The year 1812 began in the flower of spring for Beethoven--he was in love again. The identity of Beethoven's "immortal beloved" has been debated endlessly, including by Hollywood in the risable film that bears her sobriquet. For those unfamiliar with the story, following Beethoven's death, his executors found a set of letters Beethoven had written … Continue reading The Friday Symposium: Beethoven Sells Out
Month: October 2022
Beethoven Exits Stage Left: The Archduke Trio
On account of his deafness there was scarcely anything left of the virtuosity of the artist which had formerly been so greatly admired. In forte passages the poor deaf man pounded on the keys until the strings jangled, and in piano he played so softly that whole groups of notes were omitted, so that the … Continue reading Beethoven Exits Stage Left: The Archduke Trio
Beethoven’s Symphonic Masterpiece
The work of a madman. Carl Maria von Weber We’ve already heard Beethoven's Third, Fifth and Sixth. The Ninth is still to come, but today's selection, his Seventh Symphony, is my personal favorite. I’m not alone. Berlioz declared it to be Beethoven’s “masterpiece.” Wagner wrote rhapsodic essays about it. And it was extremely popular with … Continue reading Beethoven’s Symphonic Masterpiece
A Gertus History of Music 