Beethoven; A Life in Nine Pieces by Laura Tunbridge; Yale University Press, 2020. 276 pages; $39.00 (hardcover); reading level: adult.

Timed to appear for the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth in 2020, this book’s fascinating structure drew me in. Each of the nine chapters centers on a work by Beethoven and focuses on “a theme that sheds light on the historical context…and on his personality.” Its concise length and publication by Yale – a press known for bringing large subjects within the grasp of lay readers – sealed the deal. I was all in…then found myself struggling to turn the pages. Though the selected pieces moved chronologically through Beethoven’s life and the themes addressed intriguing topics (Was he a political, as well as a musical, revolutionary? Who was his “Immortal Beloved”? Why did he fight so hard to win custody of his nephew from his brother’s widow?) the narrative flow suffered from lack of biographical detail, flashbacks and foreshadowing that left me unsure of where I was in time, and long digressions on the music that read like extended program notes. Tunbridge’s research is solid and she does manage to achieve her goal of humanizing Beethoven through insights that offset some of the stereotypic baggage he’s accumulated over the years. Additionally, there were plenty of delightful, startling tidbits (such as the emerging role of the conductor and Beethoven’s shrewd negotiations to make a living from his talent) that caused me to reexamine my admittedly hazy notion of both the composer and his time. Those with a musical background will undoubtedly enjoy the book; I wish the writing had made its subject more accessible to the uninitiated.

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Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge, Author

Biography | View

Just Fine They Way They Are (Calkins Creek, March 1, 2011)
The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton (Clarion Books, 2010)
Thank You Very Much, Captain Ericsson! (Holiday House, 2005; Berndtsdotter Books, 2012)
When Esther Morris Headed West (Holiday House, 2001)
The Legend of Strap Buckner (Holiday House, 2001)
Wicked Jack (Holiday House, 1995)

Speaker / Presenter

Connie is an experienced speaker and presenter who enjoys sharing her passion for writing and her experience as a writer with readers and writers of all ages. She has presented to students, community, civic and professional organizations, writing groups, library audiences, and seniors – wherever book lovers gather!
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Beethoven; A Life in Nine Pieces by Laura Tunbridge Reviewed by Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge…

March 15, 2024 By Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge
Beethoven; A Life in Nine Pieces by Laura Tunbridge; Yale University Press, 2020. 276 pages; $39.00 (hardcover); reading level: adult.

Timed to appear for the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth in 2020, this book’s fascinating structure drew me in. Each of the nine chapters centers on a work by Beethoven and focuses on “a theme that sheds light on the historical context…and on his personality.” Its concise length and publication by Yale – a press known for bringing large subjects within the grasp of lay readers – sealed the deal. I was all in…then found myself struggling to turn the pages. Though the selected pieces moved chronologically through Beethoven’s life and the themes addressed intriguing topics (Was he a political, as well as a musical, revolutionary? Who was his “Immortal Beloved”? Why did he fight so hard to win custody of his nephew from his brother’s widow?) the narrative flow suffered from lack of biographical detail, flashbacks and foreshadowing that left me unsure of where I was in time, and long digressions on the music that read like extended program notes. Tunbridge’s research is solid and she does manage to achieve her goal of humanizing Beethoven through insights that offset some of the stereotypic baggage he’s accumulated over the years. Additionally, there were plenty of delightful, startling tidbits (such as the emerging role of the conductor and Beethoven’s shrewd negotiations to make a living from his talent) that caused me to reexamine my admittedly hazy notion of both the composer and his time. Those with a musical background will undoubtedly enjoy the book; I wish the writing had made its subject more accessible to the uninitiated.

—

Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge, Author

Biography | View

Just Fine They Way They Are (Calkins Creek, March 1, 2011)

The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton (Clarion Books, 2010)

Thank You Very Much, Captain Ericsson! (Holiday House, 2005; Berndtsdotter Books, 2012)

When Esther Morris Headed West (Holiday House, 2001)

The Legend of Strap Buckner (Holiday House, 2001)

Wicked Jack (Holiday House, 1995)

Speaker / Presenter

Connie is an experienced speaker and presenter who enjoys sharing her passion for writing and her experience as a writer with readers and writers of all ages. She has presented to students, community, civic and professional organizations, writing groups, library audiences, and seniors – wherever book lovers gather!
>> More Information About Connie Speaking and Presenting

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Book Reviews by Connie