Dive into the lesser-known musical treasures of Ludwig van Beethoven with "Beethoven: Unknown Masterworks, Vol. 2." Released on November 8, 2019, under the Berlin Classics label, this album offers a captivating exploration of Beethoven's early vocal works, showcasing his prowess beyond his renowned symphonies and concertos. Spanning a concise yet engaging hour and six minutes, the album features nine tracks, including arias and songs that highlight Beethoven's versatility and innovation during his formative years.
The album opens with "Ah, Perfido!", Op. 65, a dramatic aria that demonstrates Beethoven's ability to convey intense emotion through music. It continues with a selection of works from his WoO (Werke ohne Opuszahl) catalog, such as "Primo Amore," "No, non turbarti," and "Ne' giorni tuoi felici," offering a glimpse into his early compositional style. The album also includes the powerful "Tremate, empi, tremate," Op. 116, and two arias from WoO 91, "O welch ein Leben" and "Soll ein Schuh nicht drücken," which showcase Beethoven's wit and charm.
Performances by soprano Hannelore Kuhse and tenor Eberhard Büchner bring these works to life, accompanied by an ensemble that faithfully interprets Beethoven's intricate compositions. "Beethoven: Unknown Masterworks, Vol. 2" is a delightful addition to any classical music collection, offering a fresh perspective on the genius of Ludwig van Beethoven.