Experiencing Beethoven

Block’s new entry in the series discusses perhaps the most iconic composer in the Western tradition. The literature on Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) is overwhelming, from biography to musical analysis, including books on single works. The author presents analysis of both familiar works (seven of the nine symphonies, seven of the piano sonatas, three string quartets, and two piano concertos), as well as lesser-known ones such as the Joseph Cantata, the Choral Fantasy, various songs, and Wellington’s Victory. An interesting feature is the integration of descriptions of concert premieres with musical analysis (the first performance of the Choral Fantasy suffered an orchestral breakdown), which is accessible and provocative (the series is avowedly for the nonspecialist) though might have been enhanced with minimal musical examples. The book includes a glossary of musical terms, forms, and tempo descriptions. VERDICT For 'nonspecialist' listeners wishing to dive more deeply into an analysis of Beethoven’s works and classical music generally. * Library Journal *
[Experiencing Beethoven: A Listener's Companion] tries to answer the age-old question of why we all keep coming back to Beethoven.... Part of the Listeners Companion Series, Experiencing Beethoven is a guide meant for the average person. You don’t have to know classical music. Block includes a generous glossary to explain musical terms, and often explains concepts in the text before going on.... [F]or real understanding of why Beethoven is still so compelling, you need to dive deep into the notes. * The News Tribune *
Block presents brilliant, in-depth analyses of several Beethoven works in different genres, including symphonies and piano sonatas, his only opera, his songs, the late piano music and the Op. 131 String Quartet in C-Sharp Minor (admired so deeply by Wagner and Schubert). A detailed analysis of the sketches for that enormous quartet, for example, show Beethoven changing his mind five times about the structure of the work. Block’s book is aimed at both the general reader and the Beethoven fan, and even those in that latter category may well add considerably to their store of knowledge about this titan of music. * The Seattle Times *
Distinguished Professor of Music History Geoffrey Block has written a refreshing guide for listening to Beethoven’s music in the 21st century.... The reader would do well to listen to the music while reading Professor Block’s analyses to gain deeper understanding of certain works like Fidelio, the Ninth Symphony, and the C-Sharp Minor String Quartet, Op. 131. This book rewards both the novice and seasoned listener who want to explore the beloved composer’s genius. The author understands that Beethoven’s music draws steady admiration from audiences almost two centuries later, and seeks to inform the curious listener in the 21st century. * American Music Teacher *
[T]here is much to recommend in this book, chiefly the enthusiasm, discernment, expertise, and deep understanding of Beethoven and his cultural milieu that its author brings to the table, as well his clear, forthright explanations. This book is a fine choice for anyone looking for an introductory guide to Beethoven’s music; it would serve equally well for an undergraduate course for non-majors. * Fanfare Magazine *
The most recent addition to Rowman & Littlefield's The Listener's Companion series, this guide is geared toward concert goers and others who wish to deepen their listening experiences of Beethoven's works.... Block covers a wider spectrum of representative works across genres, organized roughly chronologically.... Block includes a chapter on Beethoven's songs and discusses several works that are less likely to be heard in concert... He weaves together the descriptions of these selected works with narratives on Beethoven's life, musical influences, performance experiences, and other biographical details, as well as including notes on reception history. His basic descriptions of style and structure do not require knowledge of music theory, and the appendices include a glossary of musical terms, description of musical forms, and helpful descriptions of tempos (with an index of the works discussed that implement them). Also includes a select bibliography and discography, and index. * The Beethoven Journal *
Block conducts a tour through some lesser-known compositions alongside the great Beethoven masterworks, and in so doing, helps readers to hear more in the music than they did before. A timeline, musical glossary, bibliography, discography and index add to the book’s accessibility, where we can discover more about a specific time period or greater detail regarding particular compositions. * AUSTA Stringendo Magazine *