mlr | (no subject)

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.

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Almost without exception it has always been the services like this that have touched me deeply and stayed with me the longest.

The Adagio Cantabile is among my secret favorites. I often use it to warm up my fingers and my head for a harder rehearsal at the keyboard. Soothes my soul and satisfies on so many levels, as you say.

Thank you for posting this. I will have to listen (my experience of classical music is shamefully negligible).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeAc0oh818s