Beethoven Remembered: The Biographical Notes of Franz Wegeler and Ferdinand Ries

Translated from the German edition issued by Alfred C. Kalisher, whose notes are appended, this book informs and touches the reader deeply. Longtime friends of Ludwig van Beethoven, Wegeler and Ries published their recollections of the composer after his death in 1827. There are letters from Beethoven that testify to his tremendous emotional drive, his explosive temper and the suffering caused by his deafness. Wegeler was a childhood friend of the master who was born in Bonn in 1770. They were apart during Beethoven's years in Vienna, the period during which Ries became close to him. A musician, Ries was Beethoven's pupil, and he contributes data on the composer's works: symphonies, chamber music, sonatas, vocal music, etc. Primarily, however, the memorabilia presents the genius as a man ""always in love'' but never married, generous and kind, but frequently cruel, a complex being whose faults made him no less beloved to his friends. Photos. (November 27)