The Heroic Symphony [With CD]

In a companion to their The Farewell Symphony by Anna Harwell Celenza, illus. by JoAnn Kitchel, the author focuses on the development of Beethoven's The Heroic Symphony. After a brief biographical background of the composer, Celenza describes his friendship with musician Ferdinand Ries (whose biography of Beethoven was a source for the book). Boldly colored illustrations with kinetic outlines contrast with vintage-looking pastel backgrounds. A CD recording of the piece performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is included.