Wow! eBook
Beethoven's Chamber Music in Context
Author(s): Angus Watson (Author)
- Publisher: Boydell Press
- Publication Date: 18 Nov. 2010
- Edition: First Edition
- Language: English
- Print length: 318 pages
- ISBN-10: 1843835770
- ISBN-13: 9781843835776
Book Description
Beethoven’s friends were not shy about asking him what his music meant, or what inspired him, and it is clear that he attached the greatest importance to the words he used when describing the character of his compositions. ‘The tempo is more like the body,’ he wrote when commending Malzel’s invention of the metronome, ‘but these indications of character certainly refer to the spirit.’
ANGUS WATSON, a violinist and conductor, has been Director of Music at Stowe School, Winchester College and Wells Cathedral School, one of Britain’s specialist music schools. From 1984-1989 he was Dean of Music at the newly founded Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
Editorial Reviews
Review
[Watson] takes us into the spirit of each of the instrumental sonatas, trios and quartets – into their heart and soul as it were – and brings them to life in all their deep feeling, variety and colour. … [he] shares with us his affection and enthusiasm for these marvellous works. STRINGENDO
Filling a hole in scholarship on Beethoven’s compositions, this book will be greatly appreciated by professional and amateur musicians. BOOK NEWS
This volume comprehends nearly the entirety of Beethoven’s chamber output. […] It offers perhaps the only English language coverage of this same territory, and the biographical material seems admirably up-to-date. […] Recommended. CHOICE
Angus Watson, himself a professional string-player, has […] written an excellent book on Beethoven’s complete chamber music. […] Watson writes very well indeed, perceptively, without a hint of dryness, and aided by a generous number of music examples. […] This book deserves a whole-hearted recommendation. CLASSICAL MUSIC
Beethoven’s Chamber Music in Context First Edition […] is an excellent, comprehensive, authoritative and extremely enjoyable study of a subject about which most readers are sure to emerge better informed for reading the book. Musicians, listeners and even those interested in artistic endeavour in general […] will all find the book rewarding. … [It’s] likely to remain standard for some long time. CLASSICAL.NET
