Transported back to another time.

If you're fascinated by the life and times that Beethoven lived this is an excellent resource. It transported me back to the turn of the 18th century over the course of a few months. I found the writing inspiring and thought-provoking. It's quite a tome at nearly 40-hrs in length, but I enjoyed it start to finish.

I found myself at times loving Beethoven, at other times despising him. Swafford treats his story with dignity and sincerity, Swafford takes time to explore the construction of the symphonies (he is a composer himself).He carefully describes the times in which the compositions are embedded, their reception, and historical significance. The analysis of the symphonies seems somewhat clinical at times, but even if you don't know the lexicon of musical composition it's informative. Beethoven's story is based on facts, with very limited speculation and ornamentation on the part of the author. A bit of dry humor is sprinkled throughout, usually of the follies of Beethoven -- the times he accidentally slapped the page-turning choir boy at a performance, or getting lost in the countryside then arrested being mistaken for a vagabond comes to mind.

Michael Pritchard (narrator) does a commendable job with this lengthy book, but there are a few instances where his cadence or energy levels seem a bit different page to page. Like he'll seem tired in on paragraph, then suddenly wide awake the next. Probably two different recording days.. His vocal acting when reciting parts of Beethoven's letters are tasteful, but verge near melodramatic at times (the source material was, also).

With about seven hours left in my reading of it, I find myself not wanting it to end. Learning about Beethoven's story was a moving experience and highly recommended for anyone interested in creativity, music, art, or the late 18th / early 19th century.

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