Beethoven bequeathed a musical bounty and a sheaf of unanswered questions. He made an unwise choice of fathers but despite harsh and unsympathetic treatment at the keyboard his talent survived and has benefited generations of auditors. How much credit can parents take for nourishing or failing to nourish a genius?
How many children? Beethoven was one of seven. Two of his siblings did not live beyond infancy. Ludwig was on the receiving end of one-to-one tuition of a sore kind. Was that the policy of a preference for what might benefit siblings or parents? At one time a big family meant security for parents in their old age. Today it may represent a choice between advancing a career or cherishing a family. And then can parents be expected to take into account the needs of society? And should the cost of education and the cultivation of wide interests be part of the calculation? If there is a significant aptitude in one sibling, is it right to expect other siblings to enjoy seeing funds directed that way? Is fairness an essential part of the system of family upbringing?
Parents have preferences. Sometimes they are realistic. Few parents would expect to choose left-handed or right-handed. This preference is not altogether within our grasp but that does not mean it is insignificant. To be a left-hander in a world designed for right-handers is to be disadvantaged. How many parents might vote for that?
Conformity or dissent? Inevitably parents cherish wishes for their children – security, prosperity, independence, discrimination – and of course a similar conviction to that of their parents in matters of religion. Over the years parents may have to accept something other than their own preference at this point – or they may find themselves taking up the position of the father in what we call the story of the prodigal son.
FAMILY
The word ‘family’ occurs only once in the New Testament (Ephesians 3.15). The English translates the Greek word ‘patria’ from which we get ‘patriarch’, ‘patrimony’ and ‘patriot’.
THE BACHS
The name ‘Bach’ counted in European music, it has been said, for 200 years. The family, or dynasty, included 50 known musicians and notable composers. Their influence continues today. There has been nothing like it before or since.
’Give me a child until he is seven and I will show you the man.’ – Aristotle
‘And he who gives a child a treat
Makes joy-bells ring in Heaven’s street’ – John Masefield
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