Own Words
This long-esteemed book offers the reader a highly interesting glimpse of Beethoven, the man. There are a number of biographical studies of Beethoven, but nowhere else will you find such a convenient classified collection of his utterances and opinions. Through his own words emerges an image of a man, torn by personal problems and a tragic affliction, yet impelled by a keen sense of his destiny and place in the history of music.
Included are over 300 of Beethoven's reflections on the art of "The startling effects which many credit to the natural genius of the composer, are often achieved with the greatest ease by the use and resolution of the diminished seventh chords"; on his own temperament and "Many a vigorous and unconsidered word drops from my mouth, for which reason I am considered mad"; and on other "Rossini would have become a great composer if his teacher had frequently applied some blows ad posteriora "; on "These pianoforte players have their coteries whom they often join; there they are praised continually — and there's an end of art!"; on his own "My defective hearing appeared everywhere before me like a ghost; I fled from the presence of men, was obliged to appear to be a misanthrope although I am so little such."
There are also his views on art and artists, on his own works, on education, nature, poetry, God and other matters. Friedrich Kerst originally gleaned this material from various sources, such as Beethoven's diary, the famous conversation-books, the Heiligenstadt Will, and his correspondence with the Archduke Rudolf, Ferdinand Ries, Dr. Wegeler, Cherubini, the "Immortal Beloved," and many others. Altogether it forms the handiest compilation of Beethoven's recorded remarks in existence. Out of print for years, this annotated translation by a renowned American music authority, Henry Edward Krehbiel, is once more made available for the illumination and enjoyment of scholars, students, and music lovers.
Included are over 300 of Beethoven's reflections on the art of "The startling effects which many credit to the natural genius of the composer, are often achieved with the greatest ease by the use and resolution of the diminished seventh chords"; on his own temperament and "Many a vigorous and unconsidered word drops from my mouth, for which reason I am considered mad"; and on other "Rossini would have become a great composer if his teacher had frequently applied some blows ad posteriora "; on "These pianoforte players have their coteries whom they often join; there they are praised continually — and there's an end of art!"; on his own "My defective hearing appeared everywhere before me like a ghost; I fled from the presence of men, was obliged to appear to be a misanthrope although I am so little such."
There are also his views on art and artists, on his own works, on education, nature, poetry, God and other matters. Friedrich Kerst originally gleaned this material from various sources, such as Beethoven's diary, the famous conversation-books, the Heiligenstadt Will, and his correspondence with the Archduke Rudolf, Ferdinand Ries, Dr. Wegeler, Cherubini, the "Immortal Beloved," and many others. Altogether it forms the handiest compilation of Beethoven's recorded remarks in existence. Out of print for years, this annotated translation by a renowned American music authority, Henry Edward Krehbiel, is once more made available for the illumination and enjoyment of scholars, students, and music lovers.
110 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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About the author
Ludwig van Beethoven
5,961?books235?followersLudwig van Beethoven (16 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) was a composer of the transitional period between the late Classical and early Romantic eras. He was born in Bonn, Germany.
Beethoven is widely regarded as one of the greatest masters of musical construction, sometimes sketching the architecture of a movement before he had decided upon the subject matter. He was one of the first composers to systematically and consistently use interlocking thematic devices, or “germ-motives”, to achieve unity between movements in long compositions. (Some insight into the meaning of the germ-motive device is given at the end of this bio.) Equally remarkable was his use of “source-motives”, which recurred in many different compositions and lent some unity to his life’s work. He made innovations in almost every form of music he touched. For example, he diversified even the well-crystallized form the rondo, making it more elastic and spacious, which brought it closer to sonata form. He was mostly inspired by the natural course of nature, and liked to write songs describing nature.
Beethoven composed in a great variety of genres, including symphonies, concerti, piano sonatas, other instrumental sonatas (including for violin), string quartets and other chamber music, masses, lieder, and one opera.
Beethoven’s compositional career is usually divided into Early, Middle, and Late periods:
In the Early (Classical) period, he is seen as emulating his great predecessors Haydn and Mozart, while concurrently exploring new directions and gradually expanding the scope and ambition of his work. Some important pieces from the Early period are the first and second symphonies, the first six string quartets, the first three piano concertos, and the first twenty piano sonatas, including the famous “Pathétique” and “Moonlight” sonatas.
The Middle (Heroic) period began shortly after Beethoven’s personal crisis centering around his encroaching deafness. The period is noted for large-scale works expressing heroism and struggle; these include many of the most famous works of classical music. Middle period works include six symphonies (numbers 3 to 8), the fourth and fifth piano concertos, the triple concerto and violin concerto, five string quartets (numbers 7 to 11), the next seven piano sonatas (including the “Waldstein” and the “Appassionata”), and Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio.
Beethoven’s Late (Romantic) period began around 1816. The Late-period works are characterized by intellectual depth, intense and highly personal expression, and formal innovation (for example, the Op. 131 string quartet has seven linked movements, and the Ninth Symphony adds choral forces to the orchestra in the last movement). Many people in his time period do not think these works measured up to his first few symphonies, and his works with J. Reinhold were frowned upon. Works of this period also include the Missa Solemnis, the last five string quartets, and the last five piano sonatas.
Beethoven is widely regarded as one of the greatest masters of musical construction, sometimes sketching the architecture of a movement before he had decided upon the subject matter. He was one of the first composers to systematically and consistently use interlocking thematic devices, or “germ-motives”, to achieve unity between movements in long compositions. (Some insight into the meaning of the germ-motive device is given at the end of this bio.) Equally remarkable was his use of “source-motives”, which recurred in many different compositions and lent some unity to his life’s work. He made innovations in almost every form of music he touched. For example, he diversified even the well-crystallized form the rondo, making it more elastic and spacious, which brought it closer to sonata form. He was mostly inspired by the natural course of nature, and liked to write songs describing nature.
Beethoven composed in a great variety of genres, including symphonies, concerti, piano sonatas, other instrumental sonatas (including for violin), string quartets and other chamber music, masses, lieder, and one opera.
Beethoven’s compositional career is usually divided into Early, Middle, and Late periods:
In the Early (Classical) period, he is seen as emulating his great predecessors Haydn and Mozart, while concurrently exploring new directions and gradually expanding the scope and ambition of his work. Some important pieces from the Early period are the first and second symphonies, the first six string quartets, the first three piano concertos, and the first twenty piano sonatas, including the famous “Pathétique” and “Moonlight” sonatas.
The Middle (Heroic) period began shortly after Beethoven’s personal crisis centering around his encroaching deafness. The period is noted for large-scale works expressing heroism and struggle; these include many of the most famous works of classical music. Middle period works include six symphonies (numbers 3 to 8), the fourth and fifth piano concertos, the triple concerto and violin concerto, five string quartets (numbers 7 to 11), the next seven piano sonatas (including the “Waldstein” and the “Appassionata”), and Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio.
Beethoven’s Late (Romantic) period began around 1816. The Late-period works are characterized by intellectual depth, intense and highly personal expression, and formal innovation (for example, the Op. 131 string quartet has seven linked movements, and the Ninth Symphony adds choral forces to the orchestra in the last movement). Many people in his time period do not think these works measured up to his first few symphonies, and his works with J. Reinhold were frowned upon. Works of this period also include the Missa Solemnis, the last five string quartets, and the last five piano sonatas.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 2, 2018
This is an interesting read. It is fascinating to read quotes from the man himself which I think allows you to learn more about Beethoven as a person and not just as a composer.
The book is split into sections of different aspects of Beethoven's life which are kept short making it a quick read. I found it annoying that my edition didn't have an index, as I wanted specific information on certain works. But, this in fact made me read it a lot more thoroughly, gaining a better insight into Beethoven's life.
The book is split into sections of different aspects of Beethoven's life which are kept short making it a quick read. I found it annoying that my edition didn't have an index, as I wanted specific information on certain works. But, this in fact made me read it a lot more thoroughly, gaining a better insight into Beethoven's life.
April 10, 2011
BEETHOVEN, WHAT A FREAK! But I still love him. I spray painted it on a garage wall in my apartment community when i was a wee 2nd grader: "I Love Beethoven". If it weren't for Schulz' "Peanuts" comics, I may have never stumbled upon him at such an early age and been hooked for life!
Another inspirational read for Classical Musician Wanna-Beez (like U & me)!
Another inspirational read for Classical Musician Wanna-Beez (like U & me)!
September 25, 2016
** Books 247 - 2016 **
1,8 of 5 stars!
I'm should know that books is below my expectation indeed. It is only contains of his quotes when he was lived and i just wanna know more about his life.
Thankyou Bookmate!
1,8 of 5 stars!
I'm should know that books is below my expectation indeed. It is only contains of his quotes when he was lived and i just wanna know more about his life.
Thankyou Bookmate!
June 12, 2020
A quick read, for certain, as it only isolates 100+ pages of abstract thoughts from Beethoven, mostly written down in a private diary as a means of encouraging himself, or inducing hope. I wasn’t aware this was such a small collection when I bought it, but the collection was only ever meant to provide a supplement to my reading of another related work on the same musical genius who struggled through understandable depression from hearing loss, and found utility in his art as a means for survival.
July 21, 2023
The collection is thrown together, with little context. This may be by design as the author only wished to show Beethoven through his own words.
That said, it may have been more beneficial to include the Heiligenstadt Testament in it’s entirety, along with Beethoven’s other - more private - works (I.e., letters to the Immortal Beloved). Never-the-less, the book does allow the reader to formulate an idea of Beethoven as a mere mortal man with a monolithic talent, and gives insight to the genius that so many love.
That said, it may have been more beneficial to include the Heiligenstadt Testament in it’s entirety, along with Beethoven’s other - more private - works (I.e., letters to the Immortal Beloved). Never-the-less, the book does allow the reader to formulate an idea of Beethoven as a mere mortal man with a monolithic talent, and gives insight to the genius that so many love.
February 5, 2020
An interesting book writen by the great master himself.
It gives some curious hints about a man know for his music and how he became one of the best artists of humankind
It gives some curious hints about a man know for his music and how he became one of the best artists of humankind
August 6, 2020
Great insights into the master. Hard to believe sometimes that he was an actual flesh and blood human being.
November 27, 2022
“Unsterbliche geliebte” is a beautiful phase though.
October 12, 2011
This volume, which offers a character portrait of the legendary composer as revealed by the letters he wrote to his family and associates, is now in the . A free electronic copy of the book is available .
November 25, 2010
Excellent quotes. Has easily become a role model of mine, to find so much joy and positive characteristics in Nature as a result of being ostracized due to becoming deaf. Thanking God for everything given to him, when everything wasn't going his way. Finding beauty in all aspects of creation.
August 23, 2015
I read a review about this book says that the writer devoted himself to study the great composer Beethoven. I liked the book and its style, the writer showed us a combination between Beethoven's ideas and quotations.
December 13, 2010
To understand the artist read his letters and notes but always feel like an intruder to private thoughts
December 13, 2010
Read and learn the work of the greatest composer of orchestral music.
Read
March 27, 2016Really enjoying it!
January 29, 2014
A bit dry with few truly interesting facts
October 9, 2014
Never knew that he wrote on message cards (since he was deaf) and that many of them have been saved for antiquity. Almost as if he was text messaging and we have archives of them. Amazing.
May 22, 2015
A great book. I really learnt a lot from it and loved the approach it took. How interesting Beethoven truly was. Thanks for the great read.
August 15, 2020
Three stars only because I adore Beethoven so very much. The book itself is edited so poorly it is difficult to follow.
September 1, 2020
Not much biography about him. It is mainly quotes that he said. I love his music but I didn't learn much about him from this book. Its not even a biography like I was expecting.
June 26, 2013
Great insights to the mind and philosophy of the master.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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