Album insights
Ludwig van Beethoven's piano sonatas hardly need an introduction today. They have become so established in the standard repertoire that many may find another recording unnecessary. However, from my experience, while some sonatas seem worn out and distorted by "tradition," others, like op. 7, are less frequently played and can bring special joy to those who are not yet familiar with them. Thus, it is a deliberate choice on my part to combine a highly popular sonata (in this case, the "Appassionata") with a lesser-known one (op. 7) and a favorite among piano students (op. 10 No. 3) on the first CD of this series dedicated to Beethoven's sonatas.
Born in Bonn, Ludwig van Beethoven's exact birth date is uncertain, though he was presumably baptized on December 16, 1770. His ancestors were traders from Mechelen, Belgium, but his grandfather was musically inclined and moved to Bonn in 1733 to become a musician at the court there. Ludwig's father, Johann, was a professional singer who also taught piano, violin, and zither. Recognizing his son's talent early on, Johann was a strict teacher, making Ludwig practice day and night and resorting to punishment for mistakes. While he received violin lessons, Beethoven was not encouraged to compose as a child. His public debut, at six (though he was actually seven), was orchestrated by his father. Beethoven detested prodigies and rejected the idea of being one. Raised with ideals of loving virtues by his mother, Maria Magdalena, who passed away when Beethoven was just a few years into his teens, he shouldered the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings.
Leaving his birthplace like Mozart, Beethoven soon outgrew Bonn's musical landscape. Under the Hofkapellmeister Christian Gottlob Neefe's tutelage, where he was introduced to Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier through manuscripts, Beethoven expanded his repertoire. His move to Vienna at sixteen, hoping to study under Mozart, was brief due to his mother's illness. The meeting, although probable, lacked adequate documentation. Returning to Vienna six years later, Beethoven quickly established himself as the virtuoso successor eagerly awaited post-Mozart. His compositions were well-received, ensuring financial security and attracting noble patrons.
Pianists exploring Mozart's and Beethoven's stylistic differences find intrigue. Beethoven, as noted by Carl Czerny, criticized Mozart's style as resembling a harpsichordist's touch — precise and detached. In contrast, Beethoven fused passion and power, primarily showcasing his cantabile playing by innovatively using the pedal for unique sonic effects. Beethoven's evolving love for the piano was evident in a letter to piano maker Andreas Streicher, underscoring the instrument's potential beyond a mere harpsichord.
Published under "for harpsichord or piano" in 1798, Beethoven's op. 10 Sonatas were possibly a nod to those owning a harpsichord. Among them, the Sonata in D major, op. 10 No. 3, stands out as a seminal work demanding precise execution and emotional depth, according to esteemed musicologist Sir Donald Tovey. The sonata unfolds with meticulous attention to detail from the brisk Presto to the profound Largo e mesto, requiring a pianist's technical prowess and emotional insight.
As a testament to Beethoven's originality, the Sonata in E-flat major, op. 7, serves as a distinct departure from Mozart's or Haydn's influences. Dubbed the "Grande Sonate," its composition displayed Beethoven's virtuosity and inventive spirit prefiguring his later monumental works. Noteworthy elements include the spirited Allegro molto e con brio, the contemplative Largo, con gran espressione, leading to a lively finale, marked by Beethoven's playfulness in articulation.
In 1804, amid personal and artistic upheavals, Beethoven commenced work on his groundbreaking Sonata in F minor, op. 57, titled the "Appassionata" posthumously. Anchored by daring and bold moves, the sonata remains a pinnacle in Beethoven's oeuvre, showcasing his musical evolution despite battles with deafness and unrequited love.
Beethoven's development from prodigious promise to revolutionary composer epitomizes a transformative journey through artistic struggles, personal loss, and unwavering commitment to musical innovation, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest composers in history.
Translator: ChatGPT