Beethoven's Letters 1790-1826, Volume 1 (Illustrated)

The publisher presents the entirety of Beethoven's Letters in two volumes, inclusive of the musical staves which the legendary composer appended to his personal correspondences.

The first volume of Ludwig van Beethoven's letters covers the period from his youth as an ambitious and fledgling young talent living in Vienna, to his peak years wherein he saw musical composition not merely as a career, but as his life's purpose.

Early in his career, Beethoven's writings are divided between professional correspondence between members of the aristocracy who sponsored him; and tender missives to young women whom he desired to court; and a few close and valued friends. Reliant on the patronage of the wealthy, it is during this period that Beethoven penned many fine works.

Beethoven was however hampered by romantic failures owing to his lower social class - Josephine Brunsvik, an aristocratic woman who reciprocated his advances, is eventually forced to break off the relationship. Later, in confessing his feelings to his 'Immortal Beloved', it is apparent that Beethoven suffered with depression.

We see in Beethoven's early correspondences a sensitive and emotional soul, well-versed in the courtly manners of the day. When talking with friends, he demonstrates a keen and sometimes jocular sense of humor, which the translator of this edition - Lady Grace Jane Wallace - did her utmost to maintain in English.

This volume closes on a more uplifting note; the mature Beethoven has settled upon his life's purpose of musical composition. His love of music's sublimity has led him to compose soaring and bold symphonic works. However, he also becomes embroiled in a legal struggle regarding his nephew Carl.