Trying To Define Modernity

Trying To Define ModernityI have a theory called the “bifurcation of talent and resources,” meaning the relatively few good things around us are getting better, and the relatively plentiful things around us (e.g., the entirety of the U.S. federal government, corporate business ethics, and mainstream media) are rocketing toward complete degradation.

Here’s a great example.  This teenager is playing the third movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, which is scored “presto agitato” (“fast and agitated”, in contrast with the first two movements).  She’s wailing it out on guitar, without a single mistake, even faster than I’ve ever heard it performed on the piano.  Twenty years ago, no one would have even thought of attempting anything like this.

It’s both a magical and terrifying time to be alive.

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5 comments on “Trying To Define Modernity
  1. Frank R. Eggers says:

    Too bad she isn’t using a real classical guitar for a classical piece.

    • craigshields says:

      That didn’t bother me, personally.

      I was expecting her to play one of the first two movements, which because they’re slow, would have been far less impressive. (Even I can play them, though, I admit, not with full “musicality.”) I almost didn’t click on the video because I was expecting to be underwhelmed. Wow, was I wrong.

  2. Frank R. Eggers says:

    Craig,

    Yes, if I correctly recall, the first movement is andante and quite easy to play. The allegro movement would be much more difficult. Actually I have the score and if I recall correctly the allegro movement is even difficult to read! I wouldn’t even attempt it.

    • craigshields says:

      The three movements are:

      Adagio sostenuto
      Allegretto
      Presto agitato

      I’ve heard the allegretto movement played at a range of tempos; it’s supposed to be noticeably faster than the first one, but sometimes it’s not.

      That third movement has to come out screaming. I could practice every day for 500 years and not be able to play it.

      • Frank R. Eggers says:

        Craig,

        It’s startling that many people are unaware that the guitar is a respected classical instrument. A good example of classical guitar is Giuliani’s First Guitar Concerto; I have it on CD. It has an especially difficult cadenza. Whether all versions have the same cadenza I don’t know.

        That reminds of what happened when I worked for a former employer. A woman who was a musician had moved into the office. She said she’d have to get her credenza from the previous office. I asked, “Oh! Are you going to play something for us?” She replied, “I said CREdenza”.

        I discovered that there is even such a thing as an accordion concerto; you can find it on youtube.com.