Beethoven 32: Sonata 01 and 02

Deo gratias! I really like the idea of this project and am looking forward to the output!  https://beethoven32.com/ From the pianist himself:

To celebrate Beethoven’s 250th anniversary year, I will be learning and filming all 32 of his sonatas over the course of 2020. This is a massive undertaking – I have played 9 of them so far, so 23 will be completely new, including some of the most challenging.

I’ll be releasing a new sonata every few weeks starting on the 17th of January, and I’ll be writing about my experience throughout the year. You can follow the entire project here on beethoven32.com

— Boris Giltburg, 2019

An die Freude (Ode to Joy)

Didn't mean for this to be about breaking free etc. Just about the beautiful melody and Joy, the true joy we are all aiming for. 
----

from: https://www.liveabout.com/beethovens-ode-to-joy-lyrics-history-724410

During World War I, German prisoners held captive by Japan introduced their captors to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Years later, Japanese orchestras began performing it. Then, after the devastating events of World War II, many Japanese orchestras began performing it at the end of the year, hoping to bring in enough audience members to help fund reconstruction efforts. Since then, it has become a Japanese tradition to perform Beethoven’s 9th symphony at the end of the year.

In many English churches, the hymn “Joyful, Joyful we adore thee” written in 1907 by the American author Henry van Dyke, is set and sung to Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” melody. 

O friends, not these sounds!

O Freunde, nicht diese Töne!

But let us be more pleasant

Sondern laßt uns angenehmere

to tune and be more joyful.

anstimmen und freudenvollere.

Joy!

Freude!

Joy!

Freude!

Text (1803 version; 1785 variants given in parentheses)[edit]

German original Freude, schöner Götterfunken, Tochter aus Elisium, Wir betreten feuertrunken, Himmlische, dein Heiligthum. Deine Zauber binden wieder, Was die Mode streng getheilt, (1785 version: Was der Mode Schwerd getheilt.) Alle Menschen werden Brüder, (1785 version: Bettler werden Fürstenbrüder.) Wo Dein sanfter Flügel weilt. Chor. Seid umschlungen, Millionen! Diesen Kuß der ganzen Welt! Brüder, überm Sternenzelt Muß ein lieber Vater wohnen! Wem der große Wurf gelungen, Eines Freundes Freund zu sein, Wer ein holdes Weib errungen, Mische seinen Jubel ein! Ja, wer auch nur eine Seele Sein nennt auf dem Erdenrund! Und wer's nie gekonnt, der stehle Weinend sich aus diesem Bund! Chor. Was den großen Ring bewohnet, Huldige der Sympathie! Zu den Sternen leitet sie, Wo der Unbekannte thronet. Freude trinken alle Wesen An den Brüsten der Natur; Alle Guten, alle Bösen Folgen ihrer Rosenspur. Küsse gab sie uns und Reben, Einen Freund, geprüft im Tod; Wollust ward dem Wurm gegeben, Und der Cherub steht vor Gott. Chor. Ihr stürzt nieder, Millionen? Ahnest du den Schöpfer, Welt? Such' ihn überm Sternenzelt! Über Sternen muß er wohnen. Freude heißt die starke Feder In der ewigen Natur. Freude, Freude treibt die Räder In der Großen Weltenuhr. Blumen lockt sie aus den Keimen, Sonnen aus dem Firmament, Sphären rollt sie in den Räumen, Die des Sehers Rohr nicht kennt. Chor. Froh, wie seine Sonnen fliegen Durch des Himmels prächt'gen Plan, Laufet, Brüder, eure Bahn, Freudig, wie ein Held zum Siegen. Aus der Wahrheit Feuerspiegel Lächelt sie den Forscher an. Zu der Tugend steilem Hügel Leitet sie des Dulders Bahn. Auf des Glaubens Sonnenberge Sieht man ihre Fahnen wehn, Durch den Riß gesprengter Särge Sie im Chor der Engel stehn. Chor. Duldet mutig, Millionen! Duldet für die beßre Welt! Droben überm Sternzelt Wird ein großer Gott belohnen. Göttern kann man nicht vergelten; Schön ist's, ihnen gleich zu sein. Gram und Armut soll sich melden, Mit den Frohen sich erfreun. Groll und Rache sei vergessen, Unserm Todfeind sei verziehn, Keine Träne soll ihn pressen, Keine Reue nage ihn. Chor. Unser Schuldbuch sei vernichtet! Ausgesöhnt die ganze Welt! Brüder, überm Sternenzelt Richtet Gott, wie wir gerichtet. Freude sprudelt in Pokalen, In der Traube goldnem Blut Trinken Sanftmut Kannibalen, Die Verzweiflung Heldenmut-- Brüder, fliegt von euren Sitzen, Wenn der volle Römer kreist, Laßt den Schaum zum Himmel spritzen: Dieses Glas dem guten Geist. Chor. Den der Sterne Wirbel loben, Den des Seraphs Hymne preist, Dieses Glas dem guten Geist Überm Sternenzelt dort oben! Festen Mut in schwerem Leiden, Hilfe, wo die Unschuld weint, Ewigkeit geschwornen Eiden, Wahrheit gegen Freund und Feind, Männerstolz vor Königsthronen, -- Brüder, gält' es Gut und Blut-- Dem Verdienste seine Kronen, Untergang der Lügenbrut! Chor. Schließt den heil'gen Zirkel dichter, Schwört bei diesem goldnen Wein: Dem Gelübde treu zu sein, Schwört es bei dem Sternenrichter! (The 1803 version ends here; the 1785 version continues with the following.) Rettung von Tyrannenketten, Großmut auch dem Bösewicht, Hoffnung auf den Sterbebetten, Gnade auf dem Hochgericht! Auch die Toten sollen leben! Brüder, trinkt und stimmet ein, Allen Sündern soll vergeben, Und die Hölle nicht mehr sein. Chor. Eine heitre Abschiedsstunde! Süßen Schlaf im Leichentuch! Brüder, einen sanften Spruch Aus des Totenrichters Munde.

English translation Joy, beautiful sparkle of God, Daughter of Elysium, We enter, fire-drunk, Heavenly, your holy sanctuary. Your magics bind again What custom has strictly parted. (1785 version: What custom's sword has parted.) All men become brothers (1785 version: Beggars become princes' brothers.) Where your tender wing lingers. Chorus Be embraced, millions! This kiss to the entire world! Brothers, above the starry canopy Must a loving Father reside. Who has succeeded in the great attempt To be a friend's friend; Whoever has won a lovely woman Add in his jubilation! Yes, who calls even one soul His own on the earth's sphere! And whoever never could achieve this, Let him steal away crying from this gathering! Chorus Those who occupy the great circle, Pay homage to sympathy! It leads to the stars Where the unknown one reigns. All creatures drink joy At the breasts of nature, All good, all evil Follow her trail of roses. Kisses she gave us, and the vine, A friend, proven in death. Pleasure was given to the worm, And the cherub stands before God. Chorus Do you fall down, you millions? Do you sense the creator, world? Seek him above the starry canopy, Above the stars he must live. Joy is the name of the strong spring In eternal nature. Joy, joy drives the wheels In the great clock of worlds. She lures flowers from the buds, Suns out of the firmament, She rolls spheres in the spaces That the seer's telescope does not know. Chorus Happy, as his suns fly Across Heaven's splendid map, Run, brothers, along your path Joyfully, as a hero to victory. From the fiery mirror of truth She smiles upon the researcher, Towards virtue’s steep hill She guides the endurer’s path. Upon faith’s sunlit mountain One sees her banners in the wind, Through the opening of burst coffins One sees them standing in the chorus of angels. Chorus Endure courageously, millions! Endure for the better world! There above the starry canopy A great God will reward. Gods one cannot repay Beautiful it is, to be like them. Grief and poverty, acquaint yourselves With the joyful ones rejoice. Anger and revenge be forgotten, Our deadly enemy be forgiven, No tears shall he shed No remorse shall gnaw at him Chorus Our debt registers be abolished Reconcile the entire world! Brothers, over the starry canopy God judges, as we judged. Joy bubbles in the cup, In the grape’s golden blood Cannibals drink gentleness The fearful, courage -- Brothers, fly from your perches, When the full cup is passed, Let the foam spray to the heavens This glass to the good spirit Chorus He whom the spirals of stars praise, He whom the seraphim’s hymn glorifies, This glass to the good spirit Above the starry canopy! Courage firm in great suffering, Help there, where innocence weeps, Eternally sworn oaths, Truth towards friend and foe, Mens’ pride before kings’ thrones -- Brothers, even if it costs property and blood, -- The crowns to those who earn them, Defeat to the lying brood! Chorus Close the holy circle tighter, Swear by this golden vine: Remain true to the vows, Swear by the judge above the stars! (The 1803 version ends here; the 1785 version continues with the following.) Escape the tyrants’ chains, Generosity also to the villain, Hope upon the deathbeds, Mercy from the high court! The dead, too, shall live! Brothers, drink and chime in, All sinners shall be forgiven, And hell shall be no more. Chorus A serene departing hour! Sweet sleep in the shroud! Brothers—a mild sentence From the final judge!

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: 2. Andante con moto AND Piano Concerto No. 5 in E Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": 2. Adagio un poco mosso

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": 2. Adagio un poco mosso

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: 2. Andante con moto


are so extremely brilliant
Deo gratias et Mariae for these pieces.

Januar Thoughts

+ J.M.J.A.T. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam per Immaculata

A quote from Archbishop Lefebvre:
Indeed, if there were ever a Heart, which suffered with the Heart of Jesus pierced on the cross, if ever there were a soul whose thoughts were united with those of Our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, it was the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary! 
She had never sinned, and like Our Lord, she did not need to make reparation for herself. Yet both wanted to suffer, to suffer horribly, to suffer deeply, to suffer in their bodies.

Archbishop Lefebvre with Venerable Pope Pius XII

--- Beethoven - Piano Concerto No 3 in C minor, Op 37, Krystian Zimerman, conducted by Leonard Bernstein
Beethoven - Piano Concerto No 3 in C minor, Op 37, Vladimir Ashkenazy, conducted by Sir George Solti   --- Wladyslaw Szpilman plays F. Chopin: Nocturne C sharp-minor Op. posth. Recorded in Warsaw at home in 1997. Cameraman Jaroslaw Mazur. Copyright 1998 by Andrzej Szpilman
Chopin Ballade no. 1 op. 23 in G minor (Michiel Roosen)
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Anne, Therese, I love You; Save Souls!
Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor meum. (ter)
Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori.

Beethoven Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61

Marking Music

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Anne, Therese, I love You; Save Souls!

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum (ter).

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori.

+ J.M.J.A.T

_________________________________________________________________________________
I posted several videos on the Rachmaninov piece in 2010. 

This is posted here for my reference, and yours, if you wish to listen to it.

I think that these pieces have been executed very brilliantly. 

Deo gratias et Mariae.

Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op. 43

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 "Emperor"

Beethoven, Violin Concerto in D Op. 61

The violin has been serenading my soul these past 2 days.

This is absolutely brilliant.

Happy historical Feast Day of the Apparition of St Michael the Archangel on this otherwise Ferial day!!! : )

Composer: Beethoven
Violin Concerto in D, Opus 61
Violinist: Issac Stern
New York Philharmonic, 1959
Conductor: Leonard Bernstein

Allegro ma non troppo
Larghetto
Rondo (Allegro)

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Anne, Therese, I love You; Save Souls!

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori.

Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor: Max Bruch & Beethoven :))

I have been listening to this, since Saturday. It has been keeping me sane, amidst the marking frenzy. : ) 

Mother Dearest, Mother Fairest, in this month of May, ora pro nobis (for all teachers), dankeschoen! Deo gratias et Mariae!

Max Bruch (1838-1920)

Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26

Yehudi Menuhin, violin

performed in 1961

Conductor: Ferenc Fricsay 

Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra

the next few videos are of the same music, but performed (and thus interpreted) by different people: Itzhak Perlman (b. 1945), violin
André Previn (b. 1929), conductor
London Symphony Orchestra

Written in 1866.

Recorded in 1973.

I. Prelude: Allegro moderato II. Adagio

III. Finale: Allegro energico

For my easy reference, again: 6 hours worth of Beethoven:



Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Anne, Therese, I love You; Save Souls!
Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)
Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori.

(some Beethoven) and A Spiritual Communion by St Alphonsus de Maria Ligouri

Hear ye, Hear ye! My dear readers,

After a long tiring day (again!) of working and yet working at our seemingly unable-to-finish-pile-of-work, my husband and I went for a concert, just to get our minds off work for a while. The programme of the concert consisted of 1 "small" piece and 2 "big" pieces. Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 1 was the first "big" piece and Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 (otherwise also known as the 'Eroica' Symphony) came next.

Here are some excerpts from the concert and of course(!!!!!!!) the dear "Beethoven-is-the-best" fan in me was anxiously waiting for Beethoven's symphony no. 3 to be played!!! 

I could immediately hear the difference between the music Rachmaninov created and the music Beethoven enchanted! Not that Rachmaninov is not a great composer, he is on the list of great composers, but the point I want to make is that Beethoven's music warmed up the concert hall and even though the orchestra did not enter into the piece as well as they could have, the piece was brilliant and enchanting from start to finish. 

“Then let us all do what is right, strive with all our might toward the unattainable, develop as fully as we can the gifts God has given us, and never stop learning” 
― Ludwig van Beethoven

Here is the 1st Movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 - Allegro con brio played by the Wiener Philharmoniker, conducted by Leonard Bernstein.

Next up, is the 2nd Movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 played by the Berliner Philharmoniker, conducted by Herbert von Karajan. This ranks as my *most favourite* of all Beethoven Symphonies! =)

A Spiritual Communion (a formula as said by St. Alphonsus Maria de Ligouri):

My most precious Jesus, 
I firmly believe that though art truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.
I love Thee above all things 
and I desire to possess Thee within my soul. 
Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, 
come at least spiritually into my heart. (Pause)

As though Thou wert already there, 
I embrace Thee, 
and unite myself wholly to Thee;
Permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee.

May the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ keep my soul unto Everlasting Life.

Amen.

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Anne, Therese, I love You; Save Souls!

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori.

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor Tuum. (ter)

Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D major Op. 61

My dear readers, 


I am in the "unfortunate" time (I like to mark scripts to see how my students are doing and to look at what they understand/don't understand... BUT sometimes piles of it can make one become mad from boredom - *haha, my fellow teachers, you will understand) of marking my piles of examination scripts and somehow or rather, after battling it together with this beautiful piece of music and *can you imagine what my guardian angel had to do to me to get me out of horrible sleep, induced by boring scripts* [including my sister's cat pouncing on me one really stuffy afternoon], I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. =) I am about there, about to finish (Deo gratias! and I meet the deadline set to hand in the mark lists! Deo gratias et Mariae! again!)


Here's Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61 for your listening pleasure:


Movement 1:

Movement 2:






Movement 3 *my absolute favourite*:





Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Anne, Therese, I love You; Save Souls!
Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)
Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori.

Beethoven Symphony #3 in E-flat Major Op. 55 "Eroica" 2: Marcia Funebre Adagio Assai

Beethoven Symphony #3 in E-flat Major Op. 55 "Eroica" 2: Marcia Funebre Adagio Assai

Beethoven's Heiligenstadt Testament

I was enthralled when I read this:

The Heiligenstadt Testament (translation)

For my brothers Carl and [Johann] Beethoven

Oh you men who think or say that I am malevolent, stubborn, or misanthropic, how greatly do you wrong me? You do not know the secret cause which makes me seem that way to you. From childhood on, me heart and soul have been full of the tender feeling of goodwill, and I was ever inclined to accomplish great things. But, think that for six years now I have been hopelessly afflicted, made worse by senseless physicians, from year to year deceived with hopes of improvement, finally compelled to face the prospect of a lasting malady (whose cure will take years or, perhaps, be impossible). Though born with a fiery, active temperament, even susceptible to the diversions of society, I was soon compelled to withdraw myself, to live life alone. If at times I tried to forget all this, oh how harshly I was I flung back by the doubly sad experience of my bad hearing. Yet it was impossible for me to say to people, "Speak louder, shout, for I am deaf." Ah, how could I possibly admit an infirmity in the one sense which ought to be more perfect in me than others, a sense which I once possessed in the highest perfection, a perfection such as few in my profession enjoy or ever have enjoyed.--Oh I cannot do it; therefore forgive me when you see me draw back when I would have gladly mingled with you.

My misfortune is doubly painful to me because I am bound to be misunderstood; for me there can be no relaxation with my fellow men, no refined conversations, no mutual exchange of ideas. I must live almost alone, like one who has been banished; I can mix with society only as much as true necessity demands. If I approach near to people a hot terror seizes upon me, and I fear being exposed to the danger that my condition might be noticed. Thus it has been during the last six months which I have spent in the country. By ordering me to spare my hearing as much as possible, my intelligent doctor almost fell in with my own present frame of mind, though sometimes I ran counter to it by yielding to my desire for companionship. But what a humiliation for me when someone standing next to me heard a flute in the distance and I heard nothing, or someone standing next to me heard a flute in the distance and I heard nothing, or someone heard a shepherd singing and again I heard nothing. Such incidents drove me almost to despair; a little more of that and I would have ended me life -- it was only my art that held me back. Ah, it seemed to me impossible to leave the world until I had brought forth all that I felt was within me. So I endured this wretched existence -- truly wretched for so susceptible a body, which can be thrown by a sudden change from the best condition to the very worst. -- Patience, they say, is what I must now choose for my guide, and I have done so -- I hope my determination will remain firm to endure until it pleases the inexorable Parcae to break the thread. Perhaps I shall get better, perhaps not; I am ready. -- Forced to become a philosopher already in my twenty-eighth year, oh it is not easy, and for the artist much more difficult than for anyone else. 'Divine one, thou seest me inmost soul thou knowest that therein dwells the love of mankind and the desire to do good'. Oh fellow men, when at some point you read this, consider then that you have done me an injustice; someone who has had misfortune man console himself to find a similar case to his, who despite all the limitations of Nature nevertheless did everything within his powers to become accepted among worthy artists and men. 'You, my brothers Carl and [Johann], as soon as I am dead, if Dr. Schmidt is still alive, ask him in my name to describe my malady, and attach this written documentation to his account of my illness so that so far as it possible at least the world may become reconciled to me after my death".

At the same time, I declare you two to be the heirs to my small fortune (if so it can be called); divide it fairly; bear with and help each other. What injury you have done me you know was long ago forgiven. To you, brother Carl, I give special thanks for the attachment you have shown me of late. It is my wish that you may have a better and freer life than I have had. Recommend virtue to your children; it alone, not money, can make them happy. I speak from experience; this was what upheld me in time of misery. Thanks to it and to my art, I did not end my life by suicide -- Farewell and love each other -- I thank all my friends, particularly Prince Lichnowsky's and Professor Schmidt -- I would like the instruments from Prince L. to be preserved by one of you, but not to be the cause of strife between you, and as soon as they can serve you a better purpose, then sell them. How happy I shall be if can still be helpful to you in my grave -- so be it. -- With joy I hasten to meed death. -- If it comes before I have had the chance to develop all my artistic capacities, it will still be coming too soon despite my harsh fate, and I should probably wish it later -- yet even so I should be happy, for would it not free me from a state of endless suffering? -- Come when thou wilt, I shall meed thee bravely. -- Farewell and do not wholly forget me when I am dead; I deserve this from you, for during my lifetime I was thinking of you often and of ways to make you happy -- please be so --

Ludwig van Beethoven

Heiligenstadt,

October 6th, 1802

Taken from www.all-about-beethoven.com

Beethoven

... Without music, life would be a mistake ...

That was a silly statement to make, but here goes my night post, I had to post it:

SSO was brilliant tonight.

Beethoven is a genius.

I love his Symphony No. 7, especially the second movement, Allegretto.

Here's a link to watch Herbert Von Karajan conducting Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92.

If I had more time, I would find out which orchestra is playing with Von Karajan in the link above (or is it the other way around, I'm getting tired, so that's why my sentences can't come out right), but the night is coming down on me, and it is off to dreamland where I pray, my dearest guardian angel, JMJ, my soul to keep.

Jesus, Mary, I love You; Save Souls!

Caritas enim Christi urget nos. 2 Cor 5:14

I must apologise for the long wait for this post to be finally completed. In a while, I hope, it will be done. :)

Absence makes the heart grow fonder II

Caritas enim Christi urget nos 2 Cor. 5:14

For the charity of Christ presseth us ...

Here's the link to a post I wrote on the same topic sometime late in August last year. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder. First hand experience has taught me that. I'm sure all of you know what it means when absence makes the heart grow fonder :) I have been thinking alot lately, more than I should, I think ;) perhaps thats the reason why I'm feeling so tired every morning, for most of the thinking comes at night when im already so drained from the day's events, together with the "drowsy-inducing" anti-histamines, its no wonder i have trouble keeping my eyes open in the morning. bleahs. :[] (*yawn) don't worry, im perfectly normal and healthy, just a little itchy. :p

Enough of all my nonsense above, which I don't know why I even bother putting up ;) (most probably to tell you that i'm human too) Here are my thoughts as to why the clichéd phrase is so true, so real for me.

Fortunate indeed shall I be, if I lose all to gain Thee, my God, my treasure, my love, my all!

Read the red words in the picture on your right. The psalmist accurately wrote out what Jesus went through during His Agony in the garden. My Heart hath expected reproach and misery: and I looked for one that would grieve together with Me, but there was none: and for one that would comfort Me, and I found none. Read here, from the Mystical City of God to get more insights into Jesus's prayer in the garden and how Mary joined therein.

More later ...

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori

Jesus, Mary, I love You; Save Souls!

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)