Very New Member

[dawncejames]

Hello,

My liking of Ludvig Von Beethoven's music started as a teenager. I had seen the film 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', which had the haunting theme music from his Piano concerto No. 5 in E flat, 2nd movement Adagio un poco mosso, otherwise known as the 'Emperor'

This peice of music stuck in my mind for years. I finally got to know it's full name by asking a friend, then bought the music. This was the first of many pieces of classical music I have purchased over the years

Beethoven is also responciple for me discovering many other classical peices and other composers.

I liked very much the film 'Immortal Beloved', and thought Gary Oldman played the part of the tortured genius very well. Although after reading some of the discussions in this group, it is hard to picture Beethoven as disliking women. I think he probably liked them too much! His letters however have moved me to tears.

Sure, he was a difficult man, as all artists are who are of that calibre. I can only imagine the frustration his deafness had on him.

The film also suggested a difficult childhood to say the least. Is any of this true?

One last question, does anyone know the whereabouts of Mr Beethoven's birth certificate?

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[John Rasmussen]

Welcome, dawncejames!

Beethoven certainly did have a difficult childhood, as shown in "Immortal Beloved." The Ninth's premiere was also much as the movie showed it. But the rest of the film is speculation based on the eponymous letter.

You mentioned the Emperor Concerto's slow movement. There has been hot debate on this forum as to whether Beethoven was a Classical or a Romantic composer. I will only say here that our Ludwig wrote far more than his share of hauntingly beautiful slow movements, from the Pathetique Sonata to the last quartet (and probably others composed even before the Pathetique). It was his music that taught me that it's more difficult to play well slow than fast. Fast tempos need mostly technique; slow movements need intelligence and heart. Beethoven's slow movements in particular require a heart as big as his own to play them well.

Again, welcome.

[Amalie]

Welcome Dawncejames,

I am sure you will find these links helpful.

For the entry of Beethoven's baptism in the Register at St. Regimus Church, Bonn, and his family tree, just click onto;
http://www.kingsbarn.freeserve.co.uk.familytree.html

For informantion of Beethovenhause Bonn, and a picture of the room where Beethoven was born. Go to;-
http://www.beethoven-haus-bonn.de/flash/

click onto the picture that says Geburtszimmer, the room in which he was born.

Regards
Lysander

[dawncejames]

Dear John,
Thank you for your reply and information.

Although not a romantic, I do like romantic music. I will not pretend that I know all about Beethoven's music, but I have just bought a double CD to learn more. However I do not seem to be able to get hold of the film score for 'Immortal Beloved' which I enjoyed very much.

Thanks again for your reply.

Dawn

Originally posted by John Rasmussen:
Welcome, dawncejames!

Beethoven certainly did have a difficult childhood, as shown in "Immortal Beloved." The Ninth's premiere was also much as the movie showed it. But the rest of the film is speculation based on the eponymous letter.

You mentioned the Emperor Concerto's slow movement. There has been hot debate on this forum as to whether Beethoven was a Classical or a Romantic composer. I will only say here that our Ludwig wrote far more than his share of hauntingly beautiful slow movements, from the Pathetique Sonata to the last quartet (and probably others composed even before the Pathetique). It was his music that taught me that it's more difficult to play well slow than fast. Fast tempos need mostly technique; slow movements need intelligence and heart. Beethoven's slow movements in particular require a heart as big as his own to play them well.

Again, welcome.

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[dawncejames]

Dear Amalie,

Thank you for your reply and the websites.

I could not access the first one, and the second one with the house where he was born I could not read the language. However I enjoyed the pictures.

Thanks.

Originally posted by Amalie:
Welcome Dawncejames,

I am sure you will find these links helpful.

For the entry of Beethoven's baptism in the Register at St. Regimus Church, Bonn, and his family tree, just click onto;
http://www.kingsbarn.freeserve.co.uk.familytree.html

For informantion of Beethovenhause Bonn, and a picture of the room where Beethoven was born. Go to;-
http://www.beethoven-haus-bonn.de/flash/

click onto the picture that says Geburtszimmer, the room in which he was born.

Regards
Lysander

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[Peter]

Originally posted by dawncejames:
Dear Amalie,

Thank you for your reply and the websites.

I could not access the first one, and the second one with the house where he was born I could not read the language. However I enjoyed the pictures.

Thanks.

The link should have been
http://www.kingsbarn.freeserve.co.uk/familytree.html

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'Man know thyself'

[Amalie]

Thankyou for coming to the rescue Peter, It looks like I missed out the slash after uk.

Regards
Lysander.

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[This message has been edited by Amalie (edited July 13, 2003).]

[Rod]

Originally posted by dawncejames:
Hello,

My liking of Ludvig Von Beethoven's music started as a teenager. I had seen the film 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', which had the haunting theme music from his Piano concerto No. 5 in E flat, 2nd movement Adagio un poco mosso, otherwise known as the 'Emperor'

This peice of music stuck in my mind for years. I finally got to know it's full name by asking a friend, then bought the music. This was the first of many pieces of classical music I have purchased over the years

I have 'Hanging Rock' myself, what a fantastic movie. Forget Immortal Beloved though!

Rod


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"If I were but of noble birth..." - Rod Corkin

[This message has been edited by Rod (edited July 14, 2003).]

[Peter]

Originally posted by Rod:
I have 'Hanging Rock' myself, what a fantastic movie.
Rod

I always thought it was true - what a shame to discover it's not!

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'Man know thyself'

[Rod]

Originally posted by Peter:
I always thought it was true - what a shame to discover it's not!

What do you mean Peter?!

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"If I were but of noble birth..." - Rod Corkin

[Peter]

Originally posted by Rod:
What do you mean Peter?!

The film was based on fiction not a real event which I always assumed was the case.

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'Man know thyself'

[Rod]

Originally posted by Peter:
The film was based on fiction not a real event which I always assumed was the case.

What are you talking about Peter? The Hanging Rock movie WAS based on a very real event that is still a mystery to this day.

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"If I were but of noble birth..." - Rod Corkin

[Peter]

Originally posted by Rod:
What are you talking about Peter? The Hanging Rock movie WAS based on a very real event that is still a mystery to this day.

http://www.bookmice.net/darkchilde/rock/picnic.html

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'Man know thyself'

[spaceray]

I had always believed Joan Lindsay's book was based on a real event?

[Rod]

Originally posted by Peter:

Originally posted by Rod:
What are you talking about Peter? The Hanging Rock movie WAS based on a very real event that is still a mystery to this day.

http://www.bookmice.net/darkchilde/rock/picnic.html

Well, I checked a few other sites and indeed this appears to be the case, much to my surprise! Still a good movie though, and great music of course. I'm still in love with Miranda in any case!

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"If I were but of noble birth..." - Rod Corkin