Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Adult Beginners Forum The Love Ludwig van Beethoven thread

I have noticed there is one for Chopin, which is great and only right, but not seen one for Beethoven.

I'd like to remedy that! After doing the Coursera course on his sonatas I now fully realise his monumental genius and cannot get enough of him.

So where are you hiding fellow Beethovenians?

What Beethoven composition moves you and why? What are you listening to or playing right now?

I will gladly join! Count me in, fellow Beethovenians! I am presently listening to the complete piano sonatas played by Alfred Brendel. I am playing Sonata Op. 49 #2. Some like referring to it as the "easy" one. I disagree. It may be easy to learn, but requires more to make it sing. Regardless, it is one of my favorites.
As for the Symphonies, I love the 9th, 2nd movement in particular.
I can't get enough of him, either.

Have you seen the film "immortal Beloved" with Gary Oldham playing Beethoven? I love it.

Thanks for starting this.

What a great thread! I just watched a BBC documentary on Beethoven... wonderful! (search YouTube, Charles Hazlewood)

I intend to tackle Op. 49 no. 2 next year

The one with Paul Rhys as Beethoven? Yes I liked it too- very moving- but I think they portrayed Beethoven as more angry than he actually was. Did you like the Moonlight Sonata scene? I did!

How are you getting on playing the sonata? I'm a plonkly beginner so still on one paged super easy version of Moonlight!
The symphonies are great! I also love the Egmont Overture.

Yes seen Immortal Beloved but it isn't very accurate historically though I thought Gary Oldman did a good job. Have you seen Copying Beethoven? Again not historically accurate. Have you seen the BBC docu drama on you tube?

Thanks for the info. I will certainly look for the BBC docu-drama and the others. The Sonata is fine. I am working on the nuances and expressions. Although I am not an adult beginner, this is my favorite forum because I identify with all of you. Also, you all share your passion for music, for the piano. This means much more to me than the quibblings about which brand is better than another. I started piano late in life ( as some would say) I was fifteen when I started lessons. I went on to get a degree in music (piano and theory). I have played professionally in a band. Although I am no longer performing I still play and I am learning Jazz Piano which has always been a great love. I look forward to my retirement in four years so I can enjoy the catalogue of music waiting for me to learn and hopefully get to play in a jazz trio.

It is never to late to learn piano. It will keep you young, make your heart sing and give you joy. Go for it!

1 out of 2.

Yes that one! Lots of drama, yes, maybe too much. I also watched the Mozart documentary, and that was heartbreaking too. They must have had joyful moments too, these genius composers, right?!?

love the guy

virtuosos focus only on the sonatas and concertos, but Beethoven was one of the few major composers who also thought of beginners. His marvelous bagatelles come to mind...

The bagatelles are not for beginners.

Have learned many of the Bagatelles. Really enjoyed them. Each one is a ittle gem! Now learing Piano Sontata Op 2 no 1. It's supposedly not that hard. But, it has given me fits. Learned the 3rd mvt first. That's fun. Then the 1st. That's fun now that I can play it. It took weeks to learn. Now working on mvt 2. Which is gorgeous.

And who doesn't like the Symphonies? Genius. Pure and simple

ok, middle level, then

Most of them are not for "middle level" either. They (the Opus 126 bagatelles especially) are very advanced pieces which require a high degree of technical mastery and control, but (more importantly) a musical maturity possessed by almost none but the best pianists.

You are inspiring Barbara! Talking about Jazz have you noticed Beethoven does ragtime in sonata no.32?!

I watched the Mozart one too- I thought they made up the mysterious man who asked Wolfgang to write that Mass and no it really happened. Spooky.

Yes they both had joyful times- but despite Mozart dying younger I think he had more happier times than Beethoven did. At least Mozart got to marry the woman he loved.

I think they were both fascinating guys- especially Beethoven- much misunderstood as well. When you read what people who knew him said about him, despite his temper ( due to his physical sufferings mostly) it's clear that he was a great hearted person.

Here's another Beethoven question- what is your favourite or favourite portraits of him?

I like the one with the lyre- not so much the pose as he looks uncomfortable but the close up of him shows such compelling eyes and expression!

I agree. I've learned so very much from his opus 119 - these "trifles" force learning specific technique - you can't play them otherwise. I've loved Beethoven's music for many years but since taking up piano have developed a love for the man (as weird as that sounds) because of the care taken with his teaching pieces.

I've read that his publisher considered the 119 set as trivial and beneath the master. Beethoven had to insist they be published.

The photograph was invented during Beethoven's lifetime. If only they had thought to take one of him...

Listening to his ninth symphony in its entirety always tears me up - something I rarely do. This open confession, diplomatic debate and perfect musical proof are presented undisguised to the creator - and then when we average humans are expecting a final explosion of anger at the injustice - a heavenly apparition of thanks appears. It's overwhelming.

EdwardianPiano, I have read your post, here:

Subject: The Love Ludwig van Beethoven thread


I have noticed there is one for Chopin, which is great and only right, but not seen one for Beethoven.

I'd like to remedy that! After doing the Coursera course on his sonatas I now fully realise his monumental genius and cannot get enough of him. 3hearts

So where are you hiding fellow Beethovenians? smile

What Beethoven composition moves you and why? What are you listening to or playing right now?

__________

You say: I have noticed there is one for Chopin, which is great and only right, but not seen one for Beethoven. I'd like to remedy that! After doing the Coursera course on his sonatas I now fully realise his monumental genius and cannot get enough of him. 3hearts So where are you hiding fellow Beethovenians? smile What Beethoven composition moves you and why? What are you listening to or playing right now?

__________

(Politely spoken) Who is out of step here - you or me! You see, I am a beginner piano player and we are in the < Adult Beginners Forum > .

I am only interested in learning classical music. I can't afford a teacher, but I am working through the John Thompson's method books and have started Book 2. I have been playing for 2 years. I thought I would not bother people about repetoire until I complete Book 3 of the John Thompson books.

However, I would be delighted to learn any classical pieces that are reasonably at my level.
If you suggest any Beethoven pieces, I will gladly rush down to the local music store and purchase the piece/pieces. If I think I can learn them, I will do that. If I think they are a bit above my level, I will gladly put them aside for another day, week, or year.

So please suggest any pieces - and I am out the door going to the music store excited about a new potential challenge.

cheers,

3B14BEET