What to Listen for in Beethoven

Robert Harris has a reputation for writing in a way that those new to classical music can easily comprehend. Yet, it isn't a basic book either that you can get in a couple hours either. Harris intersperses his quite engaging story telling of Beethoven's life and times along with the major musical works and their significance. In fact, his narrative on Beethoven's life is so much more interesting and readable than the more standard texts. In particular, his treatment of Beethoven's deeply personal struggle with his worsening deafness is detailed and fascinating. His writing has the mark of a great educator in that you can understand without struggle (unlike other books). There is little music jargon so the beginner need not fear this book. He also highlights (as in his Mozart edition), the "Top 40" major works and says a little about each to place them in context. Last, he gives a little less "note-by-note" analysis of major works here than in his earlier Mozart book which seems to work just fine as it can be too much for some and bogs down in the Mozart book in my opinion. Summary: an unintimidating, really rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable book that will give you a deeper respect and appreciation of Beethoven and his monumental music.