Publisher's Synopsis
The nine symphonies of Beethoven might truly be described as the core of the concert repertoire. Not since Sir George Grove published his monumental study in 1896 has there been an analysis of these essential works which the musical layman could read with enjoyment. - - Here, in this welcome reprint, Antony Hopkins provides a book that is more in tune with modern times, benefiting from the discoveries of recent scholarship as well as his own perceptions. - - Featuring nearly 300 musical examples, some of which reveal fascinating thematic relationships between works that have not been shown up until now, the author exposes many facets of Beethoven?s genius in his eminently readable style. As well as the detailed analyses of the symphonies there are four ?Interludes? in which Antony Hopkins adds some general thoughts about matters concerning Beethoven which shed more light on the man who many regard as the greatest composer of all time.
