The Cello Sonatas Op. 102, which Beethoven referred to as 'Free Sonatas,' explore new principles of counterpoint, dialogue between instruments, and form.
Composition History
Beethoven's first cello sonatas (Op. 5) were written for Prussian King Frederick William II, who adored the cello, during Beethoven's 1796 tour of Berlin.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven's cello sonatas redefine the relationship between piano and cello, evolving from early Classical forms to more daring late sonatas.
Performer Biography
Alisa Weilerstein (cellist) and Inon Barnatan (pianist) have performed nearly all of the cello and piano duo repertoire together since 2008.
Recording & Production
This album of Beethoven's complete cello sonatas was recorded in October 2020 at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in San Diego, California.
Instruments
The early sonatas presented a challenge in balancing the cello's lyrical tenor against the rather thin tone of pianos around 1800, which Beethoven often criticized.
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