Beethoven and the Construction of Genius : Musical Politics in Vienna, 1792-1803 / Tia DeNora.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

DeNora, Tia, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Beethoven, Ludwig van, 1770-1827--Appreciation--Austria--Vienna.

Beethoven, Ludwig van.

Music--Social aspects.

Music.

Music--Philosophy and aesthetics.

Vienna (Austria)--Intellectual life--18th century.

Vienna (Austria).

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xvii, 232 p. )

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Berkeley, California : University of California Press, 1997.

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

In this provocative account Tia DeNora reconceptualizes the notion of genius by placing the life and career of Ludwig van Beethoven in its social context. She explores the changing musical world of late eighteenth-century Vienna and follows the activities of the small circle of aristocratic patrons who paved the way for the composer's success. DeNora reconstructs the development of Beethoven's reputation as she recreates Vienna's robust musical scene through contemporary accounts, letters, magazines, and myths--a colorful picture of changing times. She explores the ways Beethoven was seen by his contemporaries and the image crafted by his supporters. Comparing Beethoven to contemporary rivals now largely forgotten, DeNora reveals a figure musically innovative and complex, as well as a keen self-promoter who adroitly managed his own celebrity. DeNora contends that the recognition Beethoven received was as much a social achievement as it was the result of his personal gifts. In contemplating the political and social implications of culture, DeNora casts many aspects of Beethoven's biography in a new and different light, enriching our understanding of his success as a performer and composer.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Figures

Tables

Preface

Acknowledgments

1. Beethoven and Social Identity

2. The Emergence of Serious Music Culture, 1784-1805

3. Musical Patronage and Social Change

4. Beethoven's Social Resources

5. "From Haydn's Hands": Narrative Constructions of Beethoven's Talent and Future Success

6. Beethoven in the Salons

7. The Beethoven-Wölffl Piano Duel: Aesthetic Debates and Social Boundaries

8. Beethoven's Early Aesthetic Campaigns

9. Beethoven and the Resources of Cultural Authority

Notes

References

Index

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780520920156

0520920155

9780585047867

0585047863

OCLC:

1149480542