Tuesday, December 16, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
DA DA DA DUMMMMMM!
They were immensely satisfying. Good thing as I was only getting 25% and probably a dim sample of that.
That is the deal with Beethoven. There is enough that is accessible to be totally involving and pleasurable and, when you are ready and if you are able, there is always more.
I have heard the most accomplished pianists say the same thing about the Sonatas.
Then there are all the other works. The Symphonies and Choral Works (I capitalize in awe of the composer, all others are lower case) are for us to sit back and absorb. Less to participate in.
And then you can overdo it.
John and I signed up to hear the Julliard String Quartet do all the Quartets in four concerts, in one season. There are 16 of them. Four per recital.
I could only make it through about half of them. I found myself suffering an anxiety attack in my seat at Boston's Jordan Hall as a result of the conflict. Part of me was pushing myself to stay and hear them and another part wanted to run for the exits. Overload. I bailed.
No composer has yet had the effect on me that Beethoven has and yet I do not listen to his work much today.
It is there on the radio from time to time.
I think that to study him further is to assay one's own inadequacy of genius. Or something.
Maybe I just got tired and ran for the exit.
In any event, it is his birthday and he would be 238. What a long time after one's living life to have such an impact.
Labels: music
