Customer Reviews

Beethoven and His Nine Symphonies (Dover Books on Music)

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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

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.