In Search of Beethoven

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May 3, 2021 Beethoven, pianist, composer to highest degree. The dear Ludwig insisted on loving a female of aristocracy - but he was not a social aristocrat, no marriage was possible. He as musician was in the heavens. His social and financial situations were difficult and earthbound. Beethoven strived to excel his musician peers, and his assured success provided him intense loneliness. See more larry f @RT31529670 Dec 24, 2019 Beautifully executed and fascinating insights into the composer. See more Gadshill Dec 22, 2019 Illuminative did not need to be a hardcore musicologist to appreciate Beethoven’s life and achievements. See more May 18, 2013 "In Search of Beethoven" is a comprehensive look at the famed composer that sets the events of his life within the context of his music and not vice versa. Since it focuses on the compositions of Beethoven, little time is spent examining his childhood. Although I wanted more of the younger years, it makes sense within the context of what the movie is trying to accomplish and I appreciate that film wasn't any longer! 2 hours and 18 minutes was the perfect amount of time to get in depth with the life and music of Beethoven, but any more would have begun to feel tiresome. With over 60 live performances, this film brings the music to life as if we were concertgoers in the early 19th century. While it takes time to interview historians about Beethoven's life, it also interviews expert performers like Emanuel Ax to give a perspective on what it is like to tackle a Beethoven piano concerto or violin sonata. While non-musicians might find this documentary to be a bit dry, it is perfect for performers and appreciators of classical music. See more Dec 11, 2012 This film enlightens. The factual recount brings the human genius that lived, struggled, and succeeded in an effort to produce lasting beauty despite suffering. The film does an extraordinary homage to Beethoven, and grants exposure to his oeuvre in absolutely perfect doses. The virtuosos that know his art most intimately give the most unexpected insights into the the two dimensional wild haired bust we meet in third grade classrooms. The film enlightens by revealing a new scientific illustration of the man, as it enlightens the burden of everyman's struggle to make significant contributions despite insurmountable odds. See more Aug 8, 2012 I was somewhat disappointed with the Mozart episode after I watched this one. I enjoy Mozart's music more than Beethoven`s, but this 'In Search Of...' was geared much more towards the classical music fan. The music played here is exhaustive. If I had to guess, I'd say they play over 50 tunes written by Beethoven. If you're looking for more of a biography you probably want to look at a more focused documentary in conjunction with this one. For me, who is interested ten times more in the music, this show was perfect! They use very talented players and list the players on the screen which is nice if you want to explore today's classical music performers. Ludwig had a fairly long life that was presented here as being pretty depressing. Mentions of suicide, illness and of course deafness are peppered throughout the documentary. He only created maybe half as many works as his contemporaries like Mozart or Haydn, but they present a nice case for crowning Herr Beethoven as the king of all Western music (personally, I'd put him at number 3 on that list). See more Read all reviews

In Search of Beethoven

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