| Dear Dominique, Back in the 1950's I learned various Beethoven piano pieces: Bagatelles, then Sonatas, winning some local competitions in England as I just entered my 'teens'. I soon bought LPs ( - then the latest hi-tech devices - ) of all the symphonies and piano concertos. I disappointed many supporters when I went off in a totally different direction - and became a military pilot- eventually a test pilot. Now, at the age of 60 I'm in business - but at last have time to get back to the piano. At the moment I'm once more grappling with the Appassionata. What's surprising is how helpful your Midi files of the sonatas are. Whilst these 'performances' are entirely mechanical, they demonstrate perfectly what we should all achieve at the minimum level of technique. The question to ask yourself is, 'Can I at least play the sonatas like this?' Beyond this, it's then up to every pianist to stamp his or her own 'passion' and 'unique interpretation' on top of the pure technique. I did this years ago with Schumann's Intermezzo No 4 from Faschingswank aus Wien: i.e. once through technically (even without the pedal), then once through with the all the 'passion' turned on. Anyway, thanks for a wonderful site. I've also built sites in the past myself and am fully aware of the commitment needed to keep them going. Your site is certainly encouraging many of us, as seen by the comments. In turn, I hope our remarks will give you some necessary encouragement to keep forging ahead! Thanks, John
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