Comments on: Happy Birthday Beethoven!

By: David Zenger

David Zenger — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:19:50 +0000

And on the subjects of Nazis and Beethoven, an old joke:

The genius of the Austrian people is getting the world to believe Beethoven was an Austrian and Hitler was a German.

By: Anonyms

Anonyms — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 03:45:56 +0000

Imagine what he could have done with some Stratocasters, Moog Synthesizers, and a mixing board! What a genius!

By: Sweetelle

Sweetelle — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:12:13 +0000

Vern,

Hope you played some of the Waldstein to commemorate his day! Personally, I think you give the guy some competition!!!!

Rosie, if you can play that piece, I’m impressed!

By: David Zenger

David Zenger — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 23:48:29 +0000

Yes, he was a party memeber. And had many bad personal failings, too, no doubt.

Some people think his orchestras sounded too polished! But the sound of his early sixties Beethoven symphony cycle for Deutche Grammaphon is a wonder.

By: Rosie S.

Rosie S. — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:01:16 +0000

What an exciting and inspirational post! Along with Charles Schultz and the Peanuts gang, I always mark Dec. 16 by playing some Beethoven.

Beethoven obviously showed integrity changing his dedication, and the ideals he celebrated are timely ones for these days in America. Thanks for the reminder, Vern! (Too bad about that Nazi conductor in the video though…)

By: David Zenger

David Zenger — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:21:10 +0000

Von Karajan and Van Beethoven. Doesn’t get any better than that!