Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Ludwig van Beethoven with this exquisite collection of piano sonatas, released on Warner Classics in 2016. This album features five of Beethoven's most celebrated piano sonatas, including the iconic "Moonlight" Sonata and the spirited "The Hunt" Sonata, performed with masterful precision and emotional depth.
The album opens with Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 13, a piece that showcases the composer's early exploration of form and expression. It continues with the renowned Piano Sonata No. 14, famously known as the "Moonlight" Sonata, which is celebrated for its hauntingly beautiful first movement. The Piano Sonata No. 15, nicknamed the "Pastoral" Sonata, offers a serene and lyrical contrast, while the Piano Sonata No. 18, "The Hunt," is a dynamic and energetic display of Beethoven's compositional prowess. The album concludes with the Piano Sonata No. 19, a more accessible yet equally captivating piece.
Each sonata is a testament to Beethoven's innovative spirit and enduring influence on classical music. The performances on this album are brought to life by some of the most renowned pianists, including Daniel Barenboim and Artur Schnabel, whose interpretations bring out the nuances and depth of Beethoven's compositions. With a total runtime of over an hour and nineteen minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through some of Beethoven's most significant works, offering both seasoned classical enthusiasts and newcomers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1 "Quasi una fantasia": I. Andante - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1 "Quasi una fantasia": II. Allegro molto e vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1 "Quasi una fantasia": III. Adagio con espressione - IV. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenutoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": II. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": III. Presto agitatoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 "Pastoral": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 "Pastoral": II. AndanteLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 "Pastoral": III. Scherzo. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28 "Pastoral": IV. Rondo. Allegro, ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "The Hunt": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "The Hunt": II. Scherzo. Allegretto vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "The Hunt": III. Menuetto. Moderato e graziosoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "The Hunt": IV. Presto con fuocoLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 19 in G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1 "Easy Sonata": I. AndanteLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 19 in G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1 "Easy Sonata": II. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Artur Schnabel