Beethoven's Letters (Dover Books On Music: Composers)

How could it not be fascinating? The real thing - he was not writing with the thought that his letters would ever be published and as the editor says - how can we judge a genius by ordinary means?? His personal life was extreme, but his letters show us the real man with a true heart and extreme emotions. I just loved this book. I'm not a music specialist - this book is written for the general public - I love classical music and play the piano - but now as I play Beethoven his life rings out more meaningfully to me and I forgive him his sins of passion - as I thrill in playing the music of this genius.

These letters provide valuable insights into the mind of Beethoven, and if you're a fan you'll find them very interesting. But, I found that the letters stopped in early 1817, whereas the title suggests they should go up to 1826. This was very annoying, since I was getting very interested, and wanted to follow B's thoughts right up to (as close as possible) his last days.I'm not sure if my download had a problem, because I wasn't allowed to re-download (I received a message to the effect that the book had already been downloaded). Now I'm left feeling very deprived. So, watch out!

Enchanting. Reminds me what we we miss with the demise of the art of letter writing. Emails are often so perfunctory and do not allow for the leisurely handwritten thoughtfullness of letters.

This is a fascinating book told by Beethoven himself. Considering the large volume of compositions written by Beethoven, it is amazing the amount of Beethoven's letter-writing. Many of his letters describe work-in-progress. Others talk about his patrons, fellow musicians, publishers, and personal friends. There are even some letters written to some of the women Beethoven admired. There are musical quotations of different compositions that were works-in-progress. Some of the pages show copies of some of Beethoven's actual scores. The translator lavishly uses footnotes to describe the historical background surrounding the period of Beethoven's life.

The letters stop too soon, although it is wonderful to learn so many interesting , and often mundane, features of the man.Will there be a sequel, with later letters? Dean Brunel

Beethoven in his own words. He was the greatest. It is always interesting to read letters You learn a lot about the person.

Just began book, but so far impressive & meets expectations. Same as B's autobiography, from a much more personal viewpoint

My husband is a retired military music conductor and loves Beethoven..I try to buy everything I find that would be of interest to him. Nice book.

The ebook version is taken from translations by Lady Wallace originally published in the 1860s. It covers more than 450 letters, including famous ones such as the Heiligenstadt Testament (written for the world though addressed to Beethoven's brothers). A much more complete collection of letters was published in the 1960s (translations by Emily Anderson - around 1600 in total), but I'd say this earlier collection is a fine unless you're writing a PhD thesis on the man or you need to know about his laundry lists, etc. Many included here are letters to publishers and patrons, with quite a lot of wheeling and dealing, begging letters, etc.Someone has taken quite a lot of trouble with this production, as there are active links from the contents list at the beginning to each letter. Music examples are included, no doubt a lot easier to read than in the original hand-writing! There is an active index, though this will only take you to the first letter under each heading (e.g. the first one to Archbishop Rudolf). One small criticism: each letter listed in the Contents takes three lines, so you have to Page Forward a lot to find individual items.

If you really want to get to know Beethoven the man, this is the book for you. Letters reveal more about a person than any biography; you will be surprised by many of the things you learn here about this great composer, but I don't want to ruin your enjoyment by telling you what they are! However, rest assured that this book will keep you entertained, and amused, for hours, so get it and enjoy! I did and I can highly recommend it!

I was doing a dissertation about Beethoven and decided to get this book so that I can look into Beethoven's letter. I am amazed with the book as it has more information that I have expected. I really liked this book. I would recommend this book to anyone that would like to look into Beethoven's letter or would just like to know Beethoven better.Got it from Oxfam and happy with the service as well as fast delivery plus the packaging.

I urge anyone into LvB to get this. It brings the great man down to our level a bit as we see him dealing with patrons and publishers. One of them is in Edinburgh and Beethoven had quite a correspondence with him about....well....business!

Brilliant