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Cramer: Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 3 & 6 (Hyperion Classical Piano Concerto 7)

Cramer: Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 3 & 6 (Hyperion Classical Piano Concerto 7)

Howard Shelley, London Mozart Players

Duration79 Min

Album insights

This CD features three distinct Beethoven sonatas composed over seven years, presented in reverse chronological order for a more engaging listening experience.

The Sonata in D major, op. 28 from 1801, starts beautifully with an Allegro unfolding in a simple and calm manner, setting a pastoral tone. Beethoven’s use of an "organ point" evokes rural scenes, linking to its publisher dubbing it "Pastorale." The first movement, although serene outwardly, retains Beethoven’s structural precision, leading to a brief disturbance before returning to its idyllic theme.

Beethoven's admiration for nature is prominent in this “Pastorale” piece, expressing his gratitude through joyful melodies and spirited movements. The second movement, Andante, resonates with a celebratory theme intertwined with melancholic nuances before building up to a lively return. The Rondo finale combines exuberance with technical challenges, showcasing Beethoven’s unrestrained joy.

The "Pathétique" Sonata in C minor, op. 13, published two years prior, is a masterpiece embodying elevated passion. Beethoven's narrative unfolds dramatically with a rhetorical Grave introduction leading into a brilliantly intense Allegro section, marked by bold trills and thunderous chords. This work, dedicated to Haydn, showcases Beethoven’s early exploration of deep emotional themes with masterful compositional skill.

As young Beethoven arrives in Vienna, his Opus 2 sonatas, particularly the Sonata in C major, stand out for their brilliance and virtuosity, reflecting his distinct musical identity. Each movement displays Beethoven's evolving style, with the Sonata in C major, Op. 2, No. 3, exemplifying his inimitable compositional depth and technical prowess.

This early period reveals Beethoven’s maturing creativity, evident in the Adagio movements, which offer profound emotional depth subtly woven into intricate musical tapestries. The lively Scherzo passages and spirited finales demonstrate Beethoven’s innovative approach to form and structure, setting the stage for his enduring musical legacy.

Beethoven's Opus 2 showcases his emergence as a composer of exceptional talent, combining technical brilliance with emotional depth in a captivating musical journey from pastoral serenity to impassioned turmoil. His innovative harmonies and structural ingenuity redefine the sonata form, establishing him as a true musical trailblazer of his time.