Beethoven: A Character Study

by George Alexander Fischer

Beethoven A Character Study New Complete Edition Brand New Copies By George Alexander Fischer If Bach is the mathematician of music, as has been asserted, Beethoven is its philosopher. In his work the philosophic spirit comes to the fore. To the genius of the musician is added in Beethoven a wide mental grasp, an altruistic spirit, that seeks to help humanity on the upward path. He addresses the intellect of mankind. Up to Beethoven's time musicians in general (Bach is always an exception) performed their work without the aid of an intellect for the most part; they worked by intuition. In everything outside their art they were like children. Beethoven was the first one having the independence to think for himself-the first to have ideas on subjects unconnected with his art. He it was who established the dignity of the artist over that of the simply well-born. His entire life was a protest against the pretensions of birth over mind. His predecessors, to a great extent subjugated by their social superiors, sought only to please. Nothing further was expected of them. This mental attitude is apparent in their work. The language of the courtier is usually polished, but will never have the virility that characterizes the speech of the free man.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 2006

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been wanting to read a biography of Beethoven for a while now, and this was exactly what I was looking for. Loved it. And free on Kindle - you can't go wrong.

[Dasagamabu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biografía de Beethoven de primeros del s. XX por lo que puede adolecer de información recientemente descubierta de la vida de Beethoven. He echado en falta algunos datos como el estreno conjunto de las sinfonías 5 y 6 y un mayor entusiasmo en el relato. No obstante da una visión bastante completa de su vida.

[busisiwe mkhwanazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

IS BETTER IF YOU KNOW GERMAN

This is the third biography of Ludwig van Beethoven that I have read and I really enjoyed it. The spiritual and mystical feelings that permeate this writer 's book as they relate to the master's life I found truthful or at least it renewed in me my own thinking of the master as a lover of life that included joyful and painful moments thruout. It has always given me great courage to know that even after he understands that he is going to lose his hearing at a very young age, which for anyone would be a tragedy, but even more so for a music composer, and specially in his case knowing that he's destined to be perhaps the greatest of all he remains calmed and assure more than ever that he needs to continue developing his art, he owes it to humanity, not only of his time but for future generations......US.

[Hariyanto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good biographical work on Beethoven's life and works, written on the beginning of the 20th century. Not very long and thorough, but gives us a good glimpse of the character of the master.