Ruth Padel, Professor of Poetry, King’s College London is reading at this event which will also include a Q and A session. It looks as if the open mic slots might be sold out – but take a look HERE for those tickets and ones to the event.
Padel is reading from her new book Beethoven Variations – a personal voyage through the life and legend of one of our greatest composers and a celebration of the creative spirit and its endurance even at times of suffering. The book speaks strongly to all artists at a time of trauma. Padel’s literary quest for Beethoven takes her to the heart of Europe and back to her own musical childhood. Her great-grandfather studied in Leipzig with Moscheles, a pupil of Beethoven, became a concert pianist, and migrated to Britain. Her parents met making music and Ruth grew up playing viola, Beethoven’s instrument as a child. This book grew from her collaboration with the Endellion String Quartet: an intimate response to Beethoven’s music, a lyrical exploration of the power of music in all our lives.
The collection explores how we can forge creativity out of pain, and is a testimony to the hope that rises when making art out of – and overcoming – suffering/disability.
Praise for Beethoven Variation
‘Bold, breathtaking, spectacular.’ Times Literary Supplement
‘Recharges the reader’s perception of the unfolding drama of the composer’s life.’ Los Angeles Review of Books
‘Beethoven Variations is absolutely wonderful! Steeped in the music, and in aspects of his life we maybe never think about – a fascinating summation of Beethoven!’
– Sean Rafferty, In Tune, Radio 3
Abegail Morley 
Thanks for including the video. I enjoyed it very much.