Reviews from

The Legacy of Beethoven

From his darkness, came great gifts

44 total reviews 
Comment from poetwatch
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Very nicely penned. I wish I could write with the distinction that some poets on the site write. Your Evens or Odds poem is a fine example of a much needed write. Something new with something old makes for a great mix. :) This is a good entry for the Beethoven Even or Odds" Poem. thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 30-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 30-Mar-2019
    Thank you, poetwatch. I love Beethoven, so it's nice to read that you think I did him justice. This was a delightful review to read. xo
Comment from dragonpoet
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I knew Beethoven was deaf but not that he was manic depressive. I can see how that would affect his music. Wasn't Beethoven more between the Classical and Romantic Eras:

Good luck and keep writing

dragonpoet

 Comment Written 30-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 30-Mar-2019
    Nope. Classical and Baroque.
    I think so many brilliant artists in every genre walk that fine line between genius and mental illness. It can be such a two-edged sword.

    Thank you for this review which I totally enjoyed reading. xo
reply by dragonpoet on 31-Mar-2019
    You may be right about genius.
    My pleasure.
    ~dp
Comment from LIJ Red
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Someone said that gnome's name was Evil Eddie and he was part of the new version of Fanstory. I did not count every syllable, but the form looks right, and sums old Ludwig up pretty well, Fivers.

 Comment Written 30-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 30-Mar-2019
    Thanks, LlJRed. xo
Comment from Ulla
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Wow, this is a wonderful entry for the contest. It's so well written and within your poem you revealed something about the composer I've never known. I'm intrigued. Good luck in the contest. All the best. Ulla:))

 Comment Written 30-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 30-Mar-2019
    Thank you, Ulla. He was a unique man and a truly unstoppable FORCE. He didn't wallow in what befell him, but, rather, always continued to make the most of his gifts. We could all learn a valuable lesson from such fortitude!

    Thanks very much for your lovely review.
Comment from Mastery
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You've done an excellent job of writing this "odds and evens" poem, especially difficult, I would imagine given the subject matter. Nonetheless, you have a good shot at winning the contest, I'm sure. Good luck and bless you. Bob

 Comment Written 30-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 30-Mar-2019
    Thank you, Bob. I always love the kindness and encouragement of your reviews.
Comment from patcelaw
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This is a lovely poem in the even/odds format about a loved classical music writer. I did not know he was manic depressive, but it really does not surprise, as many with that disorder are very creative.
Have a blessed weekend.
Patricia

 Comment Written 30-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 30-Mar-2019
    Exactly! I have a poster in my Music Room that was bestowed by a psychologist friend of mine. It says something like, "Manic Depression enable Beethoven to create works of vast diversity and creativity." The initial response is almost, "Awww! I wish I had Manic Depression."

    You're so right about that's being the plight of a lot of the super-creative in our world. Definitely a two-edged sword there.

    Thank you for this very nice review. I appreciate it. xo
Comment from June Sargent
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Beethoven could have allowed what some perceive as a handicap, his depression, to prevent his creativity from fully blooming. But he did not. And when he became deaf, it became more of a challenge. But genius cannot be contained - when we don't give in. Great entry for the contest.

 Comment Written 30-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 30-Mar-2019
    You are EXACTLY right, June. Nothing eroded his motivation. Such an EXAMPLE for us all!! Thanks for picking up what I was putting down here. I love this review.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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When passion is in any form of art it infuses magic and for someone who loved music so much, to become deaf is truly a tragedy, I enjoyed your powerful words here and you win my vote, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 30-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 30-Mar-2019
    Oooh! I appreciate that, Dolly.
    I choose a different theme every year for my students, and this year it's The Magic of Music, so I've been particularly (forgive me here, Dolly) tuned in to noticing all its different forms. And you are one hundred percent correct: passion in the arts equals magic. Thank you for this terrific review. I love it. xo
Comment from susand3022
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Hello Author
I really like this Even-The-Odds poem very much. It's very informative and tells us a lot about Beethoven. It also follows all of the rules set out by the contest. Good Luck! :)

 Comment Written 30-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 30-Mar-2019
    Thanks, Susan. It's my first try at this poem form, and it was a good challenge, for sure...though it has left me counting EV.E. RY. THING ever since. Thanks for this helpful feedback very much.
reply by susand3022 on 30-Mar-2019
    I have found trying the new forms of poetry to be one of the most fun things about this site for me. I recently Joined the Potlatch Club and there is a different form each week. It's totally cool!
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2019
    That's good to know. I'll have to check it out. Do you have a favorite form?
reply by susand3022 on 30-Mar-2019
    Not so far... I'm having a ball though! :)
Comment from karenina
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Stunning presentation on the page! Excellent descriptive poem of his manic genius and how it all came together to make music we revere through the ages. I was unfamiliar with this form...kind of an etheree with an "odd" twist! Thoroughly enjoyable.---Karenina

 Comment Written 29-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 29-Mar-2019
    I'd never seen or tried this form, either, Karenina. I did like the challenge of it, though. I appreciate this review very much; thank you for the encouraging and gracious words.
reply by karenina on 31-Mar-2019
    One of the many benefits of this site...being introduced to new forms!
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2019
    Yes! You are exactly right, Karenina! It's fun to "go for the gusto" of something new and challenging.