Marquetry Patterns
Music: Für Elise
Artist: Ludwig van Beethoven
Shared by: Wendy-Ann for Theodore
“He began to learn to play the piano aged 40 when I was 3. His practising is part of my earliest memories of him, on a lovely piano with marquetry patterns. ”
Odd that music with significance in one's memory of a loved one has been canvassed today - 21st April - as this is the 31st anniversary of the laying to rest of my Dad: Theodore Madeley.
He died suddenly in his sleep on 10th April 1994 when I was 28. It's odd that he's been gone, now, longer than I knew him.
He began to learn to play the piano aged 40 when I was 3. His practising is part of my earliest memories of him, on a lovely piano with marquetry patterns. Music was always part of life at home. He sang tenor in a choral society and I was used to hymns during services on Sundays. He had an extensive collection of classical records but his perseverance in learning an instrument in maturity was an achievement I admire in him.
Für Elise by Beethoven is the piece I associate with my Dad's growing skill as a pianist. The lyrical, gentle melody is beguiling and so very sweet. Then however comes the middle section, which, as a child, and even now, I think of as 'The Angry Bit', that passes. Then the gentle resolution as the piece draws to a close.
It must have taken him a while to master but I only remember it being played well by him.