The Beethoven symphonies form the core of the classical concert repertoire and remain among the defining works of the Western musical experience. As the heir to Haydn and Mozart, Beethoven possessed an artistic vision that found its most powerful expression in the symphonic form, which he revolutionised and bequeathed to posterity. Beethoven's Symphonies introduces each symphony and traces the background, set against the contemporary political upheavals, the growth of concert life and his other works. Lewis Lockwood uncovers a creative process of remarkable scope and originality, including reference to ideas sketched out but not realised. From the first symphonies to the monumental Ninth, his passion to compose works of transcendent value is brought to life.

About the Author
Lewis Lockwood taught at Princeton and Harvard universities, where he is Fanny Peabody Professor of Music Emeritus. His Beethoven: The Music and the Life was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. He resides in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Reviews
"The bulk of his [Lockwood's] new book introduces each of the composer's nine symphonies, all individual and different in their magisterial genius, and paints a vivid picture of the creative context of each." -- James Macmillan - Standpoint



Book Information
ISBN 9780393076448
Author Lewis Lockwood
Format Hardback
Page Count 304
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 561g
Dimensions(mm) 241mm * 165mm * 28mm