Beethoven: 2 Cello Sonatas, Op. 102; Variations

Featuring

Daniel Müller-Schott
Angela Hewitt
Ludwig van Beethoven

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Critical Reception

A reviewer in 1818 described Beethoven's Op. 102 sonatas as 'among the most unusual and peculiar that have been written for a long time,' eventually praising Beethoven's visionary creation.

Composition History

Beethoven's early cello works, including the variations, were inspired by his encounter with virtuoso cellists Jean-Pierre and Jean-Louis Duport during his 1796 visit to Berlin.

Compositional Technique

Beethoven's late cello sonatas, including Op. 102 No. 1, were marked 'Freje Sonate' (Free sonata) in his autograph manuscript, indicating a new, more condensed structural orientation.

Performer Biography

Angela Hewitt, the pianist on this recording, was voted Gramophone's 'Artist of the Year' in 2006 and has an award-winning discography, including a celebrated series of Bach keyboard works.

Historical Context

Beethoven was the first composer to successfully balance the bright sound of the piano with the deep, warm sound of the cello in his works.

Composer Biography

Beethoven is considered the creator of the modern cello sonata, having composed five large-scale sonatas between 1796 and 1815.

Composition History

The two cello sonatas Op. 102 were dedicated to Countess Anna Maria Erdödy, a pianist who hosted regular musical gatherings where Beethoven was invited.