Article on Beethoven

[Chaszz]

Here is an article on Beethoven by noted conductor and music commentator Daniel Barenboim. However, I really don't understand why he wrote it, as it just seems to parrot common truths about Beethoven that are well-worn grooves in any classical listener's brain. Nothing the least bit new or newly insightful that I can find. Of course, as an introduction to Beethoven for a young person it would be fine. But wouldn't one assume a typical reader of the NY Review of Books would be well acquainted with everything written here already?

Am I missing something?

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/arch...ality-courage/

[Peter]

As an atypical reader of the Sunday Times I couldn't comment on a typical reader of NY reviews! I thought the article interesting and I'm not sure many books would draw attention to 'courage' particularly, as Barenboim does particularly from a performer's point of view. Thanks for posting the link.

[Chaszz]

As an atypical reader of the Sunday Times I couldn't comment on a typical reader of NY reviews! I thought the article interesting and I'm not sure many books would draw attention to 'courage' particularly, as Barenboim does particularly from a performer's point of view. Thanks for posting the link.

I think courage is an attribute often associated with Beethoven, athough admittedly more for his forging ahead in spite of his deafness rather than for his specifically musical decisions.

[Peter]

I think courage is an attribute often associated with Beethoven, athough admittedly more for his forging ahead in spite of his deafness rather than for his specifically musical decisions.

Yes I think so Chaszz - Beethoven really challenges the performer (and listener) and you have to go for it!