Any good stories accompanying theses pieces?

[Ludvig_Van_Me]

I am always facinated to hear stories surrounding pieces that I'm learning, I feel it helps me delve(sp) deeper into the piece and immerse myself in it.


If there is a site that has stories behind certain pieces that would be great.


But here are pieces I am currently learning:



Liszt's 'Un sospiro'

Beethoven's  'Pathetique'
                     'Appassionata'
                     'Hammerklavier'


Example of what I'm looking for:    Lenin went on record saying he loved the 'Appassionata' when in fact he was having 'Pathetique' played to him not the appassionata.



Any stories about these pieces would be a great help, or if you want to add some about pieces that are not there then feel free.


Thx

[Nordlys]

Did you know that the opening theme of the "Hammerklavier" was designed to fit the words "Vivat, vivat Rudolphus!"? Archduke Rudolph of Austria being the patron (and student) of Beethoven.

After I learned this the sonata got a new meaning for me.