<description>Triumphs and sufferings define Beethoven’s personal and professional life. His brother Carl dies, Beethoven becomes foster parent to his nephew, all while his profound deafness challenges his ability to communicate with others. His final works, while baffling and confusing to some of his contemporaries, are, in Beethoven's words, for another time. In this fifth and final episode, Michael also discusses the late five piano sonatas, and Beethoven’s almost experimental approach to composition.

Written, narrated and performed by Michael Chertock

Musical excerpts taken from the following:

L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, I. Allegro Moderato
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 26 in E♭ major, Op. 81a "Les adieux/Das Lebewohl", I. Adagio
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101, I. Allegretto
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B♭ major, Op. 106 “Hammerklavier”, I. Allegro
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B♭ major, Op. 106 “Hammerklavier”, III. Adagio sostenuto
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111, II. Arietta
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109, III. Theme
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109, III. Var. 2
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E♭ major, Opus 73 "Emperor", I. Allegro

Piano excerpts recorded at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in the Robert J. Werner Recital Hall. 

Technical production provided by Tom Hughes Marketing Strategies

© 2018 Michael Chertock</description>

Triumphs and sufferings define Beethoven’s person…

Triumphs and sufferings define Beethoven’s personal and professional life. His brother Carl dies, Beethoven becomes foster parent to his nephew, all while his profound deafness challenges his ability to communicate with others. His final works, while baffling and confusing to some of his contemporaries, are, in Beethoven's words, for another time. In this fifth and final episode, Michael also discusses the late five piano sonatas, and Beethoven’s almost experimental approach to composition.

Written, narrated and performed by Michael Chertock

Musical excerpts taken from the following:

L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, I. Allegro Moderato
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 26 in E♭ major, Op. 81a "Les adieux/Das Lebewohl", I. Adagio
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101, I. Allegretto
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B♭ major, Op. 106 “Hammerklavier”, I. Allegro
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B♭ major, Op. 106 “Hammerklavier”, III. Adagio sostenuto
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111, II. Arietta
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109, III. Theme
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109, III. Var. 2
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E♭ major, Opus 73 "Emperor", I. Allegro

Piano excerpts recorded at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in the Robert J. Werner Recital Hall. 

Technical production provided by Tom Hughes Marketing Strategies

© 2018 Michael Chertock

The Personal Beethoven: Episode 5, Music for Another Time

<description>Beethoven’s world is changing.  Napoleon’s rise to power creates in Beethoven an initial fascination that evolves into deep disillusionment.   His relationship with orchestras and with the aristocracy continues to be challenged, but as a composer, Beethoven begins to transition from the Classical traditions of Haydn to being a leader of the new Romantic movement.  

Yet, can Beethoven truly be considered a Romantic or Classical composer?   Michael answers this question along with discussing the influence of Beethoven on Wagner and Brahms.

Written, narrated and performed by Michael Chertock

Musical excerpts taken from the following:

L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, I. Allegro Moderato
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E♭ major, Opus 73 "Emperor", I. Allegro
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90, I.
L. Van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in in C minor ("Fate"), IV.
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E♭ major, Opus 73 "Emperor", II. Adagio un poco mosso
L. Van Beethoven: Poco moto (Bagatelle) in A minor, WoO 59 “Für Elise”

Piano excerpts recorded at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in the Robert J. Werner Recital Hall.  

Technical production provided by Tom Hughes Marketing Strategies

© 2018 Michael Chertock</description>

Beethoven’s world is changing.  Napoleon’s rise t…

Beethoven’s world is changing.  Napoleon’s rise to power creates in Beethoven an initial fascination that evolves into deep disillusionment.   His relationship with orchestras and with the aristocracy continues to be challenged, but as a composer, Beethoven begins to transition from the Classical traditions of Haydn to being a leader of the new Romantic movement.  

Yet, can Beethoven truly be considered a Romantic or Classical composer?   Michael answers this question along with discussing the influence of Beethoven on Wagner and Brahms.

Written, narrated and performed by Michael Chertock

Musical excerpts taken from the following:

L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, I. Allegro Moderato
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E♭ major, Opus 73 "Emperor", I. Allegro
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90, I.
L. Van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in in C minor ("Fate"), IV.
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E♭ major, Opus 73 "Emperor", II. Adagio un poco mosso
L. Van Beethoven: Poco moto (Bagatelle) in A minor, WoO 59 “Für Elise”

Piano excerpts recorded at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in the Robert J. Werner Recital Hall.  

Technical production provided by Tom Hughes Marketing Strategies

© 2018 Michael Chertock

The Personal Beethoven: Episode 4, Beethoven, Napoleon and Romanticism

<description>Beethoven faces a personal crisis.   Michael explores a new theory on how Beethoven lost his hearing, and how he handled the resulting social isolation.   Even with the support of his friends, Beethoven becomes increasingly frustrated and his musical output is affected.

Written, narrated and performed by Michael Chertock

Musical excerpts taken from the following:

L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, I. Allegro Moderato
L. Van Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 “Pastoral”, I.
Rev. Canon G. Hill: Timpani Fantasia 
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 “Appassionata”, I. Allegro Assai
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10, II. Largo
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No, 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathetique”, III. Rondo
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2, II. Adagio 
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No, 14 in C# minor, Op. 27 “Moonlight”, I. Adagio sostenuto

Piano excerpts recorded at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in the Robert J. Werner Recital Hall.  

Timpani excerpt recorded at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Montgomery, Ohio.

Technical production provided by Tom Hughes
© 2018 Michael Chertock</description>

Beethoven faces a personal crisis.   Michael expl…

Beethoven faces a personal crisis.   Michael explores a new theory on how Beethoven lost his hearing, and how he handled the resulting social isolation.   Even with the support of his friends, Beethoven becomes increasingly frustrated and his musical output is affected.

Written, narrated and performed by Michael Chertock

Musical excerpts taken from the following:

L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, I. Allegro Moderato
L. Van Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 “Pastoral”, I.
Rev. Canon G. Hill: Timpani Fantasia 
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 “Appassionata”, I. Allegro Assai
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10, II. Largo
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No, 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathetique”, III. Rondo
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2, II. Adagio 
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No, 14 in C# minor, Op. 27 “Moonlight”, I. Adagio sostenuto

Piano excerpts recorded at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in the Robert J. Werner Recital Hall.  

Timpani excerpt recorded at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Montgomery, Ohio.

Technical production provided by Tom Hughes
© 2018 Michael Chertock

The Personal Beethoven: Episode 3, Crisis and Conflict

<description>Mozart dies.  Haydn reigns supreme and becomes Beethoven’s teacher.  Or does he?  Complicated relationship between teacher and pupil set the stage for Beethoven’s success in Vienna.  Listen in as Michael discusses the influence of Haydn on Beethoven, whose star is rising.

Written, narrated and performed by Michael Chertock

Musical excerpts taken from the following:

L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, I. Allegro Moderato
F.J. Haydn: Piano Sonata No. 52 in E-flat major, Hob. XVI/52
F.J. Haydn: The Creation “The Heavens are Telling”
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-flat major, Op. 7, II. Largo
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2, II. Adagio
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15, I. Allegro con brio

Piano excerpts recorded at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in the Robert J. Werner Recital Hall. 

Organ excerpt recorded at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Montgomery, Ohio

Technical production provided by Tom Hughes Marketing Strategies

© 2018 Michael Chertock</description>

Mozart dies.  Haydn reigns supreme and becomes Be…

Mozart dies.  Haydn reigns supreme and becomes Beethoven’s teacher.  Or does he?  Complicated relationship between teacher and pupil set the stage for Beethoven’s success in Vienna.  Listen in as Michael discusses the influence of Haydn on Beethoven, whose star is rising.

Written, narrated and performed by Michael Chertock

Musical excerpts taken from the following:

L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, I. Allegro Moderato
F.J. Haydn: Piano Sonata No. 52 in E-flat major, Hob. XVI/52
F.J. Haydn: The Creation “The Heavens are Telling”
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-flat major, Op. 7, II. Largo
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2, II. Adagio
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15, I. Allegro con brio

Piano excerpts recorded at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in the Robert J. Werner Recital Hall. 

Organ excerpt recorded at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Montgomery, Ohio

Technical production provided by Tom Hughes Marketing Strategies

© 2018 Michael Chertock

The Personal Beethoven: Episode 2, The Young Conqueror in Vienna

<description>What affect did Beethoven’s overbearing father have on his early musical development?  Did Beethoven really play for Mozart?  What was his relationship with his mother and brothers?   Michael addresses these issues surrounding Beethoven’s childhood and eventual arrival in Vienna.

Written, narrated and performed by Michael Chertock

Musical excerpts taken from the following:

L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, I. Allegro Moderato
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathetique”, I. Grave
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2, II. Adagio
J.S. Bach: Prelude in C Major, BWV 846
W.A. Mozart: Sonata No. 12 in F major, K332
W.A. Mozart: Fantasia in C minor, K475
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2, I. Allegro
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No, 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathetique”, III. Rondo

Musical excerpts recorded at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in the Robert J. Werner Recital Hall.  

Technical production provided by Tom Hughes Marketing Strategies

© 2018 Michael Chertock</description>

What affect did Beethoven’s overbearing father ha…

What affect did Beethoven’s overbearing father have on his early musical development?  Did Beethoven really play for Mozart?  What was his relationship with his mother and brothers?   Michael addresses these issues surrounding Beethoven’s childhood and eventual arrival in Vienna.

Written, narrated and performed by Michael Chertock

Musical excerpts taken from the following:

L. Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, I. Allegro Moderato
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathetique”, I. Grave
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2, II. Adagio
J.S. Bach: Prelude in C Major, BWV 846
W.A. Mozart: Sonata No. 12 in F major, K332
W.A. Mozart: Fantasia in C minor, K475
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2, I. Allegro
L. Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No, 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathetique”, III. Rondo

Musical excerpts recorded at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in the Robert J. Werner Recital Hall.  

Technical production provided by Tom Hughes Marketing Strategies

© 2018 Michael Chertock

The Personal Beethoven: Episode 1, Beethoven's Childhood

Michael Chertock is an acclaimed pianist, conductor, composer, and educator.  Michael is also Professor of Piano at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, where he is currently chair of the Piano Department.

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