30. Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8, "Pathetique"; Piano Concerto No 5, "Emperor"

(This recording: LaserLight Digital, 1990
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73 "Emperor"
Anton Dikov, piano w/ Sofia Philharmonic Orch.

Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 "Pathetique"
Istvan Szekely, piano)

From the first chord of the first movement of the "Pathetique" sonata you feel heaviness. The plodding quarter note rhythm of the first section pushes you down into the mud. When the rhythm picks up it is only like so much rain, relentlessly washing over you with something that should be refreshing and life-giving, but is too much. Again, Beethoven repeats the form, coming back to the same place, then returning only more forcefully, in waves and weighing down the piece with the left hand. When the melody rises it is always like water seeking a new level, and then it cascades, falling, falling, sometimes trippingly but always down, into the mire.

The second movement, adagio cantable, is an often quoted melody which tenderly, if hesitantly, greets the clearing sky with a sense of weary anticipation. The major key indicates hope, but in the end it is overcome by complete exhaustion and sleep at last.

The third movement, the rondo, assesses the damage and it is not good. There are some hints at a rebuilding process, but in the end we are back to Adam's situation, when, after the fall, he was cursed by God to toil all of the days of his life. It's your choice to take your bread bitter or sweet.

Beethoven is the greatest musician that ever lived. He says more in this sonata than all rock albums put together. But still we still write and we still play, because ... well, because we are the living.

cds