Description

Cooper’s biography illuminates the reality of Beethoven’s life, a refreshing departure from the usual star struck admiration of the composer. Accessible to, and essential for, the Beethoven scholar and general reader, this updated edition of Beethoven will enlighten readers through a close examination of both his works and expert commentary.

CONTENTS

Preface
Illustrations
Abbreviations
1. Young Genius (1770-83)
2. Adolescence (1784-9)
3. Farewell to Bonn (1790-2)
4. The Conquest of Vienna (1972-5)
5. Wider Horizons (1796-8)
6. First Quartets and First Symphony (1799-1800)
7. Hope and Despair (1801-2)
8. After Heiligenstadt (1802-3)
9. L’amour conjugal (1804-6)
10. A Cluster of Masterpieces (1806-8)
11. Financial Security? (1809-10)
12. Immortal Beloved (1811-12)
13. The political phase (1813-15)
14. Declining productivity (1815-17)
15. Gigantism (1818-20)
16. Completion of the Mass (1820-2)
17. Completion of the Ninth (1822-4)
18. End of an Era (1824-7)
Appendices:
A. Calendar
B. List of Works
C. Personalia
D. Select bibliography