Memories of Beethoven

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 Beethoven’s oldest friends, was a favourite of the ageing composer, who delighted in the boy’s frequent visits. His absorbing first-hand account gives us a unique glimpse of Beethoven’s daily life, his personality, friendships and family. It is particularly compelling in providing a clear-eyed witness of Beethoven’s final illness, in graphic reports on the atmosphere of the sick room and the composer’s death throes. This lively translation makes von Breuning’s fascinating document available in English for the first time.