Beethovens Ninth Symphony; a masterpiece that has influenced virutally every Western composer since its premiere; has become associated with the marking of momentous public occasions. In 1989; Chinese students played its finale through loudspeakers in Tiananmen Square; and Leonard Bernstein led a performance in Berlin to celebrate the razing of the Berlin Wall. This lively and up-to-date book focuses on Beethovens Ninth; exploring the cultural and musical meanings that surround this powerful work of genius.David B. Levy sets the scene with a brief survey of nineteenth-century Germanic culture and society; then analyzes the Ninth Symphony in detail; with special emphasis on the famous choral finale. He discusses the initial performances in 1824 under Beethovens direction and traces the symphonys critical reception and legacy. In the final chapter of the book; Levy examines interpretations of the work by prominent conductors; including Wagner; Mahler; and Weingartner. A fully annotated discography of selected recordings completes this comprehensive volume.
#1586723 in eBooks 1977-02-28 1977-02-28File Name: B001PBFIYG
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. GroundbreakingBy Tyler KeithAs far as I can tell; this is the best; most useful and most comprehensive meta-framework for understanding architecture and for establishing an enduring body of architectural knowledge. It is a sort of master-key for integrating and implementing the vast and divergent contributions of not just the architectural giants our time; but of virtually every major architectural movement in history. Rather than trying to synthesize these contributions in detail; it uses the Integral/AQAL framework to simply make room for and understand these contributions on their own terms. In doing so it opens enormous vistas of vision and possibility for the future. We will not exhaust the research and practice possibilities implicated in this work anytime soon; making it a great companion for aspiring architects; students; and researchers. That said; it is somewhat dense and will take a little effort and persistence. But if this is a field of interest for you; it is well; well; well worth it. After reading this book I am able to understand buildings and movements so much more thoroughly; and from many perspectives. Rather than judging every building or movement by my favorite criteria (for me it is Christopher Alexanders "field of centers" as articulated in The Nature of Order); I am able to ask; "What is it; aesthetically; technologically; ecologically; or culturally/symbolically; that I can learn here? What true but partial contribution to our global building culture does a particular building/movement/book make? What piece of the puzzle is each holding?" And Im able to learn something; truly; from every encounter.Highly; highly recommended!5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Great Book!By Mahamadou DiarraThis is an excellent review about Sustainable Design. Unlike the books I have read about Sustainability when I was in graduate school; the Integral Sustainable Design is the one that deeply inspired me as a designer. When we say Sustainable Design; many people dont think outside the box but this book is a great reference that awakes our consciousness about our living environment at all levels. It funnels our vision to new ways of creating better environment to meet todays needs without compromising those to come. Again; it doesnt matter what your background is; this book is so well thought that any good reader can understand the concept behind. In addition; I highly recommend this book...3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent adaptation of Integral TheoryBy Rob FlemingThis Book answered many questions for me in my long search for a more balanced and more integrated architecture - the gateway to sustainable design. I highly recomend this book!
