Beethoven's orchestral music : an owner's manual / David Hurwitz.

Part 1. Listening to Beethoven. Beethoven and the orchestra ; Beethoven's dynamic forms -- Part 2. Overtures. Theatrical overtures ; Concert overtures ; Interlude 1: dance music -- Part 3. Concertos. Discography ; General introduction to concerto forms ; Piano concertos ; Concerto and romances for violin ; Triple concerto and choral fantasy ; Interlude 2: incidental music -- Part 4. Symphonies. Discography ; Symphonies nos. 1 and 2 ; Symphonies nos. 3 (Eroica) and 4 ; Symphonies nos. 5 and 6 (Pastoral) ; Symphonies nos. 7 and 8 ; Wellington's victory (aka Battle Symphony) ; Symphony no. 9 (Choral) ; Conclusion: The quasi-orchestral Beethoven ; Track listing.

"Beethoven's orchestral works include some of the most iconic and popular pieces of classical music ever written. This book offers chapters on Beethoven's handling of the symphony orchestra and his contributions to its evolution, as well as his approach to musical form in creating large, multi-movement works. The musical descriptions provide helpful strategies for listening that invite both beginners and experienced enthusiasts to treat even the best known pieces as something fresh, new and relevant. In addition, Hurwitz provides extensive lists of recommended recordings of all of the music surveyed, highlighting the wide range of issues in Beethoven interpretation and performance, as well as the history of his music. He encourages readers to listen actively and critically, as they build their own Beethoven discographies according to their personal tastes and preferences. The book is accompanied by online audio tracks of Beethoven works selected by Hurwitz." -- Provided by publisher.