eric_626 - Beethoven Piano Sonata in f minor "Appassionata" 1st Mvmt. - Allegro assai 57: Message Board

eric_626's Comments

The Appassionata is a towering colossus that needs little introduction. Written in 1804-1805, it displayed a bold and ambitious new style that Beethoven’s music began to take after he had come to terms with his oncoming deafness. Its relentless intensity and impassioned drama have captivated audiences ever since.

As for me, I am a software developer in Vancouver, Canada who enjoys playing the piano as a hobby. I had taken piano lessons to a high level when I was younger, but I opted for a safer career path in technology instead.

I have been fascinated by the Appassionata ever since the first time I heard the piece back when I was in high school. It is one of those works that just never ceases to be exciting. There is nothing quite like the rush I would feel from those explosive f minor chords, or the frantic desperation of that final coda. And I would just as often find myself closing my eyes while taking in the contemplative beauty of the Andante. But it wasn't until 2006 that I was finally able to play it competently.

I would have loved to record the entire sonata, but unfortunately I didn’t have enough free time to get the third movement back into shape. And I decided not to record the Andante because I felt it would be musically incomplete without the attacca into the third movement. So I will be presenting only the first movement for this wonderful tribute to my favourite composer.

Overall I felt this was one of my better runs through the first movement, as I was able to bring out a decent amount of dynamic contrast and kept the forward momentum going to the best of my ability. There are a few minor slips, but they are fairly difficult to catch.

Please excuse the sound quality of the recording, as it was recorded on a USB microphone that probably wasn't meant to capture something as dynamic as the Appassionata. I should invest in better recording equipment, but I’ve been hesitant because I haven’t had as much time to play the piano lately.

Hope you enjoy my humble take on this masterwork. And a happy 240th birthday to our maestro, wherever he may be now.

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Name	Date	Comment
Andy Platt	2010-12-17 15:01:53	It's certainly a shame that you couldn't show us your offering for the 2nd & 3rd movement because I really enjoyed your first. Great job.