Descrizione
Dover Publications Inc., United States, 2003. Paperback. Book Condition: New. annotated edition. 300 x 226 mm. Language: English . Brand New Book. Theatricality and spectacular sound effects are the hallmarks of this unusual work that conjures up the life-and-death drama of one of Europe s most decisive battles the Duke of Wellington s victory over Napoleon in a Basque province in 1813. First performed in December 1813 at a concert in Vienna to benefit Austrian and Bavarian soldiers wounded at the Battle of Hanau, Wellington s Victory, also known as The Battle of Vittoria, had been commissioned by Johann Maelzel inventor, avid promoter, and friend of Beethoven to exploit patriotic sympathies for Maelzel s financial gain. The result was a wildly popular success beyond expectations of either promoter or composer. Dover s handsome edition of the score reprinted from the authoritative Complete Works edition originally published by Breitkopf Hartel includes facsimile pages from the original publication. Beethoven s original instructions for performance, an annotated instrumentation list, and a prefatory note describe the events that led up to and followed the creation of this exceptional work.
