This book on Beethoven offers both documentation and interpretation. Its range of material and ideas is impressive, as is its interdisciplinary approach. The author interprets Beethoven’s life and creative work through various stages from the Heiligenstadt Testament to the Ninth Symphony as “a leap from crisis to creativity”, an overcoming of sorrow and a commitment to humanity. The original questions asked, the methodical approach of modelling the overcoming of a crisis in eight phases, the psychological empathy, the assumptions and ingenious hypotheses are all new and have the potential to reignite discussions about one of the most important human beings and artists in the history of mankind. This book deserves a place in the library of every Beethoven aficionado, and indeed of every open-minded person. Beethoven is not only an important source of inspiration for us today. His music also forms a bridge of understanding, and can move and inspire people all over the world. In her interdisciplinary study Erika Schuchardt succeeds in presenting an impressive analysis of Beethoven’s music as a force for coping with crisis. Her coherent hermeneutic deductions offer a completely new insight into Beethoven’s work and influence.weiterlesen