Sometimes after a long hard day, I play some music on the piano to wind down. This has the added benefit that it keeps my piano playing at a reasonable level. Recently I’ve discovered The Sheet Music Archive which has loads of music scores available for free download. Being free and above board, it means only scores which have passed out of copyright are available. This suits me fine though as I prefer classical music.
So far I’ve tried learning to play Fantasie Impromptu, by Chopin and The Pathetique Sonata, by Beethoven. I think I’ve cracked the Fantasie Impromptu, with only the problem of keeping the momentum going in the fast bits to sort out. I do love the beautiful lyrical melodies entwined within it though. You could almost envision it as a lover whispering sweet nothings into the ear of his beloved, with his beloved responding back to her lover very delicately in the middle of the piece, returning to the lover on his original theme and finishing off with his beloved and a kiss.
The Beethoven is a completely different kettle of fish though! I’ve got the second movement sorted and the final movement is coming along nicely. The first movement isn’t quite so easy to pick up though. In addition to remembering a vast number of notes, its speed and relentlessness cause my arms to ache after a while! Despite the title, the Beethoven is significantly more robust than the Chopin, encompassing more of the emotional spectrum, with frustration and anger in it, as well as tenderness and reflection.
I think with continued effort and perseverance, they might even be performable and I’ll be able to share these delights with others. We’ll see.