The Life of Beethoven

Musical Lives

by David Wyn Jones

This account of Beethoven reveals the life and times of a creative musician in Bonn and Vienna in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. While paying due regard to the image of Beethoven as one of the most single-minded composers in the history of music, this biography places his work in the context of the musical life of the period. Through an understanding of the changing nature of musical patronage, the private and public concert, the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on culture and society--in addition to the effects of Beethoven's increasing deafness and his difficult relationships with both patrons and the musical institutions of the day--a varied and dynamic picture of the life and career of the musical genius emerges.

Genres: Music, History, Nonfiction, Biography

204 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 1998

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography of Beethoven was surprisingly satisfying, despite its brevity and lack of deep analysis. Wyn Jones looked at Beethoven and his life from a different perspective than usual. He concentrated on Beethoven as a working composer and pianist in late 18th and early 19th century Vienna, rather than trying to plumb the depths of his genius and greatness (without at all denying the genius and the greatness), which I found refreshing in both the figurative and literal senses - Beethoven and his work did seem new and fresh when viewed from this perspective. Wyn Jones shows how Beethoven acquired patrons and made a living from his work, how he got his work performed and under what circumstances, and the conditions and situations that gave rise to his compositions. Wyn Jones also looks at how Beethoven acquired his status as the foremost composer of early 19th century Vienna and how that affected his life. It was interesting to get a peek behind the legend.

[Ronald.cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an ok book. The reason why I graded it a 4 was because it showed the life of a tremendous artist. I would recommend this book for any child at age. It shows how an amazing artist came to be from a horrible beginning. Great book.