Thursday, September 18, 2008

UNIQUE POWER IN MUSIC

I felt so nostalgic today, so I sat down at the piano and played nostalgic compositions, and ending my version of solo concert with the rendition of the most nostalgic piano piece. It isn't full moon, but I played it anyway.

To know Beethoven is to know his most familiar sonata, the Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Quasi Una Fantasia, Opus 27, No. 2, composed in 1802, popularly known as "Moonlight Sonata." Although it being a great misfortune and aggravation, Beethoven's greatest work was accomplished after he had become deaf. His genius and geniality as an artist and his noble generosity won the hearts of the music lovers and caused them to condone his freaks. His entire life, of course, was confined to music as an orchestra leader, pianist and composer, and his compositions are without question the finest and greatest. He is still recognized as the greatest composer of instrumental music of all times, and even in vocal music his "Fidelio" and "Missa Solemnis" are creations of unique power. His works comprise 138 opus-numbers and about 70 unnumbered compositions.

11 comments:

The Man Under the Mango Tree said...

Have seen the movie, Copying Beethoven, starring Ed Harris and Diane Kruger (Troy fame). Such an unforgettable character... a genius madman if I may say. Suffered deafness long before the completion of some of his greatest compositions.

Bay Martin said...

I have seen part of it only. I am scouting for a DVD copy. I also want to have a copy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The Man Under the Mango Tree said...

you may include:
1.Lust for Life (van Gogh)
2.Agony and the Ecstasy (Michelangelo)
3.Surviving Picasso
4.Tha Name of the Rose (from Umberto Eco's Novel)
5.The Lost Horizon (about ShangriLa)
6.Judith of Bethulia
Also, the silent movies of Charlie Chaplin...

Anonymous said...

I like his Fur Elise, too! Are you still palying the piece?

Bay Martin said...

Yes, the piano solo is famous all over the world. All my piano students wish to learn the piece.

Bay Martin said...

@ The Man

I am not sure if the listed DVDs are available. If not, I may have to order at Amazon. I have already requested Jazmin to get me a copy of Smallville 7th Season at Amazon. I'll check with her if she can accommodate the other movies.

Anonymous said...

I love listening to Beethoven too. But my favorite is Tchaikovsky. Especially The Nutcracker. I always ask my husband to play it for me.

Anonymous said...

I want to listen to your piano playing again. I love the way you play Fur Elise. What's the meaning of the title again! You explained it to me before, pero nalimutan ko.

Bay Martin said...

@ Bingkee,

Does your hubby play Chopin and Liszt? Once in a while you should have a romantic candle-lit dinner, and after enjoying the nice dinner, he should play "To Love Again" by Chopin, followed by "Standchen" by Schubert... wowwwwww!!!

How romantic it would for two people so much in love!

Bay Martin said...

@ Joe

Come and visit me when your time permits you to.

Beethoven did write this piece in his later years, actually it is a form called a "Bagatelle" (meaning a "short work usually referring to an easier work"). This piece may have been written for "Therese Malfatti." However either his handwriting (which was at best, terrible) was not read properly, or the name may have truly been "Elise" as it is an affectionate term for any loved one during that era.

Anonymous said...

There is another beautiful solo piano piece that you used to play... parang minuet yata. It has a very fine tune. Do you still play it?