This long-esteemed book offers the reader a highly interesting glimpse
of Beethoven, the man. There are a number of biographical studies of
Beethoven, but nowhere else will you find such a convenient classified
collection of his utterances and opinions. Through his own words emerges
an image of a man, torn by personal problems and a tragic affliction,
yet impelled by a keen sense of his destiny and place in the history of
music.
Included are over 300 of Beethoven's reflections on the art of
composing: The startling effects which many credit to the natural genius
of the composer, are often achieved with the greatest ease by the use
and resolution of the diminished seventh chords; on his own temperament
and character: Many a vigorous and unconsidered word drops from my
mouth, for which reason I am considered mad; and on other composers:
Rossini would have become a great composer if his teacher had frequently
applied some blows ad posteriora; on performers: These pianoforte
players have their coteries whom they often join; there they are praised
continually -- and there's an end of art!; on his own suffering: My
defective hearing appeared everywhere before me like a ghost; I fled
from the presence of men, was obliged to appear to be a misanthrope
although I am so little such.
There are also his views on art and artists, on his own works, on
education, nature, poetry, God and other matters. Friedrich Kerst
originally gleaned this material from various sources, such as
Beethoven's diary, the famous conversation-books, the Heiligenstadt
Will, and his correspondence with the Archduke Rudolf, Ferdinand Ries,
Dr. Wegeler, Cherubini, the Immortal Beloved, and many others.
Altogether it forms the handiest compilation of Beethoven's recorded
remarks in existence. Out of print for years, this annotated translation
by a renowned American music authority, Henry Edward Krehbiel, is once
more made available for the illumination and enjoyment of scholars,
students, and music lovers.
