Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Ludwig van Beethoven's piano sonatas with this exquisite collection released by Warner Classics on January 1, 2001. This album showcases five of Beethoven's most celebrated piano sonatas, including the iconic "Moonlight" Sonata, offering a captivating journey through the composer's early to middle periods.
The album opens with the Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26, a work known for its innovative variations and the haunting "Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un eroe." Following this is the Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1, which contrasts with its lively and spirited movements. The renowned Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2, famously dubbed the "Moonlight" Sonata, is a highlight of the collection, featuring its ethereal first movement and dynamic final movement.
The album continues with the Piano Sonata No. 19 in G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1, and concludes with the Piano Sonata No. 20 in G Major, Op. 49 No. 2. These sonatas, though often overshadowed by Beethoven's more dramatic works, are masterpieces in their own right, showcasing the composer's genius and versatility.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 1 minute, this album is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and anyone looking to explore the profound and enduring works of Ludwig van Beethoven. The intricate compositions and masterful performances make this a truly enriching listening experience.
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26: I. (a) Andante con variazioniLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26: I. (b) Variation ILudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26: I. (c) Variation IILudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26: I. (d) Variation IIILudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26: I. (e) Variation IVLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26: I. (f) Variation VLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26: II. Scherzo. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26: III. Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un eroe. Maestoso andanteLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-Flat Major, Op. 26: IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1: I. AndanteLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1: II. Allegro molto e vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1: III. Adagio con espressioneLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1: IV. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenutoLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": II. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": III. Presto agitatoLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 19 in G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: I. AndanteLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 19 in G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: II. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 20 in G Major, Op. 49 No. 2: I. Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 20 in G Major, Op. 49 No. 2: II. Tempo di menuettoLudwig van Beethoven, Stephen Kovacevich