Full Description
Beethoven's orchestral works include some of the most iconic and popular pieces of classical music ever written. In this book, author and music critic David Hurwitz surveys all of his symphonies, overtures, concertos, theatrical music, his single ballet and other music for the dance, and several short pieces worth getting to know. It offers chapters on Beethoven's handling of the symphony orchestra and his contributions to its evolution, as well as his approach to musical form in creating large, multi-movement works. The musical descriptions provide helpful strategies for listening that invite both beginners and experienced enthusiasts to treat even the best known pieces as something fresh, new and relevant. In addition, Hurwitz provides extensive lists of recommended recordings of all of the music surveyed, highlighting the wide range of issues in Beethoven interpretation and performance, as well as the history of his music on disc. He encourages readers to listen actively and critically, as they build their own Beethoven discographies according to their personal tastes and preferences.
Contents
Preface
Part I: Listening to Beethoven
1. Beethoven and the Orchestra
2. Beethoven's Dynamic Forms
Part II: Overtures
Discography
3. Theatrical Overtures
4. Concert Overtures
Interlude 1: Dance Music
Part III: Concertos and Concerted Works
Discography
5. General Introduction to Concerto Forms
6. Concertos for Piano
7. Concerto and Romances for Violin
8. Triple Concerto and Choral Fantasy
Interlude 2: Incidental Music
Part IV: Symphonies
Discography
9. Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2
10. Symphonies Nos. 3 "Eroica" and 4
11. Symphonies Nos. 5 and 6 "Pastoral"
12. Symphonies Nos. 7 and 8
13. Wellington's Victory (a.k.a. "Battle Symphony")
14. Symphony No. 9 "Choral"
Conclusion: The Quasi-Orchestral Beethoven
