Beethoven and Nannette

Local author Laurie Lawlor has delved into the fascinating relationship between Beethoven and Nannette Streicher in her recent book, “What Music! The Fifty-Year Friendship between Beethoven and Nannette Streicher, Who Built His Pianos.” Despite being geared towards children, Lawlor’s narrative captivates readers of all ages with its detailed illustrations and the story of Beethoven’s unlikely friendship with the female entrepreneur who crafted his pianos.

Laurie Lawlor, raised in LaGrange, comes from a theatrical family but found her passion in literature rather than music. After majoring in journalism at Northwestern University, Lawlor embarked on a writing career. Her interest in music was reignited when she stumbled upon an article in The New York Times about Beethoven and Nannette Streicher. Streicher, the daughter of renowned piano innovator Johann Andreas Stein, inherited her father’s business and became a successful piano-maker in her own right. Lawlor’s research, unveiling diary excerpts and letters between Beethoven and Streicher, sheds light on their lifelong friendship.

Lawlor has a history of writing about overlooked women, and her book on Streicher aims to correct historical misconceptions. Streicher’s achievements were often downplayed, with some historians incorrectly portraying her as Beethoven’s housekeeper.

By highlighting Nannette Streicher’s accomplishments in a time when women had little societal and political power, Lawlor aspires to inspire young women. She encourages other writers to engage in detective work to uncover stories that might otherwise disappear. Laurie Lawlor’s dedication to revealing the narratives of remarkable but overlooked women aligns with her mission to inspire future generations with tales of resilience and achievement.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Evanston Roundtable}