This week I'm performing an arrangement of Beethoven's adagio from his famous Sonata Pathetique. Although commonly thought to be one of the few works named by the composer himself, it was actually named Grande sonate pathétique (to Beethoven's liking) by the publisher, who was impressed by the sonata's tragic sonorities.
I learned this piece by ear so there may be some discrepancies between what may be a beat value vs rubato, and of course there's some of my own ideas in it as well, even though I'm told by trustworthy individuals that it's not appropriate to take too much artistic liberty with Beethoven. I don't know where I stand on the issue yet, but I feel that for now, I appreciate originality no matter the application over a perfect, yet repetitious performance. The quote often attributed to Beethoven, (however he may not have said it) "To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable." exemplifies my own sentiments.
Thanks for watching!