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Beethoven's Letters
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827), the protagonist of freedom for music, disentangled music from the control of the ruling class. In publishing his music and writing for the rising classes, Beethoven claimed freedom and expressed the emotions of the new rulers, the artists. The Eroica, Fidelio, and the piano works express the emotions of the new rulers — the intense love, the need for companionship of people, the forces that conspired to defeat the artist, and the strength and superiority of the artist in overcoming the weaknesses. The letters of Beethoven are the principal nonmusical expression of his personality in its relationship with the world of his time.
In what he called the "dry letters of the alphabet," Beethoven depicted his fears, his loves, and his friendly his fears of deafness and of corrupted texts by pirating printers; his loves, Bettina Brentano and Giulietta Guicciardi; and his friendly relations with Baron Zmeskall, Frau Nannette Streicher, and the music publishers Steiner and Company. He praises the poetry of Goethe and Schiller but condemns Goethe for his obeisance toward royalty. He solicits help during his perpetual trouble with his health and with his servants. He castigates publishers, sets prices for his works, and calculates letters of dedication. He expresses his love for his nephew, Carl, but documents the trouble that Carl was causing him by taking up his precious time. And although Beethoven liked to decorate the letters with musical openings and closings and an occasional song to the receiver, he increasingly signed his letters, "In haste."
The 457 letters collected here are the most important of the letters of the spirit that was to shape and move a century. Explanatory notes comment upon works, on persons mentioned, and on the puns of which Beethoven was fond. The letters chronicle his business, his needs, his humor and bitterness, and his philosophy. They will give many insights into Beethoven's methods, his influences, his moods, and the conditions under which the master worked.
In what he called the "dry letters of the alphabet," Beethoven depicted his fears, his loves, and his friendly his fears of deafness and of corrupted texts by pirating printers; his loves, Bettina Brentano and Giulietta Guicciardi; and his friendly relations with Baron Zmeskall, Frau Nannette Streicher, and the music publishers Steiner and Company. He praises the poetry of Goethe and Schiller but condemns Goethe for his obeisance toward royalty. He solicits help during his perpetual trouble with his health and with his servants. He castigates publishers, sets prices for his works, and calculates letters of dedication. He expresses his love for his nephew, Carl, but documents the trouble that Carl was causing him by taking up his precious time. And although Beethoven liked to decorate the letters with musical openings and closings and an occasional song to the receiver, he increasingly signed his letters, "In haste."
The 457 letters collected here are the most important of the letters of the spirit that was to shape and move a century. Explanatory notes comment upon works, on persons mentioned, and on the puns of which Beethoven was fond. The letters chronicle his business, his needs, his humor and bitterness, and his philosophy. They will give many insights into Beethoven's methods, his influences, his moods, and the conditions under which the master worked.
410 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1972
37 people are currently reading
715 people want to read
About the author
Ludwig van Beethoven
7,429 books241 followersFrom classical composition, well-known musical works of Ludwig van Beethoven, a partially and then totally deaf German, include symphonies, concertos, sonatas, string quartets, Masses, and one opera and form a transition to romanticism.
Ludwig van Beethoven lived of the period between the late and early eras. A mother in Bonn bore him.
People widely regard Ludwig van Beethoven as one greatest master of construction; sometimes sketched the architecture of a movement and afterward decided upon the subject matter. He first systematically and consistently used interlocking thematic devices or “germ-motives” to achieve long unity between movements. He equally remarkably used many different “source-motives”, which recurred and lent some unity to his life. He touched and made almost every innovation. For example, he diversified and even crystallized, made and brought the more elastic, spacious, and closer rondo. The natural course mostly inspired him, and liked to write descriptive songs.
Ludwig van Beethoven excelled in a great variety of genres, piano, other instrumental for violin, other chamber, and lieder.
People usually divide career of Ludwig van Beethoven into early, middle, and late periods.
In the early period, he is seen as emulating his great predecessors Haydn and Mozart, while concurrently exploring new directions and gradually expanding the scope and ambition of his work. Some important pieces from the Early period are the first and second, the first six, the first three piano, and the first twenty piano, the famous “Pathétique” and “Moonlight."
The Middle (Heroic) period began shortly after Beethoven’s personal crisis centering around his encroaching. The period is noted for large-scale expressing heroism and struggle; these many of the most famous. Middle period six (numbers 3 to 8), the fourth and fifth piano, the triple and violin, five (numbers 7 to 11), the next seven piano (the “Waldstein” and the “Appassionata”), and Beethoven’s only Fidelio.
Beethoven’s Late period began around 1816. The Late-period are characterized by intellectual depth, intense and highly personal expression, and formal innovation (for example, the Op. 131 has seven linked movements, and the Ninth Symphony adds choral forces to the orchestra in the last movement). Many people in his time period do not think these measured up to his first few, and his with J. Reinhold were frowned upon. Of this period also the Missa Solemnis, the last five, and the last five piano.
Ludwig van Beethoven lived of the period between the late and early eras. A mother in Bonn bore him.
People widely regard Ludwig van Beethoven as one greatest master of construction; sometimes sketched the architecture of a movement and afterward decided upon the subject matter. He first systematically and consistently used interlocking thematic devices or “germ-motives” to achieve long unity between movements. He equally remarkably used many different “source-motives”, which recurred and lent some unity to his life. He touched and made almost every innovation. For example, he diversified and even crystallized, made and brought the more elastic, spacious, and closer rondo. The natural course mostly inspired him, and liked to write descriptive songs.
Ludwig van Beethoven excelled in a great variety of genres, piano, other instrumental for violin, other chamber, and lieder.
People usually divide career of Ludwig van Beethoven into early, middle, and late periods.
In the early period, he is seen as emulating his great predecessors Haydn and Mozart, while concurrently exploring new directions and gradually expanding the scope and ambition of his work. Some important pieces from the Early period are the first and second, the first six, the first three piano, and the first twenty piano, the famous “Pathétique” and “Moonlight."
The Middle (Heroic) period began shortly after Beethoven’s personal crisis centering around his encroaching. The period is noted for large-scale expressing heroism and struggle; these many of the most famous. Middle period six (numbers 3 to 8), the fourth and fifth piano, the triple and violin, five (numbers 7 to 11), the next seven piano (the “Waldstein” and the “Appassionata”), and Beethoven’s only Fidelio.
Beethoven’s Late period began around 1816. The Late-period are characterized by intellectual depth, intense and highly personal expression, and formal innovation (for example, the Op. 131 has seven linked movements, and the Ninth Symphony adds choral forces to the orchestra in the last movement). Many people in his time period do not think these measured up to his first few, and his with J. Reinhold were frowned upon. Of this period also the Missa Solemnis, the last five, and the last five piano.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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November 3, 2021great stuff sorry your life sucked dad
March 22, 2013
At times, reading Beethoven's letters, one cannot help but think that never was a greater artist treated so shabbily by God and man...
On the other hand, few artists were given as great a gift (by God, by Nature, or by what you will)...
Still, it's painful to listen to Beethoven demanding--almost begging--of some of his wealthy patrons that they finally pay what they owe him... How cheap some of these aristocrats and nobles were!
Many of these letters--particularly those to Anton Schindler--show Beethoven's paradoxically irascible sense of humor.
And then there is the Heiligenstadt Testament of late 1802--perhaps this is the greatest letter never sent in the whole history of correspondence. It is a deeply moving document (and if you don't find it so, then you simply have become too jaded or cynical for your own good).
On the other hand, few artists were given as great a gift (by God, by Nature, or by what you will)...
Still, it's painful to listen to Beethoven demanding--almost begging--of some of his wealthy patrons that they finally pay what they owe him... How cheap some of these aristocrats and nobles were!
Many of these letters--particularly those to Anton Schindler--show Beethoven's paradoxically irascible sense of humor.
And then there is the Heiligenstadt Testament of late 1802--perhaps this is the greatest letter never sent in the whole history of correspondence. It is a deeply moving document (and if you don't find it so, then you simply have become too jaded or cynical for your own good).
March 11, 2012
The Selected Letters of Ludwig van Beethoven gives a good insight into the man behind the legend. The book is divided into 20 sections that cover correspondences to friends, family, colleagues and official offices. I was struck with the business side of his compositions. The thought of a monetary value (regardless of the amount) seems almost sacrilegious when attached to the priceless works of art he produced. Like most artists of his time, he was often in financial difficulties. One can’t help consider what men as Beethoven and Mozart could have accomplished if they wouldn’t have been in constant need of funds. Sections eight and nine deal with Beethoven’s composition of the Wellington Siege and the subsequent loss of control and any monetary gain from it that, even today, isn’t included in his best works; this book is a treasure for all classical music buffs or, for that matter, any lover of history.
September 17, 2012
Wonderful insight into Beethoven! Reflections of how he was effected by the events of the times he lived in and how it influenced his music. Also, a personal look at him as a man with a deep soul, whose poetry in music will never be duplicated. Someone told me that 'Beethoven's music is God's voice on Earth' and I agree.
September 2, 2014
The letters bring out more fascinating facets of his personality than the couple of biographies I previously read. Very impressive.
August 9, 2024
Beethoven has always been my idol and inspiration ❤️!
Having the opportunity of reading his correspondence allowed me to know him a little bit better ( "a little bit" because the ultimate dream was to actually know him in person and interact with the man, the legend, the titan of music).
Beethoven has always been known for his bad temper.
But this book allows people to see the reasons of that bad temper.
Not bad enough becoming stone deaf, he had to bargain constantly for the payment of his compositions, even though he was a respected and admired composer he never became rich, he always struggled with money.
He was a dedicated and a perfectionist musician, and he looked through his compositions note by note so they could be performed accordingly, Who would not get mad if the copyist or the edition houses would print out mistaken sheets of music?
He also had to deal with bad health through his life, and somehow he had to manage to get the work done, he couldn't allow himself to rest even if he needed.
Also he had to deal with ingratitude, as for the King of England to whom a full composition was dedicated to him and he never thanked Beethoven for the gesture.
He had to raise and take care of his ungrateful nephew, who gave him palpitations and insomnial nights constantly.
What nobody says is that he had a gentle, loving soul and a playful nature with his friends or his inner patrons. He would give a hand to anybody if needed, without asking why. Even if that meant to remove the bread of his own mouth to give It to you. Or to have debts.
He liked to live an ethical, responsible and respectful life, what was wrong with that?
My god! He composed little funny tunes to his friends and wrote them in his letters as jokes! Who does that?!?! That IS adorable!!!
He was a wonderful man and he needed someone to see him through that rough and bad tempered appearance and give him a hug and reassurance that he was a good man and that he was doing great things and accordingly, It was the world that was wretched.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(The side notes are very helpful to get the idea of what was discussed in the letters, highly appreciated! :3)
Having the opportunity of reading his correspondence allowed me to know him a little bit better ( "a little bit" because the ultimate dream was to actually know him in person and interact with the man, the legend, the titan of music).
Beethoven has always been known for his bad temper.
But this book allows people to see the reasons of that bad temper.
Not bad enough becoming stone deaf, he had to bargain constantly for the payment of his compositions, even though he was a respected and admired composer he never became rich, he always struggled with money.
He was a dedicated and a perfectionist musician, and he looked through his compositions note by note so they could be performed accordingly, Who would not get mad if the copyist or the edition houses would print out mistaken sheets of music?
He also had to deal with bad health through his life, and somehow he had to manage to get the work done, he couldn't allow himself to rest even if he needed.
Also he had to deal with ingratitude, as for the King of England to whom a full composition was dedicated to him and he never thanked Beethoven for the gesture.
He had to raise and take care of his ungrateful nephew, who gave him palpitations and insomnial nights constantly.
What nobody says is that he had a gentle, loving soul and a playful nature with his friends or his inner patrons. He would give a hand to anybody if needed, without asking why. Even if that meant to remove the bread of his own mouth to give It to you. Or to have debts.
He liked to live an ethical, responsible and respectful life, what was wrong with that?
My god! He composed little funny tunes to his friends and wrote them in his letters as jokes! Who does that?!?! That IS adorable!!!
He was a wonderful man and he needed someone to see him through that rough and bad tempered appearance and give him a hug and reassurance that he was a good man and that he was doing great things and accordingly, It was the world that was wretched.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(The side notes are very helpful to get the idea of what was discussed in the letters, highly appreciated! :3)
June 15, 2024
[DNF]
I bought this off a whim when I saw a really cool-looking German copy from the 70s for a very cheap price, and since I was having a big Beethoven phase at the time (what a weird thing to say), I was really interested in reading this. As it turns out, it was kind of just a chore to read, which is why I stopped now, after like 7 months, because I didn't want my reading to stay stagnating over this thing.
Don't get me wrong, there are some of the most moving letters in here, like the famous Heiligenstädter Testament or the lots and lots of writings about his despair or passionate love for a woman, but for the most part, the stuff in this collection is tedious to read. Yes, I want to read personal letters of one of the greatest musical artists of all time, but I don't want to read him complaining about finances for letters upon letters, plus all the long notes on each letter that explain the context. There are gems in there, but man do I wish this would be slimmed down a bit. At least two thirds here are just boring and technical rather than anything of literary value, which is fine because that's what I bought, but I certainly hoped for a bit more focus from the editors.
I don't think I'll never pick this up again, but I certainly have no interest any time soon, and if I do, I'd definitely skim through the stuff that seems to be unrelated to anything personal. He was a suffering genius, and I love to hear him talk about his pain, but everything aside from that is not even noteworthy to read, it's not like he wrote about finances in the most gorgeous prose ever or something.
I bought this off a whim when I saw a really cool-looking German copy from the 70s for a very cheap price, and since I was having a big Beethoven phase at the time (what a weird thing to say), I was really interested in reading this. As it turns out, it was kind of just a chore to read, which is why I stopped now, after like 7 months, because I didn't want my reading to stay stagnating over this thing.
Don't get me wrong, there are some of the most moving letters in here, like the famous Heiligenstädter Testament or the lots and lots of writings about his despair or passionate love for a woman, but for the most part, the stuff in this collection is tedious to read. Yes, I want to read personal letters of one of the greatest musical artists of all time, but I don't want to read him complaining about finances for letters upon letters, plus all the long notes on each letter that explain the context. There are gems in there, but man do I wish this would be slimmed down a bit. At least two thirds here are just boring and technical rather than anything of literary value, which is fine because that's what I bought, but I certainly hoped for a bit more focus from the editors.
I don't think I'll never pick this up again, but I certainly have no interest any time soon, and if I do, I'd definitely skim through the stuff that seems to be unrelated to anything personal. He was a suffering genius, and I love to hear him talk about his pain, but everything aside from that is not even noteworthy to read, it's not like he wrote about finances in the most gorgeous prose ever or something.
October 27, 2024
This volume of letters is fairly illuminating. Beethoven is a very bold and direct letter-writer. Once he becomes an established composer, he is pretty sure of his abilities and his worth. He's thus quite direct and even demanding in his dealings with publishers. He has strong feelings about the people around him. He's generally optimistic.
The selection of letters is strangely lacking much of anything deeply personal or intimate. This is possibly because such letters were destroyed, but it does still leave a bit of a hole. I found it odd that the letters written in French were not translated; my French is good enough that this was not really a problem, but I could see if being very frustrating for those who don't read French. Still, this set of letters is a good introduction to Beethoven as a person, and worthwhile for that.
The selection of letters is strangely lacking much of anything deeply personal or intimate. This is possibly because such letters were destroyed, but it does still leave a bit of a hole. I found it odd that the letters written in French were not translated; my French is good enough that this was not really a problem, but I could see if being very frustrating for those who don't read French. Still, this set of letters is a good introduction to Beethoven as a person, and worthwhile for that.
June 18, 2018
Can't say much, because Beethoven didn't write these letters to be published as a commercial book.
But the translation and interpretation, plus additional notes & explanations from the editors are very much appreciated.
To see Beethoven's real writings are such a happiness. Now I know a bit more about his personality, his sense of humour (which is hillarious, if you get it), his emotional swings, and also his warmth as a man, a friend, a teacher, an uncle, also a brother.
Bravo for this published letters! :)
But the translation and interpretation, plus additional notes & explanations from the editors are very much appreciated.
To see Beethoven's real writings are such a happiness. Now I know a bit more about his personality, his sense of humour (which is hillarious, if you get it), his emotional swings, and also his warmth as a man, a friend, a teacher, an uncle, also a brother.
Bravo for this published letters! :)
June 18, 2024
I picked this book up on a whim when I found a copy in a used bookstore. I can't say that I enjoyed it very much, but at the same time, I recognize that the fault is largely mine. There are some explanatory notes included, but I think that for full understanding, this collection requires more knowledge of Beethoven's life than I possess. I've admired this musical genius's compositions since I was a teenager, but I know next to nothing about the circumstances of his life. That's on me, and it has prompted me to seek out a good biography.
October 5, 2021
An enjoyable and honest portrait of the great master.
January 4, 2025
we love u beethoven
January 24, 2025
While I enjoyed reading the letters and learning more about the genius as a person, I found myself becoming bored by the first quarter of the book. This is a great historical text containing some of the best writings and letters, but to be more enjoyable - for even a less fans of Beethoven’s than myself, I think the book could have been much shorter in length.
September 7, 2016
Beethoven's are deep, deep waters with powerful surges, creating tidal waves of emotion. They are not less or more beautiful but wonderfully different.
A few things surprised me. While Mozart could be impish to the point of immaturity in mocking people he deemed of lesser talent, Beethoven was surprisingly generous. In fact, he barely mentions anyone whose playing or composing he doesn't like but spends a great deal of time pouring out volumes of praise on those he did. His praise is not superficial or melodramatic but filled with love and honor. Among those composers he loved are J.S. Bach and his son, C.P.E. Bach. He kept in contact with C.P.E. Bach's son and worked hard to help him promote his father's work.
He sings the praises of Mozart, who, in one generation, had gone from relatively unknown to a national hero.
He also loved Handel, and also the poet Frederich Schiller-from whom he set the words to Schiller's poem, "An de Freude"-in English "Ode to Joy"- to the final movement of his Ninth Symphony (Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee).
For the rest of the review cut and paste the link to my blog post:
http://sharonhenning.blogspot.com/201...
A few things surprised me. While Mozart could be impish to the point of immaturity in mocking people he deemed of lesser talent, Beethoven was surprisingly generous. In fact, he barely mentions anyone whose playing or composing he doesn't like but spends a great deal of time pouring out volumes of praise on those he did. His praise is not superficial or melodramatic but filled with love and honor. Among those composers he loved are J.S. Bach and his son, C.P.E. Bach. He kept in contact with C.P.E. Bach's son and worked hard to help him promote his father's work.
He sings the praises of Mozart, who, in one generation, had gone from relatively unknown to a national hero.
He also loved Handel, and also the poet Frederich Schiller-from whom he set the words to Schiller's poem, "An de Freude"-in English "Ode to Joy"- to the final movement of his Ninth Symphony (Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee).
For the rest of the review cut and paste the link to my blog post:
http://sharonhenning.blogspot.com/201...
July 31, 2010
I give up. I've had this book for years and have tried to read it about 5 times. ZZZZZ.... Beethoven's life was no more interesting than your average Joe. Snore. That is, his life as told by this collection of letters that are agonizingly mundane. However, even as I say, "I give up"...I'm thinking about giving it another try. It's an eerie pull that keeps bringing me back.
February 4, 2015
A translation of a selection of letters by Beethoven. These letters are not as interesting as say those of Mozart; they are mostly to music publishers about prices for his works, or complaints about servants. There are some that are of more interest, about his illnesses, for example, but very little about his musical thinking or about his compositions except as commodities.
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January 18, 2013I love this book. His letters show his indisputable greatness, and augment his music.
March 1, 2016
It may not be for everyone, but it definitely suited my taste. I also just really enjoy all things Beethoven for reasons I don't fully comprehend.
December 24, 2015
Interesting
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews