This time of year can be pretty stressful with the semester ending, finals, and preparation for the holidays. Add a pandemic and remote schooling to the mix and it can start to feel like it's all a bit too much! Today's blog has links to two YouTube piano performances that I think find the perfect musical balance to calm your spirit without delving into sadness.
The first piece is Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata--movement 2....and no, its not pathetic! The story goes that the name pathetique was an incorrect translation. Beethoven intended for it to be the "passionate" sonata but when it was translated into French, they named it "pathetique" (meaning evoking pity) and the name stuck. Did the French misname it on purpose?...I'll leave that for you to decide!
The next piece-called La'Aimable is by Joseph-Nicolas-Pancrace Royer and I had never heard this until a few months ago when I clicked on a link in the New York Times At Home section. The link promised to make me love Baroque music and I'll admit, I was skeptical as
Baroque keyboard and opera is not my favorite! I stand corrected though; this is one of the most beautiful piano pieces that I've ever heard.
! suggest that you put this music on, close your eyes, listen and rest...or just play it in the background while you're doing homework. If you enjoy the experience, add them to a playlist on Spotify or Apple music so you can go back and listen again. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these two performances will add a little beauty into your day. --Kari
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