Beethoven is the ultimate progressive, believing that the world exists for us to improve. While his own circumstances were miserable – loveless, pain-stricken and frustratingly deaf – he retained to the last a shining faith in peace and understanding. Norman Lebrecht At the end of his Missa Solemnis, Beethoven asks great and terrible questions. Why … Continue reading The Answer is Joy
Tag: The Conversation
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
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
The Making of an Icon: Symphony No. 5
Art is most known for its iconic images. There are many in fine art: Leonardo Da Vinci, Mona Lisa Vincent Van Gogh, The Starry Night In sculpture too. Michelangelo, David Auguste Rodin, The Thinker But there are also iconic images from film: Casablanca North by Northwest The performing arts too are notable for many iconic … Continue reading The Making of an Icon: Symphony No. 5
The Breath of Life: Beethoven’s Violin Concerto
I can't recall if my father owned a copy of Beethoven's Violin Concerto. Our resources were limited and he most concerned himself with collecting the recordings of great pianists performing the highlights of the late Classical and Romantic repertoire. So it is entirely possible that my first brush with Beethoven's Violin Concerto came in 1983 … Continue reading The Breath of Life: Beethoven’s Violin Concerto
A Gertus History of Music 