I do not like this book because it is written for those that can read music and have at least some understanding of compositional theroy. Mr. Levy's disection of the four movements are very technical, very dry, and not meant for the layman. My 2 stars then are given as a layman. The biggest problem is just over half of the books 226 pages are simply a measure by measure breakdown of each movement. To me it seems like stating the obvious, espically if one can read music. The later chapters do however provide accounts of the first performance and the symphony's legacy. If I had known of the technical aspect of the book I would have passed. I guess the insight into the composer I seek might better be found in a biography.

i have a completely new level of understanding regarding this tremendous work of music. i appreciate that the author not only works through the musical elements of the work, but also different music appreciation elements as well; he analyses different critical judgements given about the work. furthermore, the complete poem is translated into english (which i should have expected, but didnt). my favorite line of the book is: "Only the most cynical of listeners can walk away from a performance of the ninth symphony without sensing that all could be well with the world, if only the world wished it so" (pp. 8)