One image of Beethoven is surrounded by chaos at home and in his life, but he counted exactly 60 beans for his coffee revealing a precision reflected in the inner creative life of his music. Enjoyed speculating about what Beethoven might do if alive today.

Fascinating the central influence of Domenico Scarlatti upon Beethoven's music, and how this crucial element is often overlooked.

Pleased to learn Simon Schama included my thoughts above on twitter related to his recent discussions of Beethoven's music on BBC radio.

- Michael Robinson, February 2020, Los Angeles

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Michael Robinson is a Los Angeles-based composer and writer (musicologist)