John Suchet on Beethoven

John Suchet talks about Beethoven

Oxford Lieder Young Artists Lucy Hall and Gavin Roberts perform a selection of Beethoven songs.

John Suchet, presenter of Classic FM's flagship morning programme, is recognised as a leading authority on the life and works of Ludwig van Beethoven. His new book, a full-length biography of Beethoven, is based on extensive research, including sources never previously published in English.

He has portrayed the real man behind the music in this compelling biography, revealing a difficult and complex character. He reveals the struggle to continue his profession as musician despite increasing deafness, alienating friends with unprovoked outbursts of anger one moment, overwhelming them with excessive kindness and generosity the next, living in a city in almost constant disarray because of war with France.

This fascinating book shows Beethoven may have been one of the greatest artists who ever lived, but he was still a man who had to live among fellow mortals, eat and drink, fall in love, pay his rent. This is the real Beethoven, and Suchet brings him effortlessly to life.

At the start of this event, Lucy Hall and Gavin Roberts will perform a selection of Beethoven songs. Lucy and Gavin are the winners of the Oxford Lieder Young Artist Platform  2102, and this is sure to be a wonderful addition to the evening!

PROGRAMME:

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Kennst du das land, Op. 75 no. 1
Neue liebe, neues leben, Op 75 no. 2

3 Gesänge, Op.83

Wonne der Wehmuth
Sehnsucht
Mit einem gemalten Band

Ich liebe dich (Zärtliche Liebe), WoO 123