Archduke Rudolf, Beethoven's Patron, Pupil & Friend: His Life & Music (Ex)

Archduke Rudolf, Beethoven's Patron, Pupil & Friend: His Life & Music (Ex)

Review "...a solid, competent discussion of a hitherto unexplored corner of music history..." Mary Sue Morrow, J. Musicological Research 1990. "...an excellent and well-documented study..." Giorgio Sanguinetti, Nuova Rivista Musicale Italiana 1992 3/4 "...of particular value for the scholar or musician interested in learning about this gifted member of the Hapsburg family, his relationship with Beethoven, and in becoming acquainted with his compositions." Pittsburgh Symphony Society Program Magazine no. 16. --Pittsburgh Symphony Society Program Magazine no. 16. In early 19th-century Austria the Archduke Rudolph occupied multiple roles: a noble Hapsburg by birth, a Cardinal-Archbishop by career, and a dedicated musician by avocation. A talented pianist and composer, Archduke Rudolph enjoyed the unique privilege of being Beethoven's only composition student, and in the two decades of studying with him produced a sizable and well-crafted body of music for piano, chamber ensemble, and voice. Many of the Archduke's autograph manuscripts were corrected in detail by Beethoven, giving us fascinating insights into Beethoven's thinking on the structure and syntax of music. This comprehensive book surveys Archduke Rudolph's life and career in music, which also encompasses his significant role as music patron and collector. It is based on a study of primary sources, principally the autograph manuscripts of his compositions and sketches, and most importantly, Beethoven's own autographs-including sketches, corrections on the Rudolph manuscripts, and a four-measure theme composed expressly for Rudolph's use-produced here, in facsimile, for the first time. Other primary sources examined include the Archduke's correspondence with Beethoven and members of the Imperial household, the catalogues of Rudolph's music collection, and documents related to his ecclesiastical career. The thematic catalogue of Archduke Rudolph's music lists all of his finished and unfinished works in chronological order, as well as sketches, copies, and transcriptions. Fifty illustrations and 190 musical examples are also provided. About the Author Pianist Susan Kagan has pursued a multi-faceted career in music, as a performer, scholar, and critic. She has earned praise throughout the United States and Europe for her versatility and sensitive musicianship. Her career has included appointments as orchestra pianist with the St. Louis and Pittsburgh Symphonies and appearances with both orchestras as soloist in concertos by Mozart, Beethoven, Grieg, Ravel, and Bart