John Suchet Libros

*Revised and updated for the anniversary year*; John Suchet's acclaimed biography of the greatest composer the world has ever known.

PASSION AND PAIN, the second volume of John Suchet's compelling trilogy about the life of Ludwig van Beethoven, depicts the composer at the height of his powers, famous throughout Europe, championed by wealthy patrons, sought out by other musicians, yet all the time beset by the great tragedy of his life - his deafness - and struggling to come to terms with it. The reader is there as Beethoven compares the towering works of the so-called 'heroic period', the 'Eroica' Symphony, the Fifth, the 'Pastoral' Symphony, the 'Emperor' Concerto, the 'Appassionata' Sonata, the 'Kreutzer' Sonata. We share his triumphs and frustrations; we are with him as he receives the adulation of the audience and also as he struggles alone in the middle of the night to hear the great music he is creating. We learn of the one great love of his life, the woman he refers to as his 'Eternally Beloved' - a love that both parties know is doomed. Written as a novel, though at all times strictly in accordance with the known facts, John Suchet has produced a monumental narrative, probably the most comprehensive - and certainly the most readable - account of Beethoven's life ever written.

The book offers an intimate exploration of John Suchet's journey to uncover the complexities of Beethoven's life and personality. Through personal insights and extensive research, Suchet delves into the composer's struggles, triumphs, and the profound impact of his music. This account not only illuminates Beethoven's character but also reflects on the universal themes of creativity and resilience, making it a compelling read for both music lovers and those interested in the human condition.

DISCOVER THE TRUTH ABOUT THE WORLD'S MOST-LOVED COMPOSER