Beethoven’s Piano Sonata

Playing the piano was one of my earliest memories, and I was encouraged to practise and have lessons until well into my teens… and then I stopped.  This was probably because I discovered ‘going out’ and it no longer felt cool to be staying in practising the piano; however, the benefits of learning such a skill at an early age, means that it’s never forgotten.

So, when I heard the beautiful sounds of Beethoven’s Piano Sonate op.13 “Pathétique“ played by an actress on the film The Magic of Belle Isle, it inspired me to find a copy of the piano music and attempt to play it.  It has four flats (music speak!) and therefore a bit tricky, but with practice I’ll get better.

Getting in the moment

I’ve also been listening to Eckhart Tolle‘s audio book called The Power of Now which is teaching me to live in the present moment. This has made me feel so differently about playing the piano.  It’s no longer a quick ‘let’s see if I can still play’, but instead I’ve enjoyed the peaceful feeling whilst playing and have got lost in the moment (much like the feeling I get with writing).  In the ten minutes a day that I’ve been practising, I haven’t put pressure on myself to get all the notes right – that will come in time – but the piece comes alive when I do play them correctly.

I would like to thank my dad for encouraging me to read music and play the piano from an early age – I suppose deep down he knew that it would bring me joy again one day.

Have you ever been inspired by something you have read or listened to, which made you pick up something again that you haven’t done in years?

Until next time…

Sandra