Episode 13 - Life in Vienna

John tells more stories of Beethoven’s early life in Vienna, as he took in the sights and sounds of one of Europe’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. He discovers music that Beethoven was inspired to write by the performances he heard there, including a theme that he would use again later, in a much more well-known piece. John also explores the uneasy relationship between the young composer and his teacher, Joseph Haydn. He explains how Beethoven felt liberated when Haydn left to visit London, and plays music that Beethoven composed during that time; a piece he liked so much, he gave it his first opus number. Haydn didn’t share that opinion, though, and John reveals how his response to Beethoven’s latest work angered the younger man. 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.