Beethoven - His Spiritual Development

‘Beethoven – His Spiritual Development’ was written by J.W.N. Sullivan, first published in 1927. John William Navin Sullivan (1886-1937) was a popular writer on science and literature, but his study of Beethoven was his most celebrated work. A modern day polymath, Sullivan also wrote one of the earliest accounts of Einstein’s ‘General Theory of Relativity’ and circulated amongst the literary elite of London, including Aldous Huxley, Wyndham Lewis and T.S. Eliot. This text contains an author biography, briefly detailing Sullivan’s life, as well as thematic chapters split into two parts. Book one deals with themes such as ‘art and reality’, ‘music as isolated’ and ‘music as expression.’ Book two deals with more specific issues, such as ‘Beethoven’s characteristics’ his ‘Hammerclavier Sonata’, ‘relationship with God’ and the ‘Last Quartets.’ This book is essential reading for anyone interested in musical theory and history – an insightful and engaging read.