ABSTRACT
The opening chapter charts the various areas of investigation. It defines aims and objectives of the studiy of Beethoven’s involvement with Greco-Roman antiquity and, following a conspectus of current scholarship in the field, the methodology applied for answering the basic questions, with special focus on what he read. The primary objectives are these: to build a picture of the extent to which Beethoven was conversant with Greco-Roman culture, in the broadest sense; to investigate which steps he took to broaden his purview on the matter; to inquire into the motives behind his determination to familiarize himself with ancient writings; and to elaborate in detail how the information that he gathered had a bearing on his thoughts and world views; finally, to enumerate and elucidate his musical output insofar as bound up with antiquity. Ruminations by his friend Josef Schreyvogel provide a useful context to Beethoven’s appreciations and expectations.
