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Saturday, December 22, 2018

The Genius of Beethoven (BBC)



A powerful, moving and accurate docudrama based on the life of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). Paul Rhys's masterful portrayal of Beethoven is particularly noteworthy, doing well to vividly convey the isolation and despair Beethoven experienced throughout his life, while insightful narration from the popular conductor, composer and presenter Charles Hazlewood does well to add a sophisticated educational dimension to the series.

Our attraction to Beethoven is an attraction to a flawed, and therefore human artist. He failed at almost everything, but never gave up on music, or his ideals. His life was a disaster on so many levels: his rages, alcoholism and unhinged violence, his health, political vision, family, relationships, economically and as a public figure, were all disasters. But the music he produced was on another plane all together. For this we continue the cult of his personality, and we just listen to the music because it is an ethereal temple to the emotions, accessible to all humanity....just beyond brilliant.

Part Two

Part Three

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