Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) wrote nearly 800 works and is considered to be one of the world’s greatest composers. Scott Yoo’s long-awaited PBS “Great Performances Now Hear This” docudrama, titled Beethoven’s Ghost, was just completed in 2021. It features several contemporary classical musical stars visiting a historic manor in the Massachusetts Berkshires to better understand Beethoven by performing and recording some of his most personal work, including his famous “Ghost Trio.” These musicians also seem to have summoned the ghost of the composer, who is trailed by the spirit of Sigmund Freud attempting to analyze him. Interweaving documentary, performance, and theatrical storytelling, this show explores the composer’s mind through dramatized conversations between the spirits of Beethoven and Freud. Following the video, we will view and hear several of Beethoven’s most beautiful works.
Toby Teorey is the current Chair of the Elderwise Council. He is retired from the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan and in retirement pursues his enduring love of classical music and world culture.