The Character of a Genius - (Contributions to the Study of Music and Dance) by Peter J Davies (Hardcover)

About the Book

Beethoven's often-discussed dark side--marked by paranoia, narcissism, and obsession--is brought into focus by Peter J. Davies, who examines both the composer's genetic roots and the familial cruelty and neglect that defined his childhood. But this book is more than a biography, eschewing facile psychoanalysis in favor of a real exploration of how Beethoven's character shaped the work now universally regarded as among the best music ever written. Davies acutely observes the ways in which suffering can bring, at the same time, both madness and genius.

The author begins by tracing the medical history of mental disorders in Beethoven's family, and then goes on to detail the composer's religious beliefs and attitudes, his daily work habits and pastimes, and elements of his character including manic depression. Though the work does not purport to be a musical analysis, it does consider the many ways in which the things that shape an artist go on to shape his art.

Book Synopsis

Beethoven's often-discussed dark side--marked by paranoia, narcissism, and obsession--is brought into focus by Peter J. Davies, who examines both the composer's genetic roots and the familial cruelty and neglect that defined his childhood. But this book is more than a biography, eschewing facile psychoanalysis in favor of a real exploration of how Beethoven's character shaped the work now universally regarded as among the best music ever written. Davies acutely observes the ways in which suffering can bring, at the same time, both madness and genius.

The author begins by tracing the medical history of mental disorders in Beethoven's family, and then goes on to detail the composer's religious beliefs and attitudes, his daily work habits and pastimes, and elements of his character including manic depression. Though the work does not purport to be a musical analysis, it does consider the many ways in which the things that shape an artist go on to shape his art.

Review Quotes

.,."a deeply researched study of the composer's ancestry and life...a most interesting additional facet to complete the perspective of this prodigiously gifted man. As well as being well written, the book is nicely illustrated and richly documented, and will be employed by music lovers, medical and non-medical."-Journal of Medical Biography

.,."essential reading for all who wish to gain knowledge and understanding of the life and death of the greatest composer that western civilization has produced."-Internal Medicine Journal

?...a deeply researched study of the composer's ancestry and life...a most interesting additional facet to complete the perspective of this prodigiously gifted man. As well as being well written, the book is nicely illustrated and richly documented, and will be employed by music lovers, medical and non-medical.?-Journal of Medical Biography

?...essential reading for all who wish to gain knowledge and understanding of the life and death of the greatest composer that western civilization has produced.?-Internal Medicine Journal

..."essential reading for all who wish to gain knowledge and understanding of the life and death of the greatest composer that western civilization has produced."-Internal Medicine Journal

..."a deeply researched study of the composer's ancestry and life...a most interesting additional facet to complete the perspective of this prodigiously gifted man. As well as being well written, the book is nicely illustrated and richly documented, and will be employed by music lovers, medical and non-medical."-Journal of Medical Biography

About the Author

PETER J. DAVIES is a retired consultant physician of internal medicine and gastroenterology who has devoted his studies to the health, personality, and creativity of Mozart and Beethoven./e Previous works include Mozart in Person: His Character and Health (Greenwood, 1989) and Beethoven in Person: His Deafness, Illnesses, and Death (Greenwood, 2001).