HAPPY BIRTHDAY. BEETHOVEN!

On this date in 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven was born. More than any other composer, Beethoven reimagined and reinvented music of the late 18th century. He bent and even broke rules thought to have been unbreakable. By the time he reached the late string quartets – works that still have the power to surprise – his contemporaries struggled to wrap their heads around what Louis Spohr described as “indecipherable, uncorrected horrors.”

This was music for himself, and music for the future. It’s because Beethoven was so true to his inner voice that his music remains so vital. It’s also a pretty good reflection of the man – open-hearted, full of profound feeling, startlingly explosive, and always striving to achieve the highest pinnacle.

I hope you’ll join us today on The Classical Network, as we trace the unprecedented artistic journey of the boy from Bonn, who raised himself up, through the power of imagination and sheer will, to become King of Composers. What’s more, Beethoven had the foresight and the generosity to take the rest of us with him.

We’ll be presenting the Master’s complete symphonies in exceptional recordings, lovingly curated by WWFM hosts. The celebration will begin at 9:00 EST with Alice Weiss and David Osenberg, who will introduce the Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4.

After a break for “Bach at 1,” Michael Wisnosky will present the Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6.

Then I’ll be along at 4:00 to storm the gates of Heaven with the Symphonies Nos. 7, 8 & 9.

As if all that weren’t enough, as an added bonus, David Dubal and Jed Distler will lend their expertise and reflections to two hours of Beethoven’s piano music, beginning tonight at 8.

Traditionally, Beethoven’s birthday has been a big fundraiser for the station. This year, our Beethoven birthday bash will come your way with limited interruptions. No breaking in between movements or playing highlights from the major works. We’re going to give you everything as the composer intended – pure, unadulterated Beethoven.

Of course, we do hope that you will be moved to support it. We will remind you of our telephone number, 1-888-232-1212, in between symphonies, hoping to take your calls. Also, you can support us anytime by visiting our website and making a donation at wwfm.org. Help yourself to one of our attractive thank you gifts as a token of our sincere gratitude.

It would be a sin not to support these symphonies. Help preserve the legacy of great music on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org. Thank you for your steadfast support!