Author: ethanlitwin

Life-long New Yorker. Graduate of Duke University and Georgetown Law. Solicitor of England and Wales. Recognized by Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, Global Competition Review, Super Lawyers and others as one of the leading antitrust litigators in the United States. Former Chairman and current Board member of Gingold Theatrical Group. Former Young Patron Board member at the Met Opera.

Beethoven Unleashed

Here’s a sonata that will challenge pianists and that people will be able to play in 50 years. Ludwig van Beethoven Now that Beethoven was writing for himself, he undertook to compose a piano sonata of such incredible power and complexity that it can only be described as symphonic. What became his 29th sonata for … Continue reading Beethoven Unleashed →

Interlude at the side of the road: Luigi Cherubini

When Beethoven was asked to name the greatest living composer, his answer was Luigi Cherubini. When asked to name his favorite composer of operas, Beethoven's answer was the same: Cherubini. Rarely performed, perhaps Cerubini's music is due for reevaluation? Before diving into his music, a few words about the man are needed. Cherubini was blessed … Continue reading Interlude at the side of the road: Luigi Cherubini →

And Now We Will Talk to Each Other in Tones

What does a deaf composer write? Simply the greatest music ever composed. Had Beethoven stopped composing in 1812, he still would have found a place in the first rank of composers in history. But what Beethoven did between 1817 and 1827 is simply remarkable, even setting aside his disability. Looking back from our 21st century … Continue reading And Now We Will Talk to Each Other in Tones →

The Friday Symposium: Beethoven Sells Out

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 →

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 →