Beethoven's publisher, Tranquillo Mollo, initially released both Opp. 23 and 24 as a single Opus 23, but a printing error in the violin parts led to their separate republication.
Composition History
The two sonatas, Opus 23 and Opus 24 'Spring', were originally conceived as a pair to be published together.
Critical Reception
Beethoven's earlier Opus 12 sonatas were criticized by one reviewer as 'quite peculiar' and 'overladen with strange difficulties', prompting a response from the composer.
Instruments
The fortepiano used in this recording is a Johann Schantz instrument from 1791, preferred by Haydn over Anton Walter, who was favored by Mozart and Beethoven.
Interpretation
The performers chose to follow Beethoven's autograph manuscript for certain passages in the 'Spring' sonata, even where modern Urtext editions have 'corrected' inconsistencies.
Composer Biography
Beethoven was in an extremely creative period around 1800, often working on three or four compositions simultaneously, despite his increasing deafness causing him distress.
Performer Biography
Linda Nicholson, the fortepiano player, won the first two international competitions for the fortepiano, in Paris and Bruges.
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