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Happy Birthday Uncle Ludie! from Curtis Rittenhouse
A friend just reminded me that today is Ludwig van Beethoven’s birthday. If he were still alive he’s be 241, which would make it hard for him to blow out the candles on his cake. From what I’ve read of the man, there were probably few friends baking him cakes on these occasions because he was irascible, demanding and a terrible party guest. He was slovenly and unkempt. He was a dud with the women he pursued. His nephew who moved in with him finally attempted suicide.
He did however write great music. His nine symphonies have been recorded now by dozens of conductors and orchestras great and small. Play the first few notes of the third and fifth symphonies and faces light up immediately in recognition. His mighty ninth symphony is a regular at so many special musical occasions. The choral Ninth influenced most of his successors, especially Brahms and Mahler who found it intimidating. His piano music is also well-regarded. There are few forms he did not master, although his sole opera Fidelio had a prolonged and difficult birth.
There has been no need for a Beethoven revival at any time. Since he died musicians and audience alike have revered him. His time came right away. If you want to hear something of his you may not know, I’d recommend the Handelian Consecration of the House Overture, a glorious piece, or the Barnum and Bailey ‘Battle Symphony’ or the charming bagatelle for piano The Rage Over The Lost Penny.
So let’s raise a glass to this genius. Happy Birthday Ludwig. Love your music but I’m glad I wasn’t related to you.
Curtis Rittenhouse
Ha! Thanks, Tom, for reminding us about Beethoven’s personality! Let me see what next I can think up for you to write about…
I am ready and willing. See you tonight. Tom
Thanks for the reminder Tom. Beethoven lived a strange and perhaps difficult life, but I love his music. Now, I’ll put in one of my Beethoven CDs and wish him Happy Birthday!
Thanks. You cannot go wrong. Tom
Merely wanna comment on few general things, The website style is perfect, the subject matter is very excellent : D.
Many thanks for your kind words. I have put up another piece this morning. I welcome your thoughts and suggestions on future postings. Please stay in touch. Tom
Simply wanna comment on few general things, The website style is perfect, the written content is very good : D.
Thank you for your kind comments. I put up a new piece this morning. Tom
I am not very good with English but I find this rattling easy to interpret.
Good. Thank you. I hope you will continue to be a reader. Your English is just fine. Tom