Beethoven's Conversation Books: Volume 4: Nos. 32 to 43 (May 1823 to September 1823)

The 12-volume set of Beethoven's conversation books, originally written in German, has been translated into English and published for the first time. These books, covering a period associated with the revolutionary style of late Beethoven, contain lively and compelling conversations on various topics such as music, history, politics, art, literature, theatre, religion, and education. The editor's extensive research in Vienna, familiarity with the city's history and topography, and access to obscure documentary resources make this edition an invaluable resource for scholars in music and other disciplines. The conversations are now accessible to English-speaking music lovers and history buffs who can appreciate Beethoven and his friends' discussions from the past.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Beethoven's conversation books, spanning 12 volumes, have been newly translated into English, making them accessible to scholars and music enthusiasts alike. These captivating conversations, spanning a period associated with the revolutionary style of late Beethoven, are now available in English for the first time.

Renowned as a composer of musical masterpieces, Beethoven's life was marked by his unwavering determination in the face of his gradual deafness, which began around 1798. By 1818, he began carrying blank booklets with him, inviting his acquaintances to jot down their sides of conversations while he answered aloud. These booklets served as a versatile tool, encompassing not only personal notes but also shopping lists and early sketches for his compositions. Today, 139 of these booklets survive, covering the years from 1818 until Beethoven's passing in 1827. They provide a unique glimpse into the daily life and perspectives of post-Napoleonic Europe, encompassing a wide range of topics such as music, history, politics, art, literature, theatre, religion, and education.

An East German edition, initiated in the 1960s and largely completed by 2001, represents a diplomatic transcription of these documents. While it is a masterpiece of pure scholarship, it may be challenging for non-specialists to navigate. Furthermore, Beethoven scholarship has evolved significantly since the genesis of the German edition.

To address this gap, these important booklets are now presented in their entirety for the first time in English translation. The series includes an updated editorial apparatus, featuring revised and expanded notes, as well as numerous new footnotes exclusive to this edition. Additionally, brand-new introductions offer insightful perspectives on the rapidly changing conversational topics, placing them within their historical context.

By making Beethoven's conversation books accessible in English, this new edition aims to enhance our understanding of the composer and his era. It provides a valuable resource for scholars, musicologists, and anyone interested in delving into the life and thoughts of this extraordinary musician.

Weight: 800g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783276219