Today you get Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, which is usually called the "Pathetique." (That's pathetic in terms of "suffering," not in terms of "pitiful.")

Beethoven wrote this sonata in 1798, when he was first beginning to become aware that he was going deaf. The piece is amazing in its drama. Best of all, it's not terribly difficult to perform. I'm learning the piece now, in fact.

I believe that Beethoven was the greatest composer for the piano who ever lived. (In fact, I believe that Beethoven was the greatest composer who ever lived, but let's leave that for another day.) His music can have frightening power, tender beauty, and relentless passion. He can lull you to blissful peace or make the hair on your neck stand on end. What's so amazing about his piano sonatas are their economy: There isn't a single note that's unnecessary or out of place. The whole thing fits together flawlessly.

I've probably said too much already. Let's let Beethoven speak for himself.

Listen to Artur Pizarro play Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata.