So many things on which to comment:
Which Beethoven sonata? I'm dying to know.
The poem is the first I've read that describes the ebb and flow of classical music. I like it very much, as it captures somewhat what I feel for it myself.
We have a few common threads between us - I too, used to play piano, fairly well, but not well enough to make anything of it.
I am a mimic of sounds, animals and people as well. I'm an avid movie-lover and am very good at identifying accents - worlwide. I can imitate those to some degree too.
In an alternate life, I'd be a singer in a nightclub.
Kat
Oops! Sorry - of course I missed that: "Moonlight Sonata". I used to play that one -- it's so... well I guess ebb and flow described it pretty well then.
Kat
Interesting poem! It touches on the whole fascinating thing about music and the perceived passage of time.
I play the piano too, but as a music teacher who teaches other instruments, not as often as I'd like.
Felt like a long poem because of the image. Hmm. You know what sensation I got when I was reading it? It's like being in a torture rack. Hehe. The references to the words suspension, hanging and an escalating howl pretty much explains why I felt like that. Except this time, the mind is the one on the rack? Makes me wonder what kind of respite it will have that might be comparable to easing the tension in the ropes in a real, physical torture. But it's fitting, really. Beethoven. The reason why I love his compositions better than anyone's is precisely because of the buildup. And that glorious crashing down before it fades away. Cutting the thrashing world into notes that reflect the agony of moments you cannot share with anyone else. Brilliant. 
From another one-time pianist (married to a musician who does wonderful things on the piano and church organ) - thanks for a great evocation of a well-loved piece. And yes, I used to play the first movement too!
I love the suspension that your poem speaks of. And I love your list of character traits. I also am a musician, and tho I have struggled at the piano, as a singer, I think we have a whole lot more in common with your third trait listed. I would have so much fun creatively vocalizing with you! And yeah, Beethoven Totally Rocks!
Oh, also to you a very happy new year!
I love the reference to Beethoven, to his dead hands, your insight is an eyeopener to both music and to you the poet ---- thank you for sharing your inner thoughts and movement
I see here that Beethoven's hands may be cold and dead -- his music never will be --
interesting poem, and i totally feel it, moving music into poetry is natural as can be...
That is a perfect first line. There is a note that holds until the next note is sounded, so that they are heard together - then the poem builds to an amazing crescendo and ends with a stunning repose and fantastic image. Amazing work.
Thanks for sharing some personal information - it is always fun and enlightening to learn something about someone so talented in what they do.
I am wishing you all the best in 2009, S.L.!
This does capture well the miracle beyond Beethoven sonatas.
Have a happy 2009!
Wow! You have captured so many dimensions of sound in these few words, breaking the sonata down into fragments, each bit standing alone as vibrating noise. I have a piano sitting here in front of me, neglected, which once rang loud with Beethoven and Schubert. You have reminded me to pay more attention to this old friend.
I can't claim to be a musician but I am a lover of music. This poem is beautiful. I especially like the 'escalating howl cut/up in little, even breaths'.
Just back with good wishes for the coming year. 
i really enjoy your site and especially the poem on the side bar.
this poem inspired by moonlight sonata was a joy to read. sometimes it's the silence in between notes (and space) that is the most beautiful.
I think writing a poem about music is one big challenge - I know- I've tried. Happy new year.
a tight composition here which takes us to a musical journey even for those as unschooled in piano as i or w/o your notes to guide and inform
love the last line especially
Happy New Year to one of the finest poets I read in blogland. This one of yours doesn't leave me in suspension. I feel up high from your writing.
I have resumed posting poetry at least weekly. However, knowing you, you may recognize some of them, since I've posted some in previous years.
Piano- ahh! I love to listen to the piano and have no musical talent in that regard. Hope you do play again.
Now to the uncanny: I'm told my peripheral vision is almost circular. (Not possible), but like you, I do value its safety and people observation capabilities it bestows upon me. One last cooincidence, I don't mimic animal cries, but I pick up accents so finely, like if someone from another culture than mine is talking to me, he/she begins speaking to me in that native language thinking I'm fluent! (I'm not). I sure wish that "ear" would translate to musical talent!
Sorry to read about the other fears. My daughter has trouble with heights.
You bring joy to me through your writing even when the topic is serious. Thank you S.L.
Oh, have you ever seen the play "33 Variations" about B's life? I don't know if it only showed in the USA, but it was brilliantly done here.
a lovely poem. i like especially the last line.
Have a Happy New Year!
This is as beautifully and carefully constructed as a musical score. Very well done, as always. Happy New Year SL!
Your musically articulated moment in this poem ... intensity for a new year's birthing.
Good to get to know you. Love your love for Sound. Cheers in the New Year!
a blessed new year
and already a rich one
having found your blog
(via your comment;
thank you)
Hello, S.L. I'd love to record my voice and let you mimick it. It would freak my husband out to hear me in stereo.
I love all of the things you have shared about yourself. I was wondering if you were a person with a musical background, because your poetry is so beautifully musical. Your lines have the rhythm and clean breath of one who has known notes.
For example, this amazing poem. The way you cut the first line after "note," then continue the next line with "in the air." That is an excellent suspension of the line breath--up, then down. The same thing is done after "cut." Then comes the very powerful beats of "counting down the thrashing/world outside the piano room..." I LOVE IT!
It has been a pleasure to read your work, S.L. I look forward to reading more in the new year. Thank you so much for your kind comments to me during this difficult time in my life. It is most appreciated. You are a good soul and an excellent poet!
Kat (Poetikat), "ebb and flow" is spot on. Oh, and I'm ecstatic to know that you're also into sound mimicry. Yay.
Dominic, thanks!
Blue Rogue, "Cutting the thrashing world into notes that reflect the agony of moments you cannot share with anyone else." Very well said. Profound.
Chris, you're incredibly fortunate, having a talented musician for a husband. Why, he could serenade you every day! (grin)
Cat, we could do a duet. I sing soprano, although my normal speaking voice has a low pitch.
Barbara, Maggie, glad to know you've enjoyed the music in this piece.
K., "There is a note that holds until the next note is sounded, so that they are heard together - then the poem builds to an amazing crescendo and ends with a stunning repose and fantastic image." That is such a perceptive feedback, K. I am certainly much obliged.
Annamari, Watermaid, thanks!
Rachel, Schubert is another of my favorite composers. Mendelssohn completes my top three.
Floreta, hullo there. Welcome to this site; I'm glad to hear you've enjoyed your stay. What you've said about silence and space is so true.
Diane, I would love to read that poem of yours.
Art Predator, Jo, thank you for generously commenting on the structure/tightness/construction of this piece. (blush)
Gel, yay, another one with uncanny peripheral vision! Oh, about the play "33 Variations," I haven't seen it, but boy, I certainly wish! (wistful sigh)
Dsnake, Ish, thanks!
Poet Whisperer, Katmurmur, feel free to drop by again sometime.
Julie, your comment has made my day. So much. Frankly, I wasn't aware that my musical background influenced how I wrote poems. I do have the habit, though, of listening (primarily through subvocalization, then by speaking aloud) to the words, the lines, the stanzas as they begin to fall into place; once I 'sense' fully the beat or the cadence, structure becomes simply a matter of following the sound. Making sense of a piano sheet music is, I reckon, a lot similar in that respect.
Julie, I do fervently hope for a speedy resolution of the case you're fighting for. I'm confident that you can do this; reason is on your side, and you have the vigilance to staunchly stand up for that, especially so for the sake of loved ones. (hug)
this (and part one; beauty aches, indeed!) speaks (to me) of the great mystery of music, classical in particular - the feral, formless emotional power within an intricate and precise algebra - the architecture of passion.
the last line got me too - a habit of yours, always having at least one line that won't let go.
This is beautiful and doubly so when read alongside the 'Echo of Construction'. You have successfully left me hanging. Cheers.
Moonlight Sonata was one of my favourite pieces to play when I was young. Haven't played the piano in years... and suddenly missing it.
I like your line break choices.
Joaquin, I love, love, love how you've phrased this: "the feral, formless emotional power within an intricate and precise algebra - the architecture of passion"... To me, it feels so right, as an approximation of the 'mystery' you speak of. And thank you for your remark on the last line (made me blush, teehee).
Brad, many thanks for your appreciation of both poems.
Danika, oh yes, I'm missing it, too. My fingers are itching to press the black and the white keys again. Sigh.
Thank you for dropping by.
i love it, it is beautiful. i love works that deal with other works and mainly with music. it is fabulous way to see the piece in different light.
and i am sure you will get your piano playing back in no time and will not regret it.
Wonderful, I really enjoyed this... the word choices, the imagery... jealous of this line, lol - "that flows
within the span of a singular
escalating howl cut
up in little, even breaths"... perfect!
Utopian, thank you for your kind words. I do miss the serenity that even the simple act of sitting in front of a classic piano can bring. Makes me wistful now.
Robert, I'm floored. Many thanks for the compliment.
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