A book on Beethoven!

[Joy]

I've just begun reading another book on Beethoven, "The Nine Symphonies of Beethoven" by Antony Hopkins. This is a great book to read to coincide with my learning videos I have on The Nine Symphonies. If any of you are interested in an indepth analysis of B's Symphonies and also he depicts a wide range of B's tempestuous life, his Napoleon views, the years with the aristocracy, and, of course, his deafness, this book might interest you.
Peter, you might be especially interested as he also talks in great detail about Beethoven's influence over Schubert and compares them musically.

Enjoy!

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'Truth and beauty joined'

[Michael]

Many years back, I bought a recording of Antony Hopkins called "Talking About Symphonies" in which he analysed two Beethoven symphonies (3rd and 5th) and two by Mozart. I found them very useful, especially as I knew nothing about musical form, but he seemed to be ever so slightly dismissive of the Beethoven works and more enthusiastic about Mozart.
He brought out a very good book in 1971 called "Talking about Music" in which he admitted that his favourite composer was indeed Mozart. I know that's not a criminal offence, but I wonder did his preference come across in the book you mentioned, Joy?
As a composer himself, he is very good at describing music, and wasn't he just great in "The Silence of the Lambs"?

Michael


[This message has been edited by Michael (edited 05-18-2004).]

[Gurn Blanston]

Joy,
This sounds interesting. When I went shopping for books on the symphonies, all I could find was George Grove "Beethoven and his 9 Symphonies", which is a very good book, although written in 1885! What is the publisher of this one, if you would care to share?


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Regards,
Gurn
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That's my opinion, I may be wrong.
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[Peter]

Originally posted by Joy:
I've just begun reading another book on Beethoven, "The Nine Symphonies of Beethoven" by Antony Hopkins. This is a great book to read to coincide with my learning videos I have on The Nine Symphonies. If any of you are interested in an indepth analysis of B's Symphonies and also he depicts a wide range of B's tempestuous life, his Napoleon views, the years with the aristocracy, and, of course, his deafness, this book might interest you.
Peter, you might be especially interested as he also talks in great detail about Beethoven's influence over Schubert and compares them musically.

Enjoy!

It is a good book Joy and already sits on the shelves of my music library! He explains the background as well as the musical details, much better than the fanciful Grove.

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'Man know thyself'

[Gurn Blanston]

Joy,
I am also interested in the "Learning Videos" you mention. What's THAT all about? Inquiring minds wanta know!


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Regards,
Gurn
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That's my opinion, I may be wrong.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Joy]

Originally posted by Michael:

I know that's not a criminal offence, but I wonder did his preference come across in the book you mentioned, Joy?

Michael

[This message has been edited by Michael (edited 05-18-2004).]

I confess I have just started the book but what I can tell is he does talk about Mozart as well as other composers. Mostly about Beethoven and his music thoygh. It is a very informative book musically as he takes each symphony and delves into them quite deeply. I'm learning a lot!

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'Truth and beauty joined'

[Joy]

Originally posted by Gurn Blanston:
Joy,
This sounds interesting. When I went shopping for books on the symphonies, all I could find was George Grove "Beethoven and his 9 Symphonies", which is a very good book, although written in 1885! What is the publisher of this one, if you would care to share?

Gurn, It was first published by Heinemann Educational Books Ltd and the University of Washington Press, Seattle. I have read Groves book as well. Alas, a long time ago so I can't remember much of it. I shall have to take it out of the library next time and give it another go!
The videos I was referring to was a Christmas gift to me and what a gift! 12 videos explaining in detail all of Beethoven's Symphonies and his life, also touches on other composers and deals a little into Beethoven's piano sonatas and other genres for use as comparisons. Sort of a biography and learning experience. I'm also ordering "Understanding Great Music" which should come in the mail next week. Can't wait! Here's the website to order and read about all his teaching videos, there's several on Beethoven alone. Enjoy!http://www.teach12.com/store/courses.asp?t=&sl=&s=904&sbj=Fine%20Arts%20and%20M usic&fMode=s

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'Truth and beauty joined'

[Joy]

Originally posted by Peter:
It is a good book Joy and already sits on the shelves of my music library! He explains the background as well as the musical details, much better than the fanciful Grove.

And in a very understandable way which is a big plus for the few of us who are musically challenged!



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'Truth and beauty joined'

[Amalie]

Originally posted by Joy:
And in a very understandable way which is a big plus for the few of us who are musically challenged!

Joy,
It is great to discover new Books about the Maestro, I'm sure you will enjoy a good read there.
I have ordered a Book on Beethoven called:

BEETHOVEN AND THE VIOCE OF GOD.
By a British musicologist's philosophical and theological study of the composer's mind and music through the late piano sonata's and his great Missa Solemnis.
Sounds a bit challenging for me but it is the sort of thing I am intersted in.
I am still feeling the effects of attending an impassioned performance of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis on Sunday at the Royal Festival Hall, London.
With the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Kurt Masur, who had a very inspired reading of the text. The beautiful
violin solo in the Sanctus was particularly plaintive, other worldly and deeply reverential, so much so that I find it difficult to return back into this world.
I love this piece so much. It is so paralysingly beautiful!

Do share your thoughts when you read your new book as I shall when I receive mine.

Amalie..



[This message has been edited by Amalie (edited 05-19-2004).]

[Gurn Blanston]

Joy, thanks for the info, and also the link to those lecture series. A person could really get to like that stuff, many of them look fascinating


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Regards,
Gurn
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That's my opinion, I may be wrong.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Joy]

Originally posted by Amalie:

Joy,
It is great to discover new Books about the Maestro, I'm sure you will enjoy a good read there.
I have ordered a Book on Beethoven called:
BEETHOVEN AND THE VIOCE OF GOD.
By a British musicologist's philosophical and theological study of the composer's mind and music through the late piano sonata's and his great Missa Solemnis.
Sounds a bit challenging for me but it is the sort of thing I am intersted in.

Do share your thoughts when you read your new book as I shall when I receive mine.

Amalie..

[This message has been edited by Amalie (edited 05-19-2004).]

Sounds like a plan Amalie. Let me know how you enjoyed your book. I may have to put it on my list of future Beethoven books to read!

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'Truth and beauty joined'

[Joy]

Originally posted by Gurn Blanston:
Joy, thanks for the info, and also the link to those lecture series. A person could really get to like that stuff, many of them look fascinating

You're welcome Gurn! They are all fasincating and interesting I'm sure and if they're anything like the ones I'm watching now, they're worth every penny!



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'Truth and beauty joined'