Review of Copying Beethoven (2006) by Luciano D — 04 Aug 2010
Absolute nonsense.
I would not object to the numerous historical inaccuracies, if the filmmakers used their literary licence purposefully. Sadly, they used it to create a very idiotic story which is connected to old Ludwig only by the title and the soundtrack.
If they had chosen a more obscure composer, perhaps they could make the story work by introducing us a forgotten name (which is for example the case of "Farinelli", it is also full of historical inaccuracies, but at least it excavates some long overlooked pieces of music).
The only thing I appreciate here is that "Copying Beethoven" shifts the focus from the hackneyed Ninth Symphony to the Große Fuge, which is less notorious, but astoundingly masterful.
Note: Some inaccuracies from the film (aside from the fact that Beethoven never had a female copyist).
- at the première of the Ninth Symphony the choir was IN FRONT OF the orchestra.
- Beethoven did not conduct the Ninth Symphony. (Although he stood in front of the performers and gesticulated intensely, doing the conducting in his mind).
- The name "Moonlight Sonata" was not used during Beethoven's life.
There are other problems, those interested in the subject have surely done their research already, so I feel no need to continue.
This review of Copying Beethoven (2006) was written by Luciano D on 04 Aug 2010.
Copying Beethoven has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
