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Title: Ludwig van Beethoven

Author: Nicolas Soames

Narrator: Daniel Philpott

Format: Original Recording

Length: 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-02-13

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

This is a story from the Famous People in History II collection.

Here are the life stories of nine famous people who have left their mark upon the world. There are men of action such as Alexander the Great and George Washington, and a woman, Joan of Arc, who inspired a nation. There are scientists whose voyages of discovery took place in laboratories: Isaac Newton, Louis Pasteur, and Marie Curie. Imagination is the fuel of the artist. The paintings of Leonardo da Vinci and the symphonies of Ludwig van Beethoven, though centuries old, still affect us today. And finally, there is the story of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who gained freedom for his country while at the same time promoting the idea of peace and non-violence. These men and women were important in their time and, even in our computer age, show what individuals with ideals and energy can achieve.

Editorial Reviews:

Narrator Daniel Philpott flexes his versatile voice in this informative introduction to the great Ludwig van Beethoven. Covering the important events in Beethoven's life - including his success in Vienna as a musician and composer, his worsening deafness, and his moodiness and illness - as well as providing musical fragments of Beethoven's compositions, this audiobook persuasively demonstrates the importance and influence that he had on music. Philpott makes this biography feel full of life and energy, much like the composer's own work.

Members Reviews:

Good, but not for young children

What would have made Ludwig van Beethoven better?

I can't really speak to this generally, because this was actually a good work, but my daughter loves stories of composers, but is too young to be hearing about suicidal ideation in such blunt terms, along with alcoholism, etc.... that is part of the content in this story. (More on this in my "additional comments.)

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Horrible ending for children to hear. I won't provide a spoiler, but I'll just say that the inclusion of the raging anger in a particularly significant life moment is not something I'll allow my child to hear again. (I actually recall a pastor referencing this moment, once.)

Have you listened to any of Daniel Philpotts other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not heard his other performances, but this one was very good, so will search for his others.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

The story felt a bit heavy on facts, a bit low on interior life. It was could have been fleshed out better. I won't play the story again for my young daughter as there was a lot of depressing drama focused on (and multiple references to his suicidal ideations mentioned in a glib/offhand way that is not appropriate for younger ages, nor placed in a context that makes it redeeming for kids to hear about).

Any additional comments?

I appreciate being able to provide a review for Audible, though I wish it also included more of what Common Sense Media offers regarding an age-appropriateness rating. I also would love for there to be more specificity about content and in categories. It's so surprising that an offering of Amazon's (which has such a powerfully robust "suggestions" tool) is so clunky in this regard. It's difficult to search for books at the level of Amazon's book selections allow.