Happy Beethoven's Birthday

December 17, 2007 at 4:09 AM

Here is just a little sampling of some of Beethoven’s music to help you celebrate his birthday, December 16.

Bernstein conducting the Bavarian State Orchestra, Beethoveen's Fifth Symphony

Daniel Barenboim playing Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 20

Joshua Bell playing Beethoven's Violin Concerto

Joshua Bell’s remarks on playing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto:

“It is as though I must succumb to this world that Beethoven has created, and I suppose I almost treat it in a religious sort of way. In the world of his music, Beethoven is God. I’d never thought of it that way before, but it is as though I begin to warm up to what religious people refer to as a loving God within that musical world. I feel as though I surrender to this. I feel that there is somebody who knows this world so much better than I do – and it is Beethoven himself, who created it – and there is something very comforting about that. Somehow that gets me feeling very relaxed. I think what a privilege it is to be a part of this great, beautiful piece of music. And this helps me get rid of my nerves and stops my extraneous thoughts about technical issues and what I did or didn’t do in the practice room.”

I know that v.commies can argue endlessly about the best players and the best performances, but keep this in mind: None of these great performances would be possible without Beethoven himself.

Happy Beethoven's birthday, everyone.