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“To play wrong notes is insignificant. To play without passion is inexcusable.” – Ludwig van Beethoven
It seems Philip Springer has taken this quote to heart. Although I don’t hear any wrong notes either! The 94-year-old American composer sits down at the piano to play a live rendition of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, also known as Piano Sonata No. 14, and it’s as mesmerizing a performance as one could dream of. You wouldn’t know Springer is any older than Beethoven was when he wrote the classic in his early thirties.
Philip Springer is best known for writing the classic Christmas song “Santa Baby” in 1953. Born on May 12, 1926, Philip still composes music to this day! He is credited with 540 musical pieces, including composing songs for numerous well-known singers. His 70+ year career has certainly honed and sharpened his skills, but it’s his passion and love for music that keeps him going despite his older age.
If there was ever a lesson in doing what you love no matter the obstacles in life, this is definitely one. We often find ourselves making excuses for why we can’t do some of the things we used to be able to do, but if we took that energy and redirected it to positivity and creativity, there’s really no end to what can be accomplished!
Watch the stunning performance in the video below. Philip Springer played this for his daughter’s birthday, as if it needed anything additional to make it more special! This may be the body of an old man, but all I hear is the soul of the child who fell in love with music and the piano at a young age.
Watch the video below:
Now excuse me as I go set this on repeat, close my eyes, and drift off to a time not so long ago when everything felt so simple and innocent. 🙂
