Beethoven ISÂ “The Greatest.” (IMHO)
Did Beethoven ‘inherit'(or use and transform to a higher level): Compositions from Haydn?
Did Beethoven rely on – or come back to Haydn for inspiration? … Haydn’s humor, spontaneity and Joie de vivre? … and the ability to transform pure ‘sweetness’ into a challenging/deeper probing? This a question for “Scholars”? Let’s just listen!
Well … Beethoven dedicated this piece to Haydn. (*played by Paul Lewis) You be the Judge. How much does Ludwig owe Haydn?!
Beethoven Sonata No. 2 in A major Op. 2 No. 2 III. Scherzo. Allegretto
How about watching a new ‘hot shot’ play the same piece? Rafal Blechacz.
Here’s one comment when Rafal Blechacz won all five first prizes! … at the 15th International Frederick Chopin Piano CompetitionWarsaw According to ABC News, one of the judges, Professor Piotr Paleczny, said that Blechacz “so outclassed the remaining finalists that no second prize could actually be awarded.”
Another judge, the distinguished Irish pianist John O’Conor, said “He is one of the greatest artists I have had a chance to hear in my entire life,” according to PBS. Blechacz was the first Pole to win the prize (given every five years) since 1975, when Krystian Zimerman[1][2][3][4][5] won.
What a sweet, honest and straightforward man he appears to be!