Ludwig van Beethoven
(1770-1827)
I recorded at least a dozen of Beethoven's piano sonatas and I still (fortunately) have most of the tapes.
This is the Sonata in F sharp major, op. 78 (the first movement). Although it's one of his lesser known sonatas (and one of the shortest) it was among his personal favorites. It was written in 1809, when Beethoven was already completely deaf.
This has always been one of my favorite Beethoven sonatas. It is not only technically brilliant, it's also extremely satisfying to perform.
I recorded this in Los Angeles when I was in my early 20's. I remember that, at the time, I had bronchitis and a strep throat.
(in my flaming youth I could work when I was sick. Nowadays I have trouble navigating when I'm well)
I recently transferred the old original tape to a WAVE file. Unfortunately there are a few annoying "skips" and "jumps" that weren't in the original recording, but I don't think it sounds too bad.
(I posted this on SoundCloud)
My favorite composer of all. On his birthday out local public station plays 24 hours of him.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you and I are the only ones who have a crush on Ludwig.....
DeleteGreat minds and taste need to stick together.
DeleteMy daughter and I love Beethoven too.
ReplyDeleteBeethoven was my mother's favorite composer. His music is sublime and it's almost inconceivable that he wrote most of it when he was deaf.
DeleteI know it was an energetic piece but I found it very relaxing and soothing for some reason. Very nice! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely energetic, but I agree - it's relaxing and (for a pianist) very technically satisfying.
DeleteTo tell you the truth, LVB was just another 'boring' (adolescent descriptive) composer whose work I was forced to practice. Until I saw "Immortal Beloved" - once, twice, 3 times. What a tortured soul; my heart ached.
ReplyDeleteThere was a profound depth to Beethoven's inner soul that some biographers missed - but which is always prevalent in his music. He was so devastated by his deafness that he considered suicide. His music is an illumination of his turbulent emotions.
DeleteStrangely, I've never seen "Immortal Beloved". I'll check and see if it's on YouTube.
I'll see if I can comment now, I listened earlier. I'll bet your neighbors in west Texas miss your music out the window. Now the coyotes and owls get to enjoy it. Pretty!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think my Texas neighbors might have been glad when I moved away. Now my music soothes the wild beasts.....(I hope)
DeleteMagnificent. Jon, I never get your limits --maybe you don't have any. This old guy sitting up late, grumbling over medical computer billing snafus, thanks you for this this refreshing sonata. My compliments and admiration.
ReplyDeleteGeo - my old piano recordings do a lot to buoy my sagging spirits. My performances certainly aren't perfect, but they resurrect wonderful memories from a time in my life when I was at my creative zenith (and when I was happy). I've fallen a great distance since then....
DeleteI'm always up late at night grumbling about things.....fortunately only the cats hear me.
wonderful as usual.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that!
DeleteI'm sorry I missed this when you first posted it. After reading your more recent post, in which you mentioned the Beethoven recording, I HAD to listen. Beethoven is my all-time favorite composer. It's beyond amazing that he was able to compose such complex and delightful music without being able to hear it.
ReplyDeleteI know you don't watch TV, but there was a singer on "America's Got Talent" this year who is also deaf. Her voice was absolutely pure, haunting, and ON KEY. How...? I'm in awe of such talent, which by the way, includes you, cowboy. Never stop playing the piano.
Thanks for your kind comment. I never fail to be amazed at what Beethoven accomplished despite being deaf. I haven't heard about the deaf singer on AGT but I might be able to find a video of her singing on YouTube.
DeleteA few years ago a completely blind pianist won first prize in the Van Cliburn Competition. He was absolutely amazing. I can't recall his name but he was Oriental (possibly Chinese).
Blind musicians are amazing, too, but I bet you could easily play the piano while wearing a blindfold.
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