Beethoven's Encore in the 21st Century

Beethoven's fictional memoirs of his return to Earth in the 21st century. Many people have wondered what Beethoven's 10th symphony would sound like if he had written one. What if he could come back to write it? Would any one believe it was really Beethoven? Would his music be the same style as he wrote in the 18th and 19th centuries, or would he want to expand his writing to incorporate a 21st century style?

People who say they are reincarnations of famous people are scoffed at, ridiculed, or in extreme cases put in mental hospitals. But here is a man, Ludwig van Beethoven, who plans ahead to avoid that possibility by pretending to be someone else. Even so, his difficulties in the world are publicized on the Internet, his privacy invaded. Even when the public is faced with hundreds of witnesses to his arrival, he is accused of faking it.

The troubles of living in a strange new world beset him, from love to technology, and finally the loss of his hearing. The author's imaginings express humor at times, love often, and some tragic circumstances.

Separate companion CD of piano sketches available by Robert James Ellis. Piano CD composed and performed by Robert James Ellis. The music performed by the character.

A light-hearted yet deep portrayal of an intriguing possibility-Beethoven returning to Earth to compose music. Beethoven appears suddenly and understands immediately the urge to create music. But this is no longer 19th century Germany, this is 21st century America and society is more chaotic, complex, and "annoying" than ever before. His anguish in this new existence urgently calls out the music from his soul and acts as a salve for his inevitable angst. Fleeing Elysium and arriving unannounced on a football field sets this new Beethoven up and running, toward his goal-new music for a new world.
All seven tracks on the CD capture different moods along the way from anguish to the lovely world from whence he came.