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Beethoven's "Kreutzer" Sonata (truly a gift from the gods!) dominates my entire series, *The Passion of Elena Bianchi.* Many different works affect other authors (and people) in similar ways.

Here is another twist to your Rachmaninoff story. The gifted pianist, Christopher Falzone, transcribed both the 2nd and 3rd concerti for solo piano. Alas, he committed suicide at age 29.

I can recommend a number of his recordings, but I think the slow movement of the Rachmaninoff 2nd -- his solo piano arrangement -- speaks volumes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFoPX3LoDxY, starting at 10:57.

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Lenny, thank you so much. I opened the link and listened and saved it.

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I agree! This is why I listen to Baroque music at the gym. I have written an essay on how I am affected by Beethoven’s revolutionary Symphony no. 3 that I will probably publish in about three weeks.

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Marc, I can't wait until I see your essay. I like Beethoven Symphony 3 but I'm partial to 5 and I am always stunned by 9.

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I just scheduled it for 12/17

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