Beethoven: Early Piano Sonatas Opp. 2-7-10

Featuring

Simone El Oufir Pierini
Ludwig van Beethoven

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Interpretation

This recording features Beethoven's early piano sonatas performed on original fortepianos from his time, a practice that remains exceptionally rare.

Compositional Technique

Beethoven's early sonatas, including Opp. 2, 7, and 10, often exceed the typical dimensions of Viennese sonatas of the time, frequently featuring four movements instead of the usual three.

Composer Biography

Beethoven dedicated his Op. 2 sonatas to his mentor Franz Joseph Haydn, but their relationship was strained, with Beethoven stating he 'did not learn anything from Haydn'.

Instruments

The main fortepiano used for this recording is an undated original by Johann Haselmann, an otherwise unknown builder, which uniquely features a six-octave keyboard range.

Compositional Technique

The Op. 10 sonatas show Beethoven's experimentation with sonata form, displaying a new freedom and concision, with some movements being strikingly brief or omitting a slow central movement.