Waldstein

"How do you feel about this piece, level-wise?"
"I feel like I can perform it without bungling it and make it more than note after note."

That was my response.  What piece?  The first movement of the "Waldstein Sonata" . OK, that probably means nothing to you.  It's opus 53 of the Beethoven sonatas.  Still doesn't ring a bell?  It's one of Beethoven's greatest sonatas of all time.  Cool, huh?  And I'm playing it tomorrow, in the piano recital.  Still cool?  Sort of, except that I've only had it for 7 weeks. 

That may seem like a long time for non-musicians, but for a piece that takes 10 minutes to play?  That is not long.  Oh, and did I mention I'm doing it memorized?  It's 14 pages long, I think.  I'm not trying to brag, but do you see the freaking-out factor here?  I really shouldn't be even doing it, but I pushed all week to get his ready, and by golly, I'm going to do it.

I know I'll be OK.  In fact,  I think it will be rather beautiful.  I hope.  Hope.  Pray.

The point I'm trying to make is that I should be freaking out right now.  Or should I say, usually would be.  But I'm not.  I'm leaving it up to my brain tomorrow.  It's weird, not being freaked out.  If I ever had a reason to, it would be this.  Playing it in a hall with a big, lively piano?  Not the prettiest thing in the world, but I'm actually looking forward to it.  I'll have to let you know how it goes.