Memories of Beethoven: From the House of the Black-Robed Spaniards (Canto original series)

Memories of Beethoven: From the House of the Black-Robed Spaniards (Canto original series) by Breuning, Gerhard von. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780521417105.

These are the personal memories of an elderly man who, as a child, was closely acquainted with Beethoven. Gerhard von Breuning, the son of one of Beethovens oldest friends, was a favourite of the ageing composer, who delighted in the boys frequent visits. This firsthand account provides us with telling details about Beethovens daily life, his personality, and his relationships with family and friends. It is as a clear-eyed witness of Beethovens final illness that Breuning is particularly compelling, providing graphic reports on the atmosphere of the sickroom, the course of the medical treatment and Beethovens death throes after he despaired both of his doctor and of his life and, muttering Oh, that ass!, turned his face to the wall. This is an English translation of a fascinating document. The Beethoven scholar, Maynard Solomon, has provided many explanatory notes as well as a full and informative introduction. A permanent contribution to the Beethoven literature, this book provides a sensitive and unique insight into the life of the composer during his later years.