Joe Krause Music

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
German, Classical period

Sonata op 27 no 2 "Moonlight"
(Sonata quasi una Fantasia (Sonata almost a fantasy))
I. Adagio sostenuto (Slowly, sustained) - (0:00)
II. Allegretto (A little quickly) - (5:18)
III. Presto agitato (Extremely fast, agitated) - (7:36)

Sonata op 13 "Pathetique"
I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio (Slowly/solemnly - Very quickly and with vigour) - (0:19)
II. Adagio Cantabile (Slowly, as if sung) - (9:46)
III. Rondo: Allegro (Rondo: Quickly) - (15:11)
Pathetique here doesn't mean pathetic in the sense that we normally use it, but rather in the sense of bringing about an emotional response. This is one of his most expressive pieces! The blinding intensity of the Movement I's fast section (first appears at 2:05) sets up an atmosphere such that that the simple tenderness of Movement II seems almost unearthly.

Für Elise (For Elise)
The identity of Elise is not known for certain, and the piece was only discovered well after Beethoven's death

Sonata op. 109 (Possibly my favorite piano piece!)

00:00 - Vivace ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo (Lively but not too much - Slowly and expressively)
03:41 - Prestissimo (The fastest!)
06:02 - Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo (Gentle walking speed, very lyrical/singingly and expressive)