What to Listen for in Beethoven [Paperback]

Robert Harris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997

The essential introduction to the world's foremost composer and to the hidden pleasures of classical music.

Beethoven's enduring popularity eclipses all other composers. Over a century and a half has passed since his death, yet his towering accomplishments remain the standard against which all other Western music has been judged. This fascinating and accessible guide to understanding both the man and the musician is also a rewarding exploration of the basics of classical music itself.


From the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Harris shines as an educator on the level of Leonard Bernstein."
–Publisher's Weekly

"Valuable and informative."
–Globe and Mail


From the Hardcover edition.

From the Inside Flap

The essential introduction to the world's foremost composer and to the hidden pleasures of classical music.

Beethoven's enduring popularity eclipses all other composers. Over a century and a half has passed since his death, yet his towering accomplishments remain the standard against which all other Western music has been judged. This fascinating and accessible guide to understanding both the man and the musician is also a rewarding exploration of the basics of classical music itself.


From the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 260 pages
• Publisher: Macfarlane Walter & Ross (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551990210
• ISBN-13: 978-1551990217
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.7 x 8.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #965,244 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for the new classical hobbyist, March 15, 2005

By 

Alan Lekan (Boulder, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What to Listen for in Beethoven (Paperback)

Robert Harris has a reputation for writing in a way that those new to classical music can easily comprehend. Yet, it isn't a basic book either that you can get in a couple hours either. Harris intersperses his quite engaging story telling of Beethoven's life and times along with the major musical works and their significance. In fact, his narrative on Beethoven's life is so much more interesting and readable than the more standard texts. In particular, his treatment of Beethoven's deeply personal struggle with his worsening deafness is detailed and fascinating. His writing has the mark of a great educator in that you can understand without struggle (unlike other books). There is little music jargon so the beginner need not fear this book. He also highlights (as in his Mozart edition), the "Top 40" major works and says a little about each to place them in context.

Last, he gives a little less "note-by-note" analysis of major works here than in his earlier Mozart book which seems to work just fine as it can be too much for some and bogs down in the Mozart book in my opinion. Summary: an unintimidating, really rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable book that will give you a deeper respect and appreciation of Beethoven and his monumental music.