Beethoven Lives Upstairs

by Barbara Nichol, Scott Cameron (Illustrator)

A colorfully illustrated fictional profile takes young readers on an imaginary tour of Beethoven's world in which a series of letters captures the genius's passion and dedication toward his music as he prepares to write yet another symphony. Reprint.

Genres: Music, Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fiction, Young Adult, Audiobook

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[C. (Comment, never msg). · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book's creativity and sweetness deserve higher feedback by themselves but the output is dampened overall because we are not placed inside this semi-fictional story. Being entirely epistolary prohibits readers from witnessing action, a build-up to events, and from feeling reactionary emotions when details unfold. Every aspect is muted because what we receive are fragments: succinct summaries in short letters, to a boy's musician uncle Karl, in Salzburg. The central story is reduced to us watching Karl answer his mail.

Ludwig Von Beethoven, a reportedly formidable player of emotional music when he used to hear, boarded in different places to work on his masterpieces. The boy, Christoph is the eldest child of Karl's sister; perplexed fictional boarders in Vienna. Ludwig acts peculiarly beyond the state of deafness. He composes his "Ninth Symphony" and rehearses its concert there, to which they are invited. Joining key scenes would have brought them to life; such as attending this famous concert, which was portrayed as first being pounded out in their jangled earshot. A few participatory pages feeding correspondence would have let me experience a spectrum of emotions and subsequently grade "Beethoven Lives Upstairs" higher.

It was called for in particular to show Karl's Vienna visit. When he and his correspondent were together, it lifted a need for letters. I would have enjoyed seeing him greet his sister, Christoph, and twin girls as well as meeting Mr. Beethoven and the neighbourhood dog, Metronome, whom the family adopts after. If it is true history that Ludwig used to rent accommodations in common people's places, when he must have earned money for a fine home, it would be interesting to know why. I read that there is an audio performance of this story that delivered it far better. It won our coveted Juno Award in Canada!

[Chrystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. My girls loved this book. A great way to explain Beethoven's upbringing, personality, and significance. I'd love to find similar books about other composers.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently I was obsessed with this book when I was four. I decided to re-read it 30 years later to see if I could remember anything, and I couldn't.

However it's a good read, a sort of epistolary, fictionalized profile of Beethoven. 3.5 stars but round 'em up!

[Stasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this. Years since I read it. 💜

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story which I'm recommending to my piano students because it also shows us the "immortal" Beethoven's mere mortal side.

[Elizabeth Mcnair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The rabbit tails I was able to go on with my kids because of the tidbits of Beethoven’s life were fantastic. We had a lot of fun with this book.

[Paul Farbman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beethoven Lives Upstairs is told in an exchange of letters between a boy named Christoph and his Uncle Karl. After Christoph's father dies, Beethoven moves into his home as a very eccentric tenant. As it relates to the categories of music in children's literature described by Calogero (2002), this book would fit into the category of "books, either fictional or nonfictional, about composers and musicians". It talks about Beethoven's life as a child, deaf composer, and hearing pianist.

The reader can gain a better appreciation of music as something that is more than sound. Nichol describes how Beethoven placed a piano on the ground and could feel his playing in the vibrations coming through the floor boards.

This book can be used at the third grade level or even for older children. According to Sotherden (2002), "older students can be encouraged to use picture books, particularly those about composers and opera, for research projects". She also encourages teachers to have older students read these books to younger students.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fictitious little boy writes his uncle letters, at first complaining about the eccentric composer that lives upstairs. But as time passes, the letters show that Christoph has had a change of heart. Kids will learn some interesting facts about Beethoven through this correspondence tale.

Not every page has an illustration; parents of young children may wish to note this.

Ages: 6 - 12

Cleanliness: there is a picture of Beethoven with no clothes - you can see from his lower back to his head. Another picture shows him with his shirt off. Mentions that Beethoven's father took to drink. The little boy doesn't always appreciate his little baby sisters.

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading this in the library in high school when I was 'too old' for picture books. It's a shame that so many people feel that way, because any good book written for a child should be able to be enjoyed later. Upon reading it again and seeing the publication date, I think I actually had it read to me as a young child!

I love reading anything and everything about Beethoven, because I was trained under Don & Delayna Beattie, who helped me love his music. This book has some content considerations that have already been discussed, but it's a charming read aloud. An older middle schooler might enjoy perusing the text to learn a few details about Beethoven. Sadly, it is historical fiction and not based on any true accounts. Still good, though!

[Daleena Pray · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is unfortunate that the cover art is not represented. The book I just read was illustrated by Scott Cameron and the art is really lovely. Each page a masterpiece in itself. As a letter writer I was drawn to this book and appreciated the concept of letters being exchanged. I also enjoyed the tone of the Uncle and his encouraging advice and empathy with regards to the unnerving behaviors of Beethoven. The end was super sweet. Heart.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy writes letters to his uncle about a "madman" who rents the upstairs room in his house. Beethoven is working on his famous 9th symphony, and the boy's letters reveal Beethoven's erratic characteristics: leg-less pianos, propensity for dumping water on his head, loud noises he made, wearing no clothes while working on his music, and inability to keep consistent residence. In the end, the boy comes to respect Beethoven for the musical genius he was.

This book is written on a 3rd grade reading level and contains colored illustrations.

[Alex Blose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a young boy, Christoph, who is living in a house with the famous conductor, Beethoven. Christoph writes to his Uncle Karl telling him first how he wishes that Beethoven was not there because he makes so much noise, but then after learning how great Beethoven is and why he does the things he does through his Uncle, Christoph learns to appreciate Beethoven, the work that he does, and his final masterpieces.

This book was very easy to read because 99% of it is written in letter format, so it was quick to finish. It also has pictures accompanying just about every page so it made it a little better to get through. I did not really like this book after I read it though because I felt that there just wasn't that much to it. It gave some good information about Beethoven but I just really did not understand why Christoph was writing his Uncle in the first place (they don't even really 'know' each other).

As a future teacher, I probably wouldn't use this book. I do not feel that it has a lot of educating information to it and I don't feel like my students would really gain anything from it. I might suggest it to a student that wants to read a little bit about Beethoven, maybe if they are doing a project on the life of him or something, but even that is pushing it for me.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book of short letters between an Uncle and his nephew about the famous composer, Beethoven to my kids while they colored. It was an interesting way to explore the eccentric and sometimes erratic characteristics that made Beethoven the musical genius he was. We had read another book about Beethoven The 39 Apartments of Ludwig Van Beethoven so my kids were already familiar with his leg-less pianos, propensity for dumping water on his head, and inability to keep consistent residence. But, this book helped round out some of the rough edges and also showed his talent and the respect and admiration he acquired despite his prickly demeanor.

[Barbara VA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have seen this movie many times and read it when it first came out with my children.

A perfect story and book! Beethoven towards the end of his life and plagued by his deafness moves into the home of a widow as he is finishing the composition of his 9th symphony. While the public loves his music, the people that live around him do not understand the agonies and frustrations he deals with. While any disability is horrid, for the finest musical genius to struggle so is unimaginable. The young son of the landlord at first is beyond frustration with what he feels are the eccentric occurances of Beethoven. Written as a series of letters between a 10 year old lonely Christof and his uncle asking for advice on dealing with Beethoven, the book covers 3 years of growth and acceptance.

[James Govednik · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young boy living in Vienna finds his family’s life turned upside down when his mother rents a room to Ludwig van Beethoven. The story is told through letters exchanged between Christoph and his Uncle Kurt, a university music student who had a hand in the arrangement. Although the strongest versions of the story are the original audio CD and the HBO video, the book is a worthwhile read. Readers must make many inferences as they read, as the epistolary form only hints at certain story details. For ages 8-10.

[Tara Mensing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beethoven lives upstairs gives some insight as to what it might be like to have a genius but deaf neighbor. Christoph, the little boy who tells the tale by writing letters to his uncle at first is mortified by Beethoven's strange behavior. Christoph's uncle continually reminds him to picture himself in Beethoven's shoes and eventually he does. Great historical fiction!

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. A fan of historical fiction, it's not often you find something with this much information targeted to kids. Something that would be fun to do a report on or as a class read in upper elementary school. A lot of factual information, but plenty of room for learning about the time period and musicians.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story, written via letters between an uncle and his nephew, Christoph. Christoph relates what it is like living below Beethoven. Facts that are known about Beethoven--his genius and his struggles and interwoven throughout the book. This is a great springboard for a study or discussion of Beethoven!

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I own a copy of this from my days as a teacher. How have I not read it?

Having played Beethoven as a youngster, I feel I have cheated myself by not knowing him any better. This is a meer glimpse of a part of his life. I want to read more about him.

I love the beautiful illustrations.

[Katelyn Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

* First half of 19th century
* Beethoven/music/creative unit
* Could be used for multiple perspectives
* From the perspective of a boy who lives beneath Beethoven
* Picture book, but maybe for 3rd grade
* Class library addition

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice! Though I skimmed some, I couldn't forget the dog part. I really liked the cuties and storyline. However some details are lost. I anyways enjoyed how well this plot and letters went back and forth! Really nice! Recommend to anyone who loves music.

[Teshamae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I would like this book. Letters? In a children's book? But I ended up loving it. It kept my 5-year-old daughter's attention! And I felt like we were on a treasure hunt, reading these old letters to discover the story. Fun!

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author uses letters sent between a 10 year boy and his uncle to tell the story of Beethoven’s last years. After over two years of living with “the mad man” upstairs, the boy begins to appreciate the skill of Beethoven’s music. I think most kids would enjoy it.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this little illustrated epistolary novel. I first encountered it years ago as the audio recording from Classical Kids, but after reading it with the gorgeous illustrations in hardback this year, I can't decide which I like better. A great way to encounter Beethoven!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was younger I had a cassette tape of this biography with Beethoven's music played in the background.
I found the audiobook through my library for my son. It seems to be a good introductory biography.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have listen to the audio of this so many times. Vary special.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up out of memories for the video version we watched in Violin class. It's entertaining with beautiful illustrations and acts as a good introduction to the composer for young children.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this story with my kids when they were younger. We all loved it!

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good-but a little on the long side, written in letter format

[Silas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. The boy in the books name is Christoph, just like our friend.