Beethoven : the Ninth symphony / David Benjamin Levy.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Levy, David Benjamin.

Series:

Yale music masterworks.

Yale music masterworks series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Beethoven, Ludwig van, 1770-1827. Symphonies--no. 9, op. 125--D minor.

Beethoven, Ludwig van.

Symphonies--Criticism and interpretation.

Symphonies.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (256 p.)

Edition:

Rev. ed.

Place of Publication:

New Haven ; London : Yale University Press, 2003.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, a masterpiece that has influenced virtually every Western composer since its premiere, has become associated with the marking of momentous public occasions. In 1989, Chinese students played its finale through loudspeakers in Tiananmen Square, and Leonard Bernstein led a performance in Berlin to celebrate the razing of the Berlin Wall. This lively and up-to-date book focuses on Beethoven's Ninth, exploring the cultural and musical meanings that surround this powerful work of genius. David B. Levy sets the scene with a brief survey of nineteenth-century Germanic culture and society, then analyzes the Ninth symphony in detail with special emphasis on the famous choral finale. He discusses the initial performances in 1824 under Beethoven's direction and traces the symphony's critical reception and legacy. In the final chapter of the book, Levy examines interpretations of the work by prominent conductors, including Wagner, Mahler, and Weingartner. A fully annotated discography of selected recordings completes this comprehensive volume.

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

CHAPTER 1: FROM ''RESCUE FROM THE CHAINS OF TYRANTS'' TO ''ALL MEN BECOME BROTHERS'': THE WORLD OF THE NINTH

CHAPTER 2: THE GENESIS OF THE NINTH

CHAPTER 3: THE NINTH: MOVEMENTS I-III

CHAPTER 4: THE NINTH: THE CHORAL FINALE

CHAPTER 5: THE PERFORMANCES OF 1824

CHAPTER 6: IN THE SHADOW OF THE NINTH

CHAPTER 7: PERFORMANCE TRADITIONS

Nine Ninths: A Select Discography

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Previous ed.: London : Prentice Hall International, 1995.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786611729363

9781281729361

1281729361

9780300129038

0300129033

OCLC:

952733946