What makes Beethoven immortal?

In this wide-ranging conversation, pianist Orlando Alonso sits down with acclaimed biographer and composer Jan Swafford to explore the inner life, artistic courage, and spiritual defiance of Ludwig van Beethoven.

We discuss:

• The myth and reality of the “Immortal Beloved”
• The revolutionary force of the late piano sonatas
• Op. 111 and the transcendence of the Arietta
• Beethoven’s deafness and artistic will
• The tension between biography and legend
• What Beethoven still demands of performers today

Throughout the episode, we reference and briefly explore musical excerpts that illuminate key moments in Beethoven’s evolution — from storm and struggle to luminous transcendence.

This is not simply a conversation about a composer.

It is a meditation on artistic destiny, suffering, and immortality.

Jan Swafford’s books are available wherever books are sold.

Highly recommended:

• Beethoven: Anguish and Triumph
• Mozart: The Reign of Love
• Johannes Brahms: A Biography
• Charles Ives: A Life with Music

Musical excerpts included in this episode are used for purposes of commentary, criticism, and educational discussion. All rights to the recordings remain with their respective copyright holders.