Episode 15 - Professional Success & Personal Struggle

John describes Beethoven’s diverging fortunes; as his professional life improves and his musical reputation grows in Vienna, his personal life doesn’t see the same level of success. Amongst the music, John plays a rarity from the great composer, entitled “A Good Shoe Shouldn’t Pinch”, written for a singer with whom Beethoven fell in love, and who turned down his marriage proposal describing him as “ugly and half crazy”. John also reveals Beethoven’s growing concerns for his health, including his hearing, and how two visitors from Bonn turn out to be the last thing he needs; his younger brothers arrive to live with him. All the Beethoven pieces featured in this podcast are taken from the 90-disc Naxos box set, the Complete Beethoven Edition. You can buy yours by heading to Presto Classical and Europadisc.