In Search of Beethoven: A Personal Journey

by John Suchet

272 pages, Hardcover

Published September 4, 2025

About the author

John Suchet presents Classic FM's flagship morning programme. His informative style of presentation, coupled with a deep knowledge of classical music, has won a wide spectrum of new listeners to the station. Before turning to classical music, John was one of the UK's best known television newscasters, regularly presenting ITN's flagship News at Ten, as well as all other bulletins, over a period of nearly 20 years. John has been honoured for both roles. He is the author of several bestselling composer biographies, including Beethoven: The Man Revealed.

Reviews

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ludwig van Beethoven is in the background of all our lives ; some of his musical compositions although not necessarily named will be identifiable by many whether from radio, television or film.

As for the life of Beethoven’ knowing he was a prolific composer and became deaf is about the average knowledge.
John Suchet is an expert on Beethoven and In Search of Beethoven is the perfect read to understand Beethoven’s life and intriguing character.

Mr Suchet has written a biography / personal travelogue as he makes a personal journey to the key places in Beethoven’s Austrian life and recounts key events.

This is a book for a novice ( like myself) wanting to learn more - the prose is highly accessible and Beethoven’s life and mindset is explored in an accessible way.-highly readable and not stuffy.

Mr Suchet weaves personal life stories within the text which another layer to the book.

A fascinating book about one of history’s larger than life characters.
Highly recommended.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The biography itself was interesting however written in an annoying style. Once the writing was around how his love of Beethoven impacted his life it was much better.