Beethoven's Symphonies Critically Discussed

"Beethoven's Symphonies Critically Discussed" by Alexander Teetgen is an exploration of the famed composer's symphonies, written in the 1800s. The book looks at Beethoven's pieces, their musical construction, and their emotional influence, underlining the composer's skill. It seeks to clarify Beethoven's creative methods and the broader meaning of his music as a form of artistic expression. The book contains a preface that introduces a set of essays first seen in "The Musical Standard," that thinks about music as a deep expression of the soul, highlighting the difficulties in fully describing Beethoven's artistry. Teetgen aims to thoroughly analyze Beethoven's symphonies, demonstrating respect, while recognizing the need to find middle ground between insight and musical experience. The text suggests a critical understanding that will investigate Beethoven's inspirations, the features of his earlier pieces, and what sets him apart from composers like Haydn and Mozart.