The Symphonies of Beethoven

By: Robert Greenberg, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Robert Greenberg

Ludwig van Beethoven is justifiably acclaimed as one of the most revered composers in the history of Western music-a genius once characterized as a "Titan, wrestling with the gods." There is no better way for you to understand the full impact of that description than to not only listen to all nine of his magnificent symphonies, but to do so with a full understanding of what this great composer was saying and the circumstances that drove him up to and beyond what had once been considered the limits of musical expression.

The 32 lectures that make up this detailed introduction to Beethoven explores each of his symphonies in depth, explaining the gifts of musical communication that made this composer unique. Even without any previous musical training, you'll be able to grasp the absolute directness that made his work so accessible, the sheer emotional power that could never be ignored, and the ways in which his ideas were revolutionary on every level. Beginning with an introduction to Beethoven the man and the musical and societal forces that shaped his development, you'll explore his breathtaking innovations: harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, formal, dramatic, self-expressive, and emotional. And you'll come to understand how and why this man was able to lead music into a totally new era as he dispensed with the restraint of 18th-century Classicism to usher in the era of romantic self-expression - even as his own ability to even hear what he was creating was progressively and tragically vanishing.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1996 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)1996 The Great Courses

A fabulous presentation without reservation

Robert Greenberg is everything you could want in a presenter. A capable, engaging, and thorough presenter with an absolute command of the material. The material is fantastic. The one short coming is that the course from Great Courses includes a 312 page reference guidebook which is referenced, read, and used throughout the course. The Audible course does not include this material. This is true of all the Audible material from Great Courses. They do not include the material that accompanies the course from the publisher. It is somewhat understandable given the difference in price from Audible and the price from Great Courses but it would be nice to have the complete package. GREAT NEWS! Audible has made a PDF of the course material available in the My Library area of my Audible account.

Unbelievably thorough

What does Professor Robert Greenberg bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His enthusiasm is so engaging and his depth of knowledge is astounding!

Any additional comments?

While the word score would be nice, I bought this to listen to in the car and it not only entertains, but gives so much information that I was enraptured throughout. I bought all 9 symphonies so I can listen to them and go back and re-listen to the lectures on each symphony to deepen my understanding. I will definitely be buying more of The Great Courses.

Terrific

Robert Greenberg provides even the non musical with an appreciation of Beethoven’s tumultuous life and musical genius.

Greenberg is Simply The Best

A tour de force hosting of the nine symphonies. The background material and historical context are invaluable. Humor mixed with erudition shine a light on this great body of work. Greenberg allows insight into the theory of what is going on in an understandable way for the novice listener. Highly recommended.

outstanding

I have very little background in musical theory but this course was a great balance between theoretical elements and historical/biographical detail.

Stunning

I listened every for multiple lectures. It was so fascinating to hear the symphonies explained in such an engaging way. I'm glad he reused many of his details concerning Beethoven's personal life from his Great Composer series. He inspired me to begin reading Maynard Solomon's Beethoven. Also, it was refreshing to hear some of the lesser known symphonies like the 4th.

Top top top!

I am going to binge all of Robert Greenberg’s courses. His enthusiasm is matched only by his thoroughness. If Beethoven or the act of composition is a subject that interests you,then I cannot recommend this course strongly enough. Dr. Greenberg speaks about the music technically, as well as putting its composition in historical context, which renders the music all the more awesome.

Where is the course outlines?

Any additional comments?

The Great Courses series is a wonderful new addition and I am really delighted to get all these wonderful courses at such an affordable price (if you pay for credits), but oddly enough, unlike other audio courses such as the Modern Scholar series, the outlines are not included. This is a major disappointment thus 3 stars for overall. I hope Audible will correct this defect.

Another Amazing Robert Greenberg Course

I’ve listened to several Greenberg courses. I enjoy the passion and humor he brings to the material. And the material is top notch. If you’re interested in learning about classical music in general and want to take a bit of a deep dive into Beethoven’s symphonies, I don’t think you could do better outside of a university.

So Insightful

Dr Greenberg takes the listener through his ‘Great Courses’ lectures & expertly weaves on (some of) the finer aspects of Beethoven’s nine symphonies. My want is more! Dr Greenberg has a pleasant voice & an enthusiastic charm that transcends the listener to the studios & concert halls of Beethoven’s time. #delightful