The Cambridge Companion to the Eroica Symphony

A stimulating, up-to-date overview of the genesis, analysis, and reception of this landmark symphony.

Nancy November (Edited by)

9781108435574, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 25 June 2020

290 pages, 4 b/w illus. 27 music examples
24.6 x 17.5 x 1.5 cm, 0.58 kg

This Companion provides orientation for those embarking on the study of Beethoven's much-discussed Eroica Symphony, as well as providing fresh insights that will appeal to scholars, performers and listeners more generally. The book addresses the symphony in three thematic sections, on genesis, analysis and reception history, and covers key topics including political context, dedication, sources of the Symphony's inspiration, 'heroism' and the idea of a 'watershed' work. Critical studies of writings and analyses from Beethoven's day to ours are included, as well as a range of other relevant responses to the work, including compositions, recordings, images and film. The Companion draws on previous literature but also illuminates the work from new angles, based on new evidence and a range of approaches by twelve leading scholars in Beethoven research.

Introduction Nancy November
Part I. Context and Genesis: 1. Beethoven and heroism in the age of revolutions Scott Burnham
2. Beethoven's 'watershed'? Eroica's contexts and periodization Mark Ferraguto
3. The symphony in Vienna and abroad around 1800 Erica Burrman
4. Genesis and publication of the Eroica Federica Rovelli
Part II. Analytical Approaches: 5. Twentieth-century analytical approaches to the first movement William Drabkin
6. Beethoven in the garden: the hero who practices resignation
or, the Eroica as 'late' work Vasili Byros
7. Registering the Eroica Nicholas Marston
8. After invention: traces and materials in the Eroica finale Elaine Sisman
Part III. Reception: 9. Who is the hero? The early reception of the Eroica Beate Angelika Kraus
10. The Eroica in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries Leon Botstein
11. Performing, arranging and rearranging the Eroica: then and now Nancy November
12. The Eroica endures: Beethoven's Third Symphony in the twenty-first century Melanie Lowe.

Subject Areas: Individual composers & musicians, specific bands & groups [AVH], Music reviews & criticism [AVC]