Beethoven's Orchestral Music: An Owner's Manual

Beethovens orchestral works are iconic and popular, and this book surveys all of his symphonies, overtures, concertos, theatrical music, ballet, and other music for the dance. It offers chapters on his handling of the symphony orchestra and his contributions to its evolution, as well as his approach to musical form in creating large, multi-movement works. It also provides extensive lists of recommended recordings and encourages readers to listen actively and critically.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Beethovens orchestral works, including symphonies, overtures, concertos, theatrical music, ballet, and short pieces, are among the most iconic and popular pieces of classical music ever written. In this book, author and music critic David Hurwitz surveys all of Beethovens symphonies, overtures, concertos, theatrical music, ballet, and short pieces, offering chapters on Beethovens handling of the symphony orchestra and his contributions to its evolution, as well as his approach to musical form in creating large, multi-movement works. The musical descriptions provide helpful strategies for listening that invite both beginners and experienced enthusiasts to treat even the best known pieces as something fresh, new, and relevant. Hurwitz also provides extensive lists of recommended recordings of all of the music surveyed, highlighting the wide range of issues in Beethoven interpretation and performance, as well as the history of his music on disc. He encourages readers to listen actively and critically, as they build their own Beethoven discographies according to their personal tastes and preferences.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 227 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538135600