

Copying Beethoven
Overview
A fictionalised exploration of Beethoven's life in his final days working on his Ninth Symphony. It is 1824. Beethoven is racing to finish his new symphony. However, it has been years since his last success and he is plagued by deafness, loneliness and personal trauma. A copyist is urgently needed to help the composer. A fictional character is introduced in the form of a young conservatory student and aspiring composer named Anna Holtz. The mercurial Beethoven is skeptical that a woman might become involved in his masterpiece but slowly comes to trust in Anna's assistance and in the end becomes quite fond of her. By the time the piece is performed, her presence in his life is an absolute necessity. Her deep understanding of his work is such that she even corrects mistakes he has made, while her passionate personality opens a door into his private world.
Top Cast

Ed Harris
Ludwig van Beethoven

Diane Kruger
Anna Holtz

Matthew Goode
Martin Bauer

Phyllida Law
Mother Canisius

Ralph Riach
Wenzel Schlemmer

Bill Stewart
Rudy

Angus Barnett
Krenski
Viktoria Dihen
Magda

Matyelok Gibbs
Old Woman

Karl Johnson
Stefan Holtz
Themes & Keywords
About Copying Beethoven
Copying Beethoven is a drama film released in 2006 exploring themes of composer, classical music, woman director, fictional biography, 19th century. Directed by Agnieszka Holland, it stars Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Matthew Goode. A fictionalised exploration of Beethoven's life in his final days working on his Ninth Symphony. It is 1824. Beethoven is racing to finish his new symphony. However, it has been years since his last success and he is plagued by deafness, loneliness and personal trauma. A copyist is urgently needed to help the composer. A fictional character is introduced in the form of a young conservatory student and aspiring composer named Anna Holtz. The mercurial Beethoven is skeptical that a woman might become involved in his masterpiece but slowly comes to trust in Anna's assistance and in the end becomes quite fond of her. By the time the piece is performed, her presence in his life is an absolute necessity. Her deep understanding of his work is such that she even corrects mistakes he has made, while her passionate personality opens a door into his private world.
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