In Eroica, Samuel Chotzinoff reveals the myriad of complexities which comprised Beethoven's psyche. His complexities may be better stated as sophomorics as Herr Beethoven is often characterized as a petulant, ill-adjusted, arrogant, emotionaly naive and love-lorne genius. The reader is carried on the troughs and crests of Ludwig's tumultuous forays into society. Despite his genius, Ludwig at first appears a person unable to learn from his mistakes and grows only with painful repetition.

Chotzinoff skillfully transports the reader to 19th century Vienna and demurely reveals the idiosyncracies of the aristocracy through rich characterizations and Beethoven's introspections. The music lover will also love the author's interpretations of the inspirations and motivations for many of the virtuoso's masterpieces.

I have a first edition of this which has sat on my shelf for over ten years because I've always misread the jacket lettering as "Erotica". Sadly, Beethoven is represented as tragically inept at the art of love. I believe that Chotzinoff purports that his turmoil in arena of love allowed Ludwig the freedom, and also the pain requisite in many an art form. I do object however to the author's contention that much of Beethoven's musical ambition was a result of his desire to be accepted by the gentry, to which he died an outsider. Overall, the book was an insightful journey into the virtuoso's life and the golden age of music.