John Gfroerer lives in Concord.
December 16 is the birthday of Beethoven. I got that date stuck in my head years ago and there it has remained, reminding me every year to take some time and observe.
This year will mark 252 years since he was born. An amazing thing when you think about it. Really, all he did was write music. He didn’t win battles in a war or lead a country to greatness or change the world with some scientific innovation.
He just wrote music. And 252 years later that music is played every day all around the world, moving people to tears, energizing their day, giving hope, hope that can be touched as it washes away doubts that God exists.
I used to celebrate the day by sitting down at the piano and running through a few of his compositions that I had in my repertoire. Simple stuff, really, by Beethoven standards. But it was a way to acknowledge and celebrate his enduring legacy. Putting my fingers on the same keys he once played was a type of communion. Years may separate the playing, but for a moment I could make the sounds that he made and wonder if he heard them the same as I did, if he felt the same emotion.
More recently I have decided the best way to honor the day is to avoid the piano altogether. Better not to pollute the silence with my armature attempt at creating greatness. I had to ask myself the question, if Beethoven heard me stumbling through the second movement of his 5th Piano Concerto would he holler, “Bravo,” or leave the room after the second measure?
Have to admit, it hurts, but I understand it would certainly be the latter. If it weren’t for me playing, I might leave too.
This past October we heard the Boston Symphony in Symphony Hall perform the 5th, with Mitsuko Uchida at the keyboard. I cried. What else can you do when hearing something so perfectly beautiful that it reaches out and wraps you with its emotion like a hug from every love you have ever known? Beethoven, 252 years, just as young and vibrant as the day it was written.
Howard Chase comes to mind. Years ago he tuned pianos here in Concord and around the state. He also liked to play the violin. But if he invited you over to play some music, he never referred to his playing as anything more than just scratching out a tune. I appreciated his humbleness and at the same time his need to make music. There are many of us who are only capable of scratching out a little Beethoven or Mozart or whatever. And lucky for us, I suppose there are just as many that would hear that scratching as something beautiful.
So, what are your plans for Beethoven’s 252 birthday? Whatever they may be, I hope you don’t ignore it completely. There is much need for beauty in the world that we can all agree on. If you don’t play, find something on YouTube and put your day on pause for a few minutes. Beethoven is always worth the time. Ask me if you want a suggestion or two.
Me, maybe it is time again to spend some time with him on the keyboard. Though Beethoven is best when in the hands of masters, if only I am listening, maybe I can be a master for a few moments too.