Variation on Pathetique - JR covers Beethoven

[Johnny Robbo]

Beethoven's piano sonata no.8 in C minor (often referred to a "The Pathetique") is a strange one... first of all, it's not in the key of C minor. It's in Ab major (or F minor if you look at it from the minor key perspective). And it's title literally means "pathetic". Never the less, it's a gorgeous piece & I thought I'd tackle it.

After transposing it to the much more guitar-friendly key of G major, the main melody survived unscathed, but the "B section" where it goes to E minor just wasn't working so I re-wrote the melody a little. It's still Ludwig's chord progression though. I also came up with the middle section – that part with the "stops". With all of this re-working, I thought it was fairer to call it a "variation" on the original tune rather than a straight ahead cover of it.

All the usual suspects... Harley Benton acoustic; Tele; No-name bass; Cakewalk SI drums & ORGANised Trio VST... oh, and the Jim Dunlop glass slide.

Time:

0:00

Volume:

50

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 Stop   Play   Pause   Vol   Vol   Mute   Repeat   Download

And here's how it SHOULD sound...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGq3-Fi_zQY

[ODH]

You're really on another level, Johnny.  Outstanding playing as always and what an arrangement.  I bet Beethoven never wrote a drum part like that!

You're a proper muso, JR. I bet you can even read music and everything.

[alfstone]

Yes, I agree, totally a different level.

I appreciate everything of this one, but mostly your wonderful arrangement.

Alfredo

[FuzzFace]

This is pathetic!

Just kidding!  I LOVE this!

Been a fan of Beethoven most of his career.

Love your transitions and arrangement... and great recording, too!

[cuthbert]

Roll over, Beethoven!

There - somebody had to say it.  

Excellent arrangement - I like how it went from acoustic to electric then back to acoustic. Although the blues influence is right up front with the slide guitar, the prog also cannot be denied, which of course also reached back into classical music.

Beautifully done, Johnny.

[Groundy]

Did I ever mention, You make me Sick..
Everything you do is so good John, From Beatles to Beethoven,
Top class my friend,
Thank you for sharing...
Well done.....

Alex       

[Johnny Robbo]

Thanks chaps!

I bet you can even read music and everything.

erm... guilty, I'm afraid 

[ODH]

Thanks chaps!

I bet you can even read music and everything.

erm... guilty, I'm afraid 

That's fine, I've just never been able to get it.  No inverted snobbery here..

[Redler]

Amazing job, Johnny!!

Acoustic intro and outro works fine! On some places here's a bit proggy vibe and that puts really good flavor in this! Fantastic interpretation!

[IanR]

Dear John,

As usual you find something to astound me with.

I don't know the piece, so when I started listening I thought I heard you hit a bum note or two near the start. Is it because its in an unusual key? So, I listened to the youtube and its in that as well, so you must be being faithful to the music. Can you explain what I am hearing? Or do I just have a tin ear?

Ian