(no subject)

[mlr]

I played a funeral service today for a woman who was mentally challenged. She had two children. And I was told (I think 3 times) that they were in much worse shape than their mother. But somehow they mangaged to request the Adagio movement of the Pathetique Sonata. People were surprised I would take off work to play this (though they never seem to question it when the person is rich and powerful.) I guess the request touched me. I hadn't played the piece since I was probably 16 or something. I dusted off the Schanbel edition, and it sounded quite beautiful on the fine Steinway we have. I try to avoid warhorses like this -- playing, listening, whatever... But today while playing it, I was struck by Beethoven's voice leading - how balanced and perfect, yet so many shades of expression.