Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart & Ludwig van Beethoven

Masters of Classical Music

By: The History Hour

Narrated by: Jerry Beebe

Probably the most naturally gifted musician the world has ever known, Mozart began his career early as a child prodigy. By the age of five, he was already proficient in the violin, the harpsichord, and piano keyboard. He had also begun composing music that had integrity. He was a showman as well, according to contemporary documents, and charmed many of the crowned heads of Europe with his performance and his manner.

In this audiobook, you’ll learn about:

• Early years of prodigy
• The grand tour 1763-66
• Setbacks and success in Vienna
• The solo trip to Italy
• Salzburg to Vienna
• Augsburg, Mannheim, Paris, and Munich
• Munich and Idomeneo

And much more!

Ludwig van Beethoven is a crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in classical music. Beethoven displayed his musical talents at an early age and was taught by his father, Johann van Beethoven, and by composer and conductor, Christian Gottlob Neefe.

You’ll learn about:

• Background and early life
• Establishing his career in Vienna
• Musical maturity
• Loss of hearing
• Patronage
• Middle period
• Personal and family difficulties
• Late works
• Illness and death

And much more!

Listen to the full biographies of these two musicians, from the beginning to end!

©2019 The History Hour (P)2019 The History Hour

Excellent

Beethoven is said to have had a few lessons from Mozart. However, this is uncertain, as there is only one account of a meeting, and it is not contemporary. Beethoven knew much of Mozart's work. Some of his music recalls Mozart's, he composed several variations on Mozart's themes and he modeled a number of his compositions on those of the older composer

I enjoyed this book

I enjoyed this book but at times it was a bit too analytical. I preferred John Suchet's style of writing in his biography about Beethoven. Perhaps the information is limited, but I would have liked to have found out more about Mozart the person than Mozart the composer. I'd still recommend this book just not enough to give it a "5"

It's interesting and great

It's interesting and great for those who want an analysis of how Beethoven composed. Because of the title, I expected it to have more detail on his personal history and the historical setting during Beethoven's lifetime.

Enriched

I prefer to think that he did, although it is hard for us to know for sure. This book has taught me that the greatest source for knowing this man would be, of course, the music itself, and that while certain facts are known, much shall remain mysterious.

This is a very detailed

This is a very detailed and authoritative biography of one of the greatest composers and musicians of all time by an author-composer knowledgeable in the intricacies of music composition. Swafford not only brings an understanding of the technicalities of Beethoven's monumental compositions, but also their revolutionary significance. He further highlights the many physical and emotional challenges of Beethoven's personal life that he heroically overcame when a lesser person might have succumbed, retreating to a life of self-pitying inactivity. I highly recommend this book to serious students of the history of music.

I was curious about how Beethoven’s life

I was curious about how Beethoven’s life would be evaluated in a short bio, as I have read many books about him as well as books of his letters (I have been a piano teacher for many years), so while I don’t consider myself an expert, I know quite a bit about his complex life. Several things were mentioned in the book that I didn’t know - always a happy bonus! I loved that the grumpy-looking appearance most of us have seen in images of Beethoven was explained in very human terms, as was his relationship with his nephew and sister-in-law. While his music wasn’t dealt with in great detail (for obvious reasons!), many of Beethoven’s better-known works were mentioned as was the vast amount of music created by this beloved musical genius.

Interesting information

Yet we are left with many holes and uncertainties. For example, we do not know for sure with whom Mozart had his first sexual encounter, however we are told that he probably--because of his infatuation with women--had many throughout his life. But since there is no real evidence of this, it is also possible (though unlikely) his wife Constanze was his one and only. We also do not know Mozart's feelings for his father and sister. Did he despise them? Did he truly love them deeply as he attests in his letters? Did he resent his father for making him a child star? For sure, we cannot say. And what about his wife and children? What was it like having Wolfgang for a husband or a father? And his work--did he love music or was it something he felt he just had to do to make a living? What was his writing process like? What inspired him as he was putting it all together?

Excellent

Awesome book.I really love this book !! I suggested this book to my friends !

Perfect narration

I am an adult and I love it. Searching for classical music appreciation for preschooler. This one is more for school kids but I love reading it so much I have to give it a review. It does helps me to understand more why Beethoven is great. Most of adult don't understand it either. The fact this is written in easy words for children makes it easy to fallow.

clear and informative

His complex relationships with his father Leopold, his sister Nannerl and his wife Constanze, are echoed in his letters to his family. Unfortunately, many of the letters have been either lost or destroyed.