2/3 Beethoven: Piano Sonata 30 in E, Op. 109 (Part 2, movement 3, Theme - Var. 4)

Part 2, movement 3, Theme - Var. 4. Nate Koch, piano. You can find a playlist of the complete sonata here: http://www.youtube.com/user/natachu444#grid/user/BC63FABF85CB9C4A

Beethoven was a master of variation, and I think that this theme and variations (parts 2 and 3 of this recording) is one of his most sublime sets.

The theme (0:02), marked to be played "with the innermost feeling," is a stately, noble, and piercingly beautiful late Beethoven melody that looks back at a full life with no regret.

Variation 1 (2:23) anticipates a viennese waltz, in 3/4 time and draped with delicate grace notes. But Beethoven never allows you to feel completely comfortable, as inexplicable groans occasionally well up from the bass.

Variation 2 (4:33) has contrasting sections of light, separated notes, playfully outlining the harmonies of the theme, and more passionate, forward moving sections of trills and oddly syncopated rhythms.

Variation 3 (6:10) is short and virtuosic, with fast scaler runs, like a lively two-part invention.

Variation 4 (6:41) is one of the most expressive of the variations. The first instances of triplets in the movement create a relaxed, lilting feeling, though as usual it is quickly disturbed by waves of deeper emotion. At 8:07 a spooky whistle ushers in the second half of the variation, that crescendos to one of the emotional climaxes of the movement, marked to be played "the loudest."

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Nate
• Nathan
• Koch
• Classical
• Piano
• Beethoven
• Amateur

[GBRJohn2009]

I love this 3rd movement of the piece. I wish i could find sheet music for it. Thanks for the great upload.

[natachu444]

@GBRJohn2009 You must not know about the International Music Score Library Project! Google IMSLP. You can find almost anything in the public domain in pdf format, for free! It's the bomb!

[dpeirce1]

Natural to think that way about human behavior. Although might I point out that a different type of individuals are actually listening to this, and thinking before they speak. Which cannot be said about 99% of all the video's on youtube...

[natachu444]

By the time I had finished learning it, I had come to terms with some deep conflict from my past in some unexplicable way, which is why I can't help but see this piece the way I do. I just hope that I could convey just a small fraction of the joy and meaning this piece has brought to my life.

[maruccioperuccio]

bravo!

[Adamalgorithm]

you are very good; keep up the good work

[SuperMark44]

Very sensitive perfomance of this masterpiece