Beethoven: how to encompass the range of his genius in a single playlist?
To mark his 250th anniversary here’s an introductory selection of his music, less a ‘best off’ than a brief sampler including some favourites and less familiar pieces. He was a man who rose above his personal struggles to produce music of drama, heroism, tenderness, charm, and robust humour.
This is music we can internalize to give us resilience and hope – and just pure pleasure: this was a man who knew how to write a great tune!