[Pharmboy]

I have been listening to Beethoven's music since I was 10 years old, when I asked my friend (the one across the street from me who took piano lessons) what he was playing and he answered "Für Elise." He eventually played the Moonlight, the Pathetique and the Appassionata. By thirteen I had his piano sonatas and symphonies on LP, and even a few of his middle period string quartets. By the time I was 20 I had all the quartets and much else of his chamber music.

By the time I hit 50, Bach became my number one and Ludwig moved down one notch. At this point in my life I have abandoned his symphonies (except that I do listen occasionally to the first, eighth and ninth) but continue to listen to his sonatas and quartets. AFAIC, still the best.

Thanks for the ping...excellent article.

[MinuteGal]

"Fur Elise" was the first piece I was forced to learn when I took piano lessons as a young skull full of mush. I can still "ghost-tap" it out on my computer keyboard.

I've hated it ever since, LOL.

But I'm actually posting to say that the full article linked to this thread is a brilliant piece of writing. What a delight to read the occasional piece of good journalism or review in this day of lazy, inaccurate and mundane writing for public consumption.

Leni

[Borges]

Most people take up Mozart as they get older and wise. The Beethoven symphonies are still great in a good performance. The 3rd (Eroica) might be the best of all time.

[Robert A Cook PE]

I listen to talk radio at home, but when in Spain I keep it tuned to Radio Espana (Classics). Not knowing the language perfect fully doesn’t matter when they are playing that quality of music.

Wonderful driving through the mountains listening to the classics at full volume.