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The Character of a Genius: Beethoven in Perspective
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The Character of a Genius: Beethoven in Perspective Hardcover - 2001

by Peter J. Davies


From the publisher

Beethoven's often-discussed dark side--marked by paranoia, narcissism, and obsession--is brought into focus by Peter J. Davies, who examines both the composer's genetic roots and the familial cruelty and neglect that defined his childhood. But this book is more than a biography, eschewing facile psychoanalysis in favor of a real exploration of how Beethoven's character shaped the work now universally regarded as among the best music ever written. Davies acutely observes the ways in which suffering can bring, at the same time, both madness and genius. The author begins by tracing the medical history of mental disorders in Beethoven's family, and then goes on to detail the composer's religious beliefs and attitudes, his daily work habits and pastimes, and elements of his character including manic depression. Though the work does not purport to be a musical analysis, it does consider the many ways in which the things that shape an artist go on to shape his art.

Details

  • Title The Character of a Genius: Beethoven in Perspective
  • Author Peter J. Davies
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 376
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, Westport, Connecticut, U.S.A.
  • Date 2001-10-30
  • ISBN 9780313319136 / 0313319138
  • Weight 1.48 lbs (0.67 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.56 x 6.42 x 1.09 in (24.28 x 16.31 x 2.77 cm)
  • Themes
    • Topical: Health & Fitness
  • Library of Congress subjects Composers - Austria, Beethoven, Ludwig van - Psychology
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2001018022
  • Dewey Decimal Code B

Media reviews

Citations

  • Choice, 05/01/2002, Page 1594
  • Reference and Research Bk News, 02/01/2002, Page 180

About the author

PETER J. DAVIES is a retired consultant physician of internal medicine and gastroenterology who has devoted his studies to the health, personality, and creativity of Mozart and Beethoven./e Previous works include Mozart in Person: His Character and Health (Greenwood, 1989) and Beethoven in Person: His Deafness, Illnesses, and Death (Greenwood, 2001).
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The Character of a Genius - Beethoven in Perspective

The Character of a Genius - Beethoven in Perspective

by Davies, Peter J.

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Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. Good with no dust jacket. (2002). First Edition. Hardcover. 0313319138 . Ex-library, Dunedin Public Library. Library stamps, labels and markings. Spine skewed.; xxxiii, [1], 319 pages. Blue cloth boards with black panels and silver lettering on spine and front board. Page dimensions: 235 x 153mm. "Beethoven's often-discussed "dark side"--marked by paranoia, narcissism, and obsession--is brought into focus by Peter J. Davies, who examines both the composer's genetic roots and the familial cruelty and neglect that defined his childhood. But this book is more than a biography, eschewing facile psychoanalysis in favor of a real exploration of how Beethoven's character shaped the work now universally regarded as among the best music ever written. Davies acutely observes the ways in which suffering can bring, at the same time, both madness and genius. The author begins by tracing the medical history of mental disorders in… Read More
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The Character of a Genius: Beethoven in Perspective
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The Character of a Genius: Beethoven in Perspective

by Peter J. Davies

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The Character of a Genius: Beethoven in Perspective (Contributions to the Study of Music and Dance)
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The Character of a Genius: Beethoven in Perspective (Contributions to the Study of Music and Dance)

by Davies, Peter J

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Praeger, 2001-10-29. Hardcover. New. 9x6x1. Brand New Book in Publishers original Sealing
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The Character of a Genius: Beethoven in Perspective
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Character of a Genius: Beethoven in Perspective

by Davies, Peter J.

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780313319136 / 0313319138
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