Beethoven and His Nine Symphonies [Paperback]

George Grove (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1962

Thorough history, analysis, commentary on symphonies and some revealed pieces. Includes 436 musical passages.

Product Details

• Paperback: 407 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; 3 edition (June 1, 1962)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486203344
• ISBN-13: 978-0486203348
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #166,726 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Forms & Genres > Symphonies
  • #28 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Beethoven
  • #42 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Instrumentation > Orchestra

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Of Music Analysis, January 4, 2004

By 

Alan Beggerow (Sterling, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beethoven and His Nine Symphonies (Paperback)

This is a reprint of the 3rd edition of 1898, but that fact should not deter anyone from purchasing it. It remains an excellent analysis of Beethoven's 9 symphonies. Along with copious music quotations of the symphonies, the author has integrated some history of Beethoven's historical times and quotes letters and anecdotes that reveal not only the music but the personality of this composer.

The author's knowledge of the scores of the symphonies is extraordinary. For anyone with more than a passing interest in the symphonies of Beethoven, I can't think of a better book for the money. While it is impossible to name any composer as the greatest, Beethoven must be acknowledged as one of the great architects of musical form and expression. George Grove's book underlines the genius of this composer, and is highly recommended

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great analyses of Beethoven's symphonies, March 16, 2006

By 

Joseph Scott - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beethoven and His Nine Symphonies (Paperback)

This classic in the field of music analysis is a great source of ideas for anyone interested in serious study of Beethoven's symphonies. George Grove is one of the great musicologists of the 19th century; he is also the editor of the well-known "Dictionary of Music and Musicians."
An intermediate level of musical knowledge is necessary to appreciate the text. It is full of musical illustrations, but the terminology Grove uses is probably not too jargony for a knowledgeable lay-reader or amateur musician.
Grove also includes biographical information along with the analyses, making for a great overview of or introduction to Beethoven's symphonies.