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Customer Reviews (18)

Excellent!
This is a very good product. Very clear and easy to read. Great deal for the price!

Urtext edition, incredible value for money
This edition is available at a fraction of the price and (contrary to the comments of other reviewers) is probably more accurate than other Urtext editions.The famous musicologist Heinrich Schenker is known for his extreme attention to detail, including, for example, the directions of the stems (which other Urtext editions are not).The only caveat to accuracy is that Beethoven's autographs for a few of the sonatas were not available to the world in Schenker's time but have since become available.Although I always ignore printed fingering, Schenker's is among the most sensible I have seen.The only drawback to this edition is that it is somewhat prescriptive, in the sense that it does not offer choices in the way the Henle edition does.Physically, the Dover edition will last longer and stay open better than other paperback editions.

Great Value
Wonderful to be able to get this older publication so quickly and in such good shape.

Great buy if you are not a music snob
All the sonatas in two volumes, a great buy!

If you are a music snob you should buy another edition (UrTxt). Also, this is a thick book (obviously, with so many pieces) so if you need it to easy open up, you too should consider another version. However, if you are just looking for the collection and don't want to shell out a pretty penny, this is the edition for you. One can easily prop it open with other books and the layout is great.

Beethoven sonatas are not for beginners so if this is actually your level, you should be able to figure out your own fingerings.

well made
good layout, plain and simple, you had to bend it in half a couple times just to get it to lay flat though. but eh, no complaints. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

excellent value and learning tool
There is no doubt that the 16 Beethoven String Quartets stand at the peak of the string quartet repertoire. Following this profound music with the aid of a musical score will greatly increase the listener's appreciation of the composition. Even the music lover uninitiated in the skill of following a musical score can manage the exercise with a bit of practice. In my experience the major hurdle is to work out the repeat bars. This large sized Dover edition is very clearly printed and, in presenting all 16 quartets, represents excellent value. A must for all who take their music seriously.

Perfect
I ordered the complete string quartets by beethoven and they arrived quickly and in perfect new sealed condition. I was suprised at how cheap it was, how good it looked, and how quick it came. Good work!!

Clear enough to play from!
The large page size of this Dover edition makes it easy to read, if not to
carry around.But when you want to play the score on the piano or just one part, it is great.

A World of Creativity
Beethoven's string quartets are basic for any music lover's library.Beethoven wrote string quartets throughout his composing life, and they reflect his evolving art.Never resting on his laurels, Beethoven continually grew artistically until the end.

It is difficult to label Beethoven as primarily a symphonist, chamber music composer, or piano composer.Practically every ensemble and form he used he produced masterpieces that reflect not only the music he wrote, but the music he wrote within the ensemble he chose.His music does not transcribe well at all.

A music lover needs to be acquainted with pieces from each of the ensembles to have any kind of grasp on the monumental influence that Beethoven has had on western music. Perhaps a good beginning would be the piano sonatas, but the string quartets have to have a place also.

From the early quartets to the last quartets, the amount and variety of music in the quartet opus alone is astounding.Like the other genres he composed in, some of his best music is in the string quartets.

One of the best ways to get the most out of this music is to follow along in the score.It is a good way to learn to follow more than one staff of music at a time, and is a good primer that can lead to full orchestral score reading.And the music...incredible!

A ton of music, a pittance of a price.Serious music lovers, take the hint!Highly recommended!

Perhaps the best bargain in music ever...
Not every Dover score is a gem; some are merely reprints of earlier editions complete with the typographical errors that didn't get caught the first time around.But this edition of Beethoven's complete string quartets is of excellent quality, and for the price it may well be the best bargain in music ever.The music is incredibly important--superb pieces by one of the most gifted people to ever live.That all the quartets are included allows the student of these works to trace Beethoven's stylistic development in a single volume from the early quartets rooted in the Classical tradition through those absolutely innovative late quartets, which combined Baroque contrapuntal and formal elements with Romantic harmonies and Beethoven's own unique sense of rhythm and drama.(In addition to the originally published version of the final quartet with the new final movement suggested by his publisher, the Grosse Fuge is included also.)I recommend to all my music students and especially my composition students that they get these pieces and study them throughout their lives.I can honestly say that I have learned more from these quartets than from any other, similar body of music literature by a single composer; and even as a composer of twenty-first century music I am continuously educated and inspired by them. ... Read more

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Masterpieces
A very nice edition, well bound, with some nice selections of music. Here's the full list of music included in this edition

Sonata no. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 ("Pathétique"; composed 1797?-8)
Sonata no. 14 in C-sharp Minor, "quasi una fantasia," Op. 27, No. 2 ("Moonlight"; composed 1801)
Bagatelle in F Major, Op. 33, No. 3 (composed 1801-2)
Bagatelle in A-flat Major, Op. 33, No. 7 (composed 1801-2)
Sonata no. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31, No. 2 ("Tempest"; composed 1802)
Bagatelle in C Minor, Op. 119, No. 5 (completed 1820-2 from earlier sketches)
Six Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 34 (composed 1802)
Fantasia in G Minor/B-flat Major, Op. 77 (composed 1809)
Minuet in G Major, WoO 10, No. 2 (composed 1795?)
Six Bagatelles, Op. 126 (composed 1823-4)
1. G Major
2. G Minor
3. E-flat Major
4. B Minor
5. G Major
6. E-flat major
Rondo a Capriccio, Op. 129 ("Rage over a Lost Penny"; composed 1795)
Andante in F Major, WoO 57 ("Andante favori"; composed 1803)
Bagatelle in A Minor, WoO 59 ("Für Elise"; composed 1808)
Minuet in E-flat Major, WoO 82 (composed before 1805)
Sonatina in G Major, Anh. 5, No. 1 (composed 1790-2?)
Sonatina in F Major, Anh. 5, No. 2 (composed 1790-2?)
Seven Variations on "God Save the King," WoO 78 (composed 1802-3)
Thirty-two Variations on an Original Theme, WoO 80 (composed 1806)
Seven Ländler, WoO 11 (composed 1798?)
Sonatina in C Major, WoO 51 (completed 1797-8?) ... Read more

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Many books have been written about Beethoven.But it is rare to find one that seeks an alternative between the fragmentation found in most specialized studies and the superficial overview typical of popular biography. In this volume, Carl Dahlhaus, one of the century's leading musicologists, combines interpretations of individual works that focus on issues of composition and musical history, with excursions into the musical aesthetics of the period around 1800; an age that was not only a "classical" period in the history of the arts but also one in that aesthetics carved itself a place in the center of philosophical attention.The theme of the book is the reconstruction of Beethoven's "musical thinking" from the evidence in the works themselves and their context in the history of ideas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Chilrdren's Biography: Beethoven
My daughter is a 1st grader who is advanced in her reading and loves biographies.Since she is young for her class, it is difficult to get advanced vocabulary without the advanced content.This book was perfect for her.It held her interest and provoked questions.It helps that our family loves Beethoven! ... Read more

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Contemplation
This little book is nice to have for little snippets into the mind of Beethoven.There are several biographies of the great artist; but this little book provides Beethoven's writings on things like God, Nature, Art, etc. that give the reader things to consider.It's great to pick up for an inspiration, light reading, or even daily thought. ... Read more

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Perform timeless Violin works with a full orchestra! Perfect for practice, rehearsal, auditions, contest solos, performances, and more!Beethoven composed this work, his only violin concerto, in 1806, in the same year that he composed the Symphony No. 5, the Rasoumowsky Quartets, and the Piano Concerto No. 4. It was dedicated to Franz Clement, who at its premiere separated the first movement from the second and third movements and fiddled some of his own works in between, with the violin turned upside-down! We can assume that Beethoven never spoke to him again. And needless to say the world took this concerto to its heart, as it has never left the repertoire. A magnificent piece.

Contains a printed score and two compact discs featuring the concerto with soloist in digitally remastered stereo; then again in a digital stereo accompaniment version minus the solo violin part.

MMO CD 3117
Performed by Geoffrey Applegate, violin
Accompaniment: Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Emil Kahn ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent introductory book on Beethoven
This book is a wonderful way to introduce your child to one of the great composers. As the book lays open, there is usually one very large picture and then writing in large print. The whole book is probably a 20 minute read. It does give some detail of Beethoven's rather horrid childhood, but this detail allows the child to understand the composer's work better. I followed this book with Beethoven by Reba Paeff Mirsky, a long chapter book. After my 6 year old and I completed this sequence with both Mozart and Beethoven, she said "Mommy you can hear Beethoven's childhood problems in his music. Mozarts is so calm and sweet. His childhood was easy." I kid you not! Putting a bunch of cds on shuffle, she used this to figure out correctly which songs were by which composer. One mistake she made was Beethoven music modified to make people sleep - in other words Beethoven's music played the way he never intended it to be played. Slight details of the misery of his childhood are key to understanding the beauty he made from his pain. ... Read more

Product Description
Beethoven's Letters 1790-1826, Volume 2 is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Ludwig van Beethoven is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of Ludwig van Beethoven then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

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How hard is it to move 5 legless pianos 39 times?
Beethoven owned five legless pianos and composed great works on the floor. His first apartment was in the center of Vienna's theater district... but he forgot to pay rent, so he had to move. (And it's very hard to move a piano. Even harder to move five). Beethoven's next apartment was in a dangerous part of town... so he moved, and the pianos followed on a series of pulleys. Then came an apartment with a view of the Danube (but he made too much noise and the neighbors complained), followed by an attic apartment (where he made even MORE of a rukus), and so Beethoven moved again and again. Each time, pianos were bought, left behind, transported on pulleys, slides, and by movers, all so that gifted Beethoven could compose great works of music for the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Excellent!
I love this book! I bought this for my 4 year old son, and upon first reading the book myself, I thought it might be too long/too advanced to hold his interest yet. Boy was I wrong! He loves the story, loves the pictures, and loves the idea of the movers having to move all those pianos from place to place! He doesn't yet grasp the concept of what a composer is or that Beethoven was actually a real person, but as he does, I am sure that will only make the story more enjoyable for him! Heck, I like to read this myself! It is a great book, well written, with an engaging story line and illustrations. We read this every night before bed!

Beethoven for Boys and Girls
This simple story with fairly detailed sketch-like drawings, is about some of Beethoven's idiosyncrasies, not the least of which was his propensity to move frequently, for various reasons. Obviously not intended to be a serious biography, it creates curiosity towards more research. It is a pleasant read for child and adult alike as it points the reader more towards Beethoven the person than Beethoven the composer.

39 Thumbs Up!
This is such a creatively well-done book.The words and illustrations are top drawer.Through the mystery of moving 39 times five pianos, children learn the story of Beethoven.Winter's underhanded humor is shown throughout making it a joy to read.I guarantee my kids won't forget who he is and what he did.The author's note in the back gives a nice lesson after the fun.My kids were enthralled through the entire book.

Beethoven's Life in Vienna
I teach middle school music and use this book to introduce the video "Beethoven Lives Upstairs" to my students. The text and illustrations wonderfully depict for students some of the idiosyncracies of the great composer. Much of the same ideas are then shown in the video through the eyes of a boy their same age. This book is a wonderful addition to anyone, young or old, wanting to learn insights about Ludwig vanBeethoven.

Bravo!
This book begins with a musical score in Beethoven's own hand. The end papers are an actual photograph of Beethoven's working manuscript for the Grosse Fuge in B flat major, Op. 134.

Jonah Winter recounts the story of Beethoven's pianos and the thirty-nine apartments where he lived in Vienna. So often children's "non-fiction" blurs the line between fact and speculation. Not so in this book. Winter clearly identifies what is fact and what is conjecture and does so with great humor.

Diaries, eviction notices, physical evidence and piano movers' notes are used as a basis for the story he tells. Why did Ludwig change apartments so frequently? Well, there is some evidence to suggest the neighbors complained. As Beethoven moves from place to place, Winter chronicles the music that was composed there. An author's note at the end gives additional information about his deafness and the amazing fact that he composed his magnificent Ninth Symphony after he had completely lost his hearing.

Barry Blitt's illustrations lift the story to a new level. We first see Beethoven as a baby crying in Gothic letters, "wha wha wha WHA." He accurately and humorously depicts the difficulties and incredible logistics involved in moving pianos to the new apartments, over rooftops, through windows and through walls. The composer's effect on his neighbors is depicted in a cross-section where we see the neighbors living above, below and next door to him reacting to the noise coming from his apartment in the middle. Babies cry, dogs bark and people pound on the floor, ceiling and walls as Beethoven plays.

This book is a must have for music teachers, piano teachers and students of music. What a treat! ... Read more

Product Description
Beethoven's Letters 1790-1826, Volume 1 is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Ludwig van Beethoven is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of Ludwig van Beethoven then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

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This volume offers fourteen various and original piano solos by the Classic Period master, along with a biography. Included are Dances, Bagatelles, a waltz, the famous Minuet in G, and two Sonatinas, offering the student a good overview and introduction to this composer at the intermediate level. Ornaments are written out in footnotes to assist the student in proper performance of the music of this period. ... Read more

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Renowned for its celebrated slow movement, the Seventh was written in 1812, when the 42-year-old Beethoven was at the peak of his powers. Demonstrating the mastery of a mature artist in complete control of his craft, this magnificent work is reprinted here from the authoritative Litolff edition. Instrumentation.
... Read more

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Conceived at the end of an astonishingly productive period in the composer’s career—the same time span in which he wrote the Fourth Piano Concerto, the Appassionata Sonata, and the three Razumovsky string quartets—this much-studied masterpiece will be welcomed by music students and concert-goers alike.
... Read more

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Briefly recounts the life of a composer who wrote beautifulsonatas and symphonies despite tragic personal problems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An entertaining juvenile biography of the great Ludwig Van
Mike Venezia's Getting to Know the World's Greatest Composers series tends to focus on biographies rather than music appreciation because unlike his companion series on the World's Greatest Artists you cannot include a sonata the way you can a reproduction of a painting.However, for Ludwig Van Beethoven the author/illustrator makes an exception.This volume begins with an appreciation for how Beethoven changed the sound of music (no more party music).Within that context Venezia provides the expected biography, complete with historic ethics and paintings as well as those funny cartoons; just think Beethoven as the Liberace (if you are over 50) or Elton John (if you are under 50) of his day.There is also a photograph of his eyeglasses and metal ear trumpets.However, Venezia only mentions a handful of specific works by Beethoven, touching on how the 3rd symphony represented Napoleon, the four-note theme of the 5th Symphony, and going into some depth on the 6th Pastoral Symphony (but no mention of the glorious 9th Symphony or his other masterworks).Still, I appreciate the attempt to get more into Beethoven's music than he has done in other volumes of this series, which covers not only the great classic composers like Handel and Mozart, but also contemporary composers from Aaron Copland and George Gerswhin to Duke Ellington and the Beatles.As always, the recommendation is for young readers to have listened to some of Beethoven's masterpieces before, during and after reading this engaging juvenile biography and mini-music appreciation lesson. ... Read more

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This edition contains 13 of the most beautiful and useful movements from Beethoven's most popular sonatas. These intermediate to early advanced piano sonata movements are expertly edited by Dr. Maurice Hinson. This volume includes helpful performance suggestions, a suggested order of study, and editorial markings that are easily distinguished from Beethoven's notations. 76 pages. ... Read more

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During Beethoven's darkest times, when he stumbled about the streets of Vienna like a ragged madman, people thought his career was over. Many of his friends and patrons had died. He no longer seemed to be producing music except for a few trivial pieces.

But appearances were wrong. He was creating what is generally regarded as his greatest single work. Known as the Ninth Symphony, it is much more difficult and massive than any of the preceeding eight.

But Beethoven was aware that the people of Vienna thought he was crazy. He was afraid his symphony would be rejected.

Making things even worse, there had only been time for two rehearsals. By this time he was totally deaf and could not hear how well the musicians performed.

So on May 7, 1824, Beethoven conducted the Ninth Symphony for its premiere performance in Vienna. When the last notes of the magnificent final movement came to an end, Beethoven stood on the stage with his back to the audience. One of the singers gently turned him around so he could see the audience. The applause was thunderous. Everyone was standing and cheering.

Nearly 180 years later, Beethoven's works are still enjoyed by music lovers all over the world. On January 12, 2003, the Night Symphony was added to the "Memory of the World" register so that the compositions ofVienna's "mad genius" will live on for eternity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Book Overpriced
This book is a good one for small children in secondary schools who are starting first year music lessons.The original promotion material did not indicate that it is less than 100 pages long and that there are more photos and paintings than text.The title suggested a biography of Beethoven, the content did poor justice to that subject. ... Read more

Product Description
This sheet music was newly engraved from early and authoritative editions. ... Read more