Memories of Beethoven
From the House of the Black-Robed Spaniards

This memoir provides a sensitive and unique insight into the life of Beethoven during his later years.

Gerhard von Breuning (Author), Maynard Solomon (Edited by), Henry Mins (Translated by), Maynard Solomon (Translated by)

9780521484893, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 31 March 1995

172 pages
21.6 x 13.5 x 1.5 cm, 0.189 kg

These are the personal memories of an elderly man who, as a child, was closely acquainted with Beethoven. Gerhard von Breuning, the son of one of Beethoven's oldest friends, was a favourite of the ageing composer, who delighted in the boy's frequent visits. This firsthand account provides us with telling details about Beethoven's daily life, his personality, and his relationships with family and friends. It is as a clear-eyed witness of Beethoven's final illness that Breuning is particularly compelling, providing graphic reports on the atmosphere of the sickroom, the course of the medical treatment and Beethoven's death throes after he despaired both of his doctor and of his life and, muttering 'Oh, that ass!', turned his face to the wall. This is an English translation of a fascinating document. The Beethoven scholar, Maynard Solomon, has provided many explanatory notes as well as a full and informative introduction. A permanent contribution to the Beethoven literature, this book provides a sensitive and unique insight into the life of the composer during his later years.

Editor's introduction
Author's foreword
From the House of the Black-Robed Spaniards
Abbreviations
Annotations
List of illustrations
Index.

Subject Areas: Individual composers & musicians, specific bands & groups [AVH]