by sections of quotations attributed to the
muse. In these quotes, Beethoven demonstrates his intense preoccupation
(or obsession) with thinking artistically and intelligently, and with
helping to alleviate man's suffering by providing man with musical
artworks that could enlighten him, so as to become educated enough to
pull himself out of his misery. He felt immediate, strong disdain at any
artistic statement that was not truly intelligent and artistic, such
as, in his view, the music of Rossini. Although not prudish, he had
high standards when it came to marriage, and was morally against
"reproductory pleasure" for its own sake, or any form of adultery. He
never married. Interestingly, experimental psychologists have discovered
that people who have an intense love of humanity or are preoccupied with
working to serve humanity tend to have difficulty forming intimate bonds
with people on a personal level.

*****

PREFACE

This little book came into existence as if it were by chance. The
author had devoted himself for a long time to the study of Beethoven and
carefully scrutinized all manner of books, publications, manuscripts,
etc., in order to derive the greatest possible information about the
hero. He can say confidently that he conned every existing publication
of value. His notes made during his readings grew voluminous, and also
his amazement at the wealth of Beethoven's observations comparatively
unknown to his admirers because hidden away, like concealed violets, in
books which have been long out of print and for whose reproduction there
is no urgent call. These observations are of the utmost importance for
the understanding of Beethoven, in whom man and artist are inseparably
united. Within the pages of this little book are included all of them
which seemed to possess value, either as expressions of universal
truths or as evidence of the character of Beethoven or his compositions.
Beethoven is brought more directly before our knowledge by these his own
words than by the diffuse books which have been written about him. For
this reason the compiler has added only the necessary explanatory notes,
and (on the advice of professional friends) the remarks introductory to
the various subdivisions of the book. He dispensed with a biographical
introduction; there are plenty of succinct biographies, which set forth
the circumstances of the master's life easily to be had. Those who wish
to penetr