Shades of Pink

This morning, when I stuck my nose out the
front door, it was grey and misty,
with wet pavement — just like early November.

Very seldom
do the DVD’s filmmakers show Daniel Barenboim
in a seemingly darkened room, but for
this sonata, we begin with
only his face lit — I see the faun’s ears —
a few glints on the ebony dark
Steinway. It really gives the sense that
Daniel B. is part of the piano. Occasionally
they move to a wider shot,
into a dimly lit alcove that shows its
rhodochrosite color. Daniel B. is playing
“The Pastoral” sonata. His face is serious
as if the darkness
means more
than dramatic lighting. The second
movement opens with a full view of the inner
workings of the piano, shining salmon pink with gold shadings,
hammers and strings look like the catwalk
over a theater stage.
Third movement and we have Daniel B’s cameo profile
with the lighted back drop
of his pink marble-walled chamber.

Flashes now. His white shirt, black tie, oh I see some silver
spots in it. Black suit. Now the light
fuller and showing the ornate but small
drawing room fireplace in back of him.
Now fully lighted room with chandeliers
over the piano’s amazing
salmon colored hammers and strings.

A day to appreciate Beethoven’s civilizing force.
Politicians should listen more often
to Beethoven’s piano sonatas. The
eight tone scale can harmonize
anything.

I love these wine-dark days.