
Beethoven
A Life in Nine Pieces
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Narrated by:
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Laura Tunbridge
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By:
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Laura Tunbridge
About this listen
A major new biography published for the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth, offering a fresh, human portrayal.
The iconic image of Beethoven is of him as a lone genius: hair wild, fists clenched, and brow furrowed. Beethoven may well have shaped the music of the future, but he was also a product of his time, influenced by the people, politics, and culture around him. Oxford scholar Laura Tunbridge offers an alternative history of Beethoven's career, placing his music in contexts that shed light on why particular pieces are valued more than others, and what this tells us about his larger-than-life reputation.
Each chapter focuses on a period of his life, a piece of music, and a revealing theme, from family to friends, from heroism to liberty. We discover, along the way, Beethoven's unusual marketing strategies, his ambitious concert programming, and how specific performers and instruments influenced his works. This book offers new ways to understand Beethoven and why his music continues to be valued today.
©2020 Laura Turnbridge (P)2020 TantorListeners also enjoyed...
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Story
Introduced with more than 90 biographical entries that trace the friendships, loves, and rivalries that inspired each musical genius and their work. Profiles offer revealing insights into what drove each individual to create the musical masterpieces - symphonies, concertos, and operatic scores - that changed the direction of classical music and are still celebrated as masterpieces today.
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Exceeded my expectations
- By PavFan on 02-21-22
By: DK
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What to Listen for in Music
- By: Aaron Copland
- Narrated by: Tim Campbell
- Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
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In this fascinating analysis of how to listen to both contemporary and classical music analytically, eminent American composer Aaron Copland offers provocative suggestions that will bring listeners a deeper appreciation of the most viscerally rewarding of all art forms.
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Started common, ended uncommon
- By Sher from Provo on 06-05-24
By: Aaron Copland
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The Definitive Biography of P.D.Q. Bach
- By: Peter Schickele
- Narrated by: Peter Schickele
- Length: 1 hr and 19 mins
- Abridged
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Printed books are all well and good, but, let's face it, it's a whole lot easier to let somebody else do the reading. P.D.Q. Bach was probably the most passive composer who ever allegedly lived, so the less effort you put into learning about him, the more you carry on his ideals.
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enjoyable and informative
- By reggie p on 11-27-04
By: Peter Schickele
Well done
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What a great concept for a book on Beethoven!
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Laura Turnbridge is an excellent author & narrator
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Engaging, interesting, nice format
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