John Suchet Libros

This authoritative and innovative book tells the story of Beethoven's life and works, and highlights some of the most important events with the inclusion of facsimile memorabilia, much of it only available for viewing in museums around Europe.

Genius, patriot, pessimist, atheist: a fascinating exploration of Italy's best-loved composer, Giuseppe Verdi

John Suchet's acclaimed biography of the greatest composer the world has ever known

A tortured genius, a sensitive soul, a great composer burdened by the weight of his private desires

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 explores the complexities of Giuseppe Verdi, Italy's most celebrated operatic composer, highlighting the contradictions in his character. It offers a detailed examination of his life and the monumental impact of his music, providing insights into his creative process and the cultural context of his work. Through this nuanced portrayal, readers gain a deeper understanding of Verdi's legacy and the enduring power of his operas.

The narrative explores Beethoven's tumultuous childhood and the challenges he faced in his personal life, including his quest for companionship and his fiery temperament. It delves into his emotional instability and his tendency to alienate those who wished to support him. Additionally, the book examines his later years, highlighting his obsessive desire to dominate his nephew's life, showcasing the complexities of a genius grappling with personal demons.

Exploring the complexities of Tchaikovsky's life, this biography delves into the struggles of a tortured genius and sensitive soul, revealing the emotional burdens that influenced his remarkable compositions. John Suchet provides a comprehensive look at the composer's private desires and the impact they had on his artistry, offering readers an intimate understanding of the man behind the music.

After a whirlwind romance and a marriage that spanned decades, former face of ITV news, John Suchet, revealed on breakfast television that his beloved wife Bonnie was suffering with dementia, eliciting a huge response. Never had anyone spoken so movingly about dementia, the thief that stole his still youthful wife on the eve of their retirement.

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.