Beethoven's Life

Author: (French) Roman Rolland; translated by Fu Lei
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2000-10-01
Features: There are hundreds of versions of Beethoven's Life in existence, and the most widely circulated is this slim book written by Roman Rolland. It stands out from the rest, avoiding intricate details and instead focusing on highlighting the grandeur of the subject's spirit. With the advancement of technology and the abundance of material goods, human living conditions have become increasingly comfortable. However, the spirit of Beethoven, who "grasped the throat of fate" and chose to resist suffering as his way of life, seems somewhat distant today. Yet life is never always smooth sailing—setbacks and worries remain essential life lessons we must face. Thus, Beethoven's example still holds relevance for us. Historian Zhu Dongrun praised Roman Rolland's Beethoven: His Life and Environment as one of the world's three greatest biographies, making it a worthwhile read. Translator Fu Lei's Beethoven's Works and Spirit claims to be a "task beyond one's jurisdiction," yet it complements Rolland's original biography of Beethoven, making them worthy companions as we enter the 21st century.