The 'Waldstein' Sonata was composed only a year after Beethoven's 'Heiligenstadt Testament' of October 1802, a letter revealing his deep depression.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Hamburg at the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle in August 2010 by Helmut Burk, who served as Producer and Recording Engineer (Tonmeister).
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven's 'Waldstein' Sonata reflects his despair over his failing hearing and thoughts of suicide, yet also his refusal to give up hope and his idealism.
Composition History
Beethoven originally intended the 'Andante favori' as the second movement of the 'Waldstein' Sonata but later replaced it with a new middle movement.
Composition History
Beethoven's early Op. 2 No. 3 Sonata was dedicated to Joseph Haydn, a composer to whom it shows considerable stylistic debt.
Interpretation
Pianist Alice Sara Ott has been working on Beethoven's two C major sonatas for ten years, aiming to highlight the fundamental changes in Beethoven's style over an eight-year period.
Compositional Technique
The early Op. 2 No. 3 Sonata is considered the first of Beethoven's sonatas to be conceived orchestrally, almost like a piano concerto.
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