Symphony Since Beethoven by Felix Weingartner is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of symphonic music in the Western classical tradition. Weingartner's writing is clear and engaging, making complex musical concepts accessible to readers of all levels of musical knowledge.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the development of the symphony as a musical form, the influences of various composers on the genre, and the evolution of symphonic orchestration techniques. Weingartner also provides detailed analyses of key symphonies by major composers, offering readers a deeper understanding of the music.

One of the book's strengths is Weingartner's ability to convey his passion for symphonic music. His enthusiasm is infectious, and readers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of the symphonic repertoire.

Overall, Symphony Since Beethoven is a must-read for anyone interested in classical music and the symphonic tradition. Weingartner's expertise and love for the genre shine through on every page, making this book a valuable addition to any music lover's library.

Book Description:
This 1904 book by composer, conductor and pianist Felix Weingartner examines the development of the symphony as a musical form since one of its greatest practitioners, Ludwig van Beethoven. Beethoven's symphonic works gave the symphony an unprecedented importance as an art form and inspired his contemporaries and later composers to take it more seriously. Weingartner helped create a widespread appreciation for Beethoven's symphonies through his writings on, and performances of, these works. He conducted all of Beethoven's symphonies, and was the first conductor to make commercial recordings of all nine of them.