Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight Sonata)

He spake well who said that graves are the footprints of angels.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Beethoven isn't usually remembered for his piano compositions.  Usually people think of his magnificent symphonic works, and look to Chopin for black and ivory work.  That's unfortunate, because Beethoven pioneered the (then new) pianoforte instrument as he did so much else.  As with so much of the Nineteenth Century's music, other composers followed in Beethoven's footsteps.



Neil Armstrong also was a pioneer, one who also had footsteps worthy of remembrance.

Image via Wikipedia

This music - played by none other than Vladimir Horowitz - captures the somber beauty called for at the passing of a great man.  Indeed, an early criticism of Beethoven's piece was that it was much like a funeral march.  Today, that's a worthy sentiment.

Because when the moonlight shines down, it is reflecting off of the footprints left at Mare Tranquillitatis. A brave, humble man left them while turning down any special credit for the event.

Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime. And, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow