Pianist dies while playing Beethoven...

[euphony131]

I recently learned of Mindru Katz, the Romanian-Israeli pianist. According to Wikipedia:

At the age of 52, Katz died of a heart attack on stage during a recital in Istanbul, Turkey, while performing Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Tempest.

Whoa! Tempest + heart attack? Something almost supernatural about it: the setting, the score, the death. Talk about going out while doing what you love.

It put me in mind of the documentary, The Suicide Tourist, about an ailing man who seeks euthanasia in Switzerland and who passes away while listening to LvB's 9th, 1st mvt. One of the most powerful moments I've ever seen on film. You can watch it here: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/front...uicidetourist/

[Peter]

I thought this had happened recently as I haven't heard of this pianist, but I see it was back in 1978. Well yes quite a way to go, but rather young! Incidentally Euphony, it's really good to see you back with us after all these years, having been a member since the start back in 2000.

[Harvey]

List of entertainers who died during a performance
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...e#21st_century

[Hollywood]

List of entertainers who died during a performance
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...e#21st_century

I checked out that list and was amazed of how many entertainers died during their performances. I did recognize a few names like Tyrone Power, Steve Irwin, Vic Morrow and Dick Shawn. What's really awful is that when many of these people died while performing on the stage, the audience thought it was all a part of the act. Very sad indeed.

[euphony131]

If you're gonna go then going while playing Beethoven sounds like the best way for me.

Though as a listener my preference would be either the opening fugue of op. 131 or this lesser known, "Da stiegen die Menschen an's Licht":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rzjI7axvQo

I do love that song so!

PS -- Though gotta reiterate how affecting it was to see the man in the euthanasia documentary slip away to the opening mvt of the 9th.

PPS -- And, yes, there's the Soylent Green scene too. Great scene. But that was a movie.

[Enrique]

PPS -- And, yes, there's the Soylent Green scene too. Great scene. But that was a movie.

Yes, Edward G.Robinson is who personifies the man dying. And Charlton Heston is watching.