He does a great job adding many non musical details of the life of this great talent. Beethoven's health was compromised with lead poisoning and various digestive issues, his emotions were touched by romantic rejection, and his deafness made life that much more difficult to get through. His relationships with others were difficult, and his economic problems sometimes poorly handled. The author spends time showing us all of this humanity.
I am also enjoying the musical analyses of his works. It isn't always easy to keep everything straight, but it is worth trying. Although this is not a "summer read" easy fiction book, it is well written and helps define a musical genius. I say "go for it!"
- Beverly
Publisher - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Date of Publication - August 5, 2014