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Beethoven
Through an important episode in the life of Ludwig van Beethoven, Régis Penet paints the portrait of a humanist genius who refused to submit to the powerful.
"Tell the French that there is still one man in Austria who is not subject to them, and that he does not bear any title!"
1806, Beethoven was 36 years old and resided in the palace of Prince Alois von Lichnowsky, his friend and patron, where he would form a friendship with the young son of the prince, Eduard. It was the time of the great Napoleonic conquests and Austria was now occupied by French troops. In order to show the French officers that he was receiving at dinner, "what remains of a prince of Austria", von Lichnowsky made it a point of honor to have the composer play in front of his guests. But Beethoven refused to show his talent. By insubordination, not only towards the victors, these "servants of tyranny" but also towards his protector who wanted to show him off. He is and will remain a free man!
Through the account of this particular day, Régis Penet makes a biographical work and draws a striking portrait of the "bear of the salons": a genius sure of his talent, indomitable and fond of freedom. Instructive, moving... simply magnificent!
"Tell the French that there is still one man in Austria who is not subject to them, and that he does not bear any title!"
1806, Beethoven was 36 years old and resided in the palace of Prince Alois von Lichnowsky, his friend and patron, where he would form a friendship with the young son of the prince, Eduard. It was the time of the great Napoleonic conquests and Austria was now occupied by French troops. In order to show the French officers that he was receiving at dinner, "what remains of a prince of Austria", von Lichnowsky made it a point of honor to have the composer play in front of his guests. But Beethoven refused to show his talent. By insubordination, not only towards the victors, these "servants of tyranny" but also towards his protector who wanted to show him off. He is and will remain a free man!
Through the account of this particular day, Régis Penet makes a biographical work and draws a striking portrait of the "bear of the salons": a genius sure of his talent, indomitable and fond of freedom. Instructive, moving... simply magnificent!
- GenresGraphic Novels
144 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2022
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 1, 2023
3.5 / 5
Les illustrations sont magnifiques, et, combinés avec le dialogue, on perçoit facilement le caractère et l'isolement grandissant de Beethoven.
La BD se penche sur un événement spécifique de la vie de Beethoven, mais j'aurais voulu continuer de le rencontrer à travers les illustrations. Bref, j'en aurais pris plus!
Les illustrations sont magnifiques, et, combinés avec le dialogue, on perçoit facilement le caractère et l'isolement grandissant de Beethoven.
La BD se penche sur un événement spécifique de la vie de Beethoven, mais j'aurais voulu continuer de le rencontrer à travers les illustrations. Bref, j'en aurais pris plus!
November 28, 2022
I never knew a thing of music history prior to this. It makes sense to learn something of the people who’s music has lasted 200 plus years. Art is a reflection of its time they say and to finally put a reason to these symphonies and some foundation of story to match it cultivates a deeper understanding and appreciation for it. There’s a little insight to Beethoven himself and that also added some more character to his work. There are social dynamics displayed and captured which really planted the notion of a larger story even though this is a smaller illustration book. Overall great job.
December 12, 2022
4.5 stars
July 1, 2024
Read for the summer library reading program “Book with a name in the title” Bingo square.
Interesting enough, would certainly have never read a history on any part of Beethoven’s life otherwise.
Interesting enough, would certainly have never read a history on any part of Beethoven’s life otherwise.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews