Overview
Sourcebooks MediaFusion and Naxos proudly present this fascinating biography, complete with two CDs of his greatest works plus an exclusive website with extended compositions.Jeremy Siepmann draws an accessible portrait of the turbulent, troubled but determined figure of Beethoven, regarded by many as the greatest composer who ever lived. And with the words comes the music: Two CDs of carefully chosen pieces covering all the different genres in which Beethoven made his mark. Readers also gain access to an exclusive website that offers the musical works in full, the music of Beethoven's contemporaries, new essays and more. This revolutionary biography utilizes traditional and new media to provide a uniquely rounded portrait of the composer himself.
Naxos is the world's leading classical music label and provider of classical music over the Internet at www.naxos.com.
Synopsis
Sourcebooks MediaFusion and Naxos proudly present this fascinating biography, complete with two CDs of his greatest works plus an exclusive website with extended compositions.
Jeremy Siepmann draws an accessible portrait of the turbulent, troubled but determined figure of Beethoven, regarded by many as the greatest composer who ever lived. And with the words comes the music: Two CDs of carefully chosen pieces covering all the different genres in which Beethoven made his mark. Readers also gain access to an exclusive website that offers the musical works in full, the music of Beethoven's contemporaries, new essays and more. This revolutionary biography utilizes traditional and new media to provide a uniquely rounded portrait of the composer himself.
Naxos is the world's leading classical music label and provider of classical music over the Internet at naxos.com.
Library Journal
Sourcebooks MediaFusion and Naxos's "Life and Music" series perfectly reflects the Naxos philosophy: high-quality products at budget prices. These books are not to be confused with Naxos Educational's "Life and Works" series (by Siepmann and other authors), which combines dramatized narration with recorded excerpts. The present series joins conventional biographical material with two audio CDs of selected examples discussed in the text and access to an exclusive link on the Naxos web site that provides additional extended musical examples and biographical information. Siepmann (Companion to Brahms; editor, Piano magazine), a well-respected British pianist, teacher, broadcaster, and musical biographer, writes intelligently and engagingly. In both volumes, he alternates biographical material with so-called "Interludes," in which he discusses each composer's contributions to various genres, e.g., opera, concerto, and chamber music. The CDs supply examples to illuminate the text (though they are unfortunately not referenced within the body of the text, but in an appendix). The web site is a valuable addition: complete works, not just single movements, are available, as well as music by the composers' contemporaries; a time line of their works in the context of historical events and other achievements in the world of culture and the arts; and thought-provoking special features on selected topics (e.g., Mozart's muses, Beethoven and humor). Even without the CDs and web site access, the books alone would be worth the price, since Siepmann has the rare ability to cover essential information and provide historical and intellectual background as economically as possible, all with a charming and inclusive writing style. Highly recommended for all collections.-Larry Lipkis, Moravian Coll., Bethlehem, PA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.