The Story Of The Symphony, Vol. 2: Beethoven

This second volume, which covers the life and work of Ludwig Van Beethoven, features the powerful 5th symphony and excerpts from no. 7. Building on the dramatic opening of the 5th (often referred to as 'fate knocking on the door', Previn demonstrates how Beethoven brought an unprecedented dynamism to the symphony. His inspiration, of course, was the democratic idealism of the French Revolution--and, in particular, Napoleon, who would later so bitterly disappoint him. Reading from journal entries, Previn also discusses Beethoven's tragically ironic handicap--his deafness--and the viewer is given a glimpse of the true torture this creative genius must have suffered. The narration concludes with a sad anecdote of the composer's wildly gesticulating manner of conducting, and how--because of his deafness--he would sometimes get ahead of the orchestra. An excellent addition, both for the aesthetic appreciation of the music and for the insights into the man. Highly recommended. (See AFRICA for address).