Category Archives: Beethoven
Stay awake, Mr. Beethoven
I have to admit I’ve had the odd moment like this …
I would have towered over Beethoven
… by an inch and a smidge. _____________________________________________________________ Image: via Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
It’s okay to not love Beethoven
Tchaikovsky didn’t. He adored Mozart. And considered Bach, Handel, Gluck and Haydn mere forerunners to Mozart. From his diaries (1886): “… I shall start with Beethoven, whom it is usual to praise unconditionally and whom it is commanded to worship … Continue reading
“Where the body goes, the spirit follows”
“If you want to (play), plant your backside in front of the (piano). Don’t get up from the (bench), no matter how many brilliantly-plausible reasons your Resistance-churning brain presents to you. Sooner or later your fingers will settle onto the keys. … Continue reading
Beethoven. Pushing us beyond our limits.
Beethoven gave us some fast – sometimes obscenely fast – metronome markings. These speeds have been debated for almost 200 years already. What was he thinking? Was his metronome faulty? Were there clerical errors at the publishing house? He was … Continue reading
Sublime. Spectacular. And heartwarming.
Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto. It doesn’t get better. Jon Kimura Parker is here in a short (under 6 minutes) video – a concerto chat – that touches on all three movements. Watch to the end for a heartwarming story. Click here … Continue reading
“I want to play the Moonlight Sonata”
“As to choice in the study of your pieces, ask the advice of more experienced persons than yourself; by so doing, you will save much time.” ~Robert Schumann And then, for inspiration, listen to this. Listen – whether or not … Continue reading
Recharging
Image: Pops Digital What a weekend. Friday night … Continue reading
Bach, Bartok, Brahms, Bortkewicz, Burgmuller, Busoni, Buxtehude
Having completed all the As in my stash of unread music (one volume, 5 pieces of Albeniz), it’s time to move on the the Bs. This will take me a while. I’ve already sight-read through or performed or taught a … Continue reading
Beethoven. Terrified.
“The amount of money one needs is terrifying…” ~Ludwig van Beethoven Image: Musical Musings