General

These are the personal memories of an elderly man who, as a child, was closely acquainted with Beethoven. Gerhard von Breuning, the son of one of Beethoven`s oldest friends, was a favourite of the ageing composer, who delighted in the boy`s frequent visits. His absorbing first-hand account gives us a unique glimpse of Beethoven`s daily life, his personality, friendships and family. It is particularly compelling in providing a clear-eyed witness of Beethoven`s final illness, in graphic reports on the atmosphere of the sick room and the composer`s death throes. This lively translation makes von Breuning`s fascinating document available in English for the first time.