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
Tag: Beethoven
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
Under Siege: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto
In 1809, Vienna was under siege by Napoleon and Beethoven, now more or less completely deaf, was hiding in his brother’s basement. Terrified and feeling, perhaps more than others, the constant percussive effect of war, Beethoven produced one of his best compositions, the Emperor concerto. It would prove to be his final statement on the … Continue reading Under Siege: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto
A Mass Made Operatic: Fidelio
When I look back across my entire life, I find no event to place beside this in the impression it produced on me. Richard Wagner, on Fidelio In 1950, one of the greatest conductors of all-time, Wilhelm Furtwängler led a production of Beethoven's lone operatic effort, Fidelio, in Mozart's hometown of Salzburg. And what a … Continue reading A Mass Made Operatic: Fidelio
Inclyti sed victi
He loved to be alone with Nature, to make her his only confidante. When his brain was reeling with confused ideas, Nature at all times comforted him. Countess Theresa of Brunswick How glad I am to be able to roam in wood and thicket, among the trees and flowers and rocks. No one can love … Continue reading Inclyti sed victi
A Gertus History of Music 