Yes, it's that time of year again; December 16 is Ludwig van Beethoven's birthday! As a long-time classical music listener and lover of Beethoven's music since I first heard it, this is a day I celebrate every year. And I'm not the only one; Schroeder of Peanuts fame is also a huge Beethoven fan, and every December 16 he celebrates on the strip. This one from 1970 is a classic.
And of course no birthday commemoration of The Maestro should ever go without a bit of his music. Taking a hint from the graphic I found online and posted at the top of this post, here's Beethoven's Hammerklavier Sonata, played in this instance by Alfred Brendel, probably one of the greatest interpreters of Beethoven's piano music. Enjoy! And join me in a toast to one of western music's greatest masters!
Thanks for this treat, Roy. I, too, love B and have survived many ends of the world by listening to his Violin Concerto. Glorious, all of his music.
ReplyDeleteLovely. And Happy Birthday, Mr. Beethoven!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday ludwig!!! i can't believe i haven't had this factoid etched in my memory/mind as december 16th is a red letter day for me. it is the birthday of my intellectual guru not to mention a notable day for other events and other connected sentient beings!
ReplyDeletethanks royster!!
Love it!
ReplyDeleteWow... My first real exposure to classical music was Beethoven (7th Symphony and -- surprise! -- Piana Sonata #29) and it was Schroeder himself who steered me in that direction... as detailed here.
ReplyDeleteAs a small child, my dad played me lots of Mozart but once I became a teenager, he switched over to Ludwig. I will have to remember to thank him when I see him this weekend...hope all is well with you, my dear!
ReplyDeleteThanks Roy, I have sat and listened to that splendid music and it has set me up for going out and braving the ice and frost.
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