2020: The Year of Beethoven
Although the Coronavirus might seem to have rudely seized the limelight from Beethoven's 250th birthday, it really identifies all the more, the need to "Think Like Beethoven." The kind of scientific creativity, and joyful discovery made by this great composer, are what the world requires, in order to solve such serious problems.
We at the Foundation for the Revival of Classical Culture, want to familiarize the millions of people who are not classical musicians with his great works. "Seid umschlungen Millionen"(Be embraced, O you millions), said Schiller and Beethoven in the "Ode to Joy," and we invite all readers from all walks of life, to join us here, in forum.
Für Elise
Let us start with one of his easier, but most beloved pieces, Für Elise. Every composer has certain pieces, which just "catch on", that strike the right chord in the public mind. Sometimes the composer can't even say why. Such a work, is this short piano piece. Its origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery. Beethoven wrote it when he was 40, but it was not discovered until long after his death. The title simply means: "For Elisa." She might have been a woman who Beethoven was in love with, which would help explain why it attracts us so much. No-one is sure. The music suggests though, that she was an amateur. It is not difficult, especially the main idea in a minor, which repeats three times. One does not have to be a professional to manage it.
Many people report that they fell in love with it as a child. Their mother played it. A teacher played it. They opened a music box, and there it was. Many young people became determined to learn it, often to the horror of their music teachers, who wanted them to stick with the lesson plan and not jump ahead. Those teachers often found though, that the level of motivation is higher when kids love what they are playing. They will work harder if they are not bored.
Not everybody learns the entire piece. Though it is only 5 pages long, the two middle sections, though not really difficult, do pose more of a challenge. It is worth the effort though.
Here, Dr. Elizabeth Borowsky performs of this beloved piece on February 1, 2020 in NYC. We welcome all comments and questions.