Word: knudson
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Beethoven's "Waldstein" and "Appassionata" Sonatas are two of those pieces which every pianist plays, but few can play well. Paul Knudson '53, tried them both last night, with only moderate success...
Both of these popular works were written during the composer's so-called Middle Period, at about the same time as the Third and Fourth Symphonies. One of the major characteristics of the "middle Beethoven" is lyricism, and this is the very quality Knudson lacked...
Despite his technical proficiency, the Eliot House junior failed to produce the singing tones so essential in music of this kind. Particularly in the third movement of the "Waldstein," he did not do full justice to the poetic thematic material because of his brittle tone and inept pedaling. Knudson's big trouble is a simple case of artistic immaturity, and this is understandable. He has been playing for less than five years, and is subject to the usual difficulties of inexperienced musicians. His tendency to play the fast parts too fast, to over-pedal, and to ignore the composer...
...Appassionata" fared somewhat better. Knudson played with more poise, but here too the melodic lines lacked clarity and dynamic articulation. His performance of the second movement did not seem well integrated; the simple main theme and its variations are supposed to be closely-knit, but the young pianist's episodic treatment destroyed most of this unity...
...Paul Knudson needs is experience. He has the technical equipment, and with proper development should gain a reputation during the next two years...