Details

Subject(s)

• Beethoven, Ludwig van 1770-1827—Symphonies [Browse]
• Beethoven, Ludwig van 1770-1827—Criticism and interpretation [Browse]
• Symphony—19th century [Browse]

Translator

• Spencer, Stewart [Browse]

Related work(s)

Geck, Martin. Sinfonien Beethovens. [Browse]

Summary note

In the years spanning from 1800 to 1824, Ludwig van Beethoven completed nine symphonies, now considered among the greatest masterpieces of Western music. Yet despite the fact that this time period, located in the wake of the Enlightenment and at the peak of romanticism, was one of rich intellectual exploration and social change, the influence of such threads of thought on Beethoven's work has until now remained hidden beneath the surface of the notes. Beethoven's Symphonies presents a fresh look at the great composer's approach and the ideas that moved him, offering a lively account of the major themes unifying his radically diverse output. Martin Geck opens the book with an enthralling series of cultural, political, and musical motifs that run throughout the symphonies. A leading theme is Beethoven's intense intellectual and emotional engagement with the figure of Napoleon, an engagement that survived even Beethoven's disappointment with Napoleon's decision to be crowned emperor in 1804. Geck also delves into the unique ways in which Beethoven approached beginnings and finales in his symphonies, as well as his innovative use of particular instruments. He then turns to the individual symphonies, tracing elements--a pitch, a chord, a musical theme--that offer a new way of thinking about each work and will make even the most devoted fans of Beethoven admire the symphonies anew. Offering refreshingly inventive readings of the work of one of history's greatest composers, this book shapes a fascinating picture of the symphonies as a cohesive oeuvre and of Beethoven as a master symphonist -- [Publisher description]

Notes

Translated from the German.

Bibliographic references

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Action note

Committed to retain in perpetuity — ReCAP Shared Collection (HUL)

Contents

• Beethoven: symphonist par excellence. Napoleon Bonaparte ; Orchestral weight ; Delusions of virility ; Structure ; Jean Paul's "Cloven hoof"
• Symphonies
• Prolegomenon to the individual symphonies. On idle speculations ; On portentous prologues to ebullient finales ; On elemental beginnings ; On archetypal images ; On memorable fugato passages ; On striking dissonances ; On "false" entries ; On the escapades of the timpani ; On highly expressive foreshortenings ; On Beethoven's fondness for the eroica ; On crossing a threshold
• The symphonies. Symphony no. 1 in C major, op. 21 ; Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 36 ; Symphony no. 3 in E-flat major, op. 55 (eroica) ; Symphony no. 4 in B-flat major, op. 60 ; Symphony no. 5 in C minor, op. 67 ; Symphony no. 6 in F major, op. 68 (pastoral) ; Symphony no. 7 in A major, op. 92 ; Symphony no. 8 in F major, op. 93 ; Symphony no. 9 in D minor, op. 125.

Show 1 more Contents items

ISBN

• 9780226453880 (hardcover ; : alkaline paper)
• 022645388X (hardcover ; : alkaline paper)

LCCN

^^2016041562

OCLC

958779834

RCP

H - S

Statement on language in description

Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...