The late NBA champion Kobe Bryant taught himself by ear to play Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" as a token of love for his wife.
Kobe Bryant, who perished in a helicopter crash on 26 January, alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and other passengers including basketball coaching staff and friends, was honoured with a mass memorial service at Staples Centre.
The service was attended by fans and celebrities, with performances from Beyonce and Alicia Keys.
Alicia Keys dedicated her performance of 'Moonlight Sonata' to Kobe and his wife Vanessa's love story, and mentioned the significance of the song to the couple.
Lakers general manager and Gianna's godfather spoke of Kobe's dedication to learning the song on the piano.
"Vanessa brought out Kobe's romantic side like nobody else in the world could. While he was away, he wanted to live in his love for Vanessa so at night under the moonlit sky, he vowed to teach himself by ear to play the first movement of Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata.' When he told me this, I thought, 'There's no way,' that next morning, Kobe called and played me the first few measures. The next morning, more. By the end of the week, he had the entire piece mastered, and he played it for me over the phone without a mistake." said Pelinka.
