Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 "Hammerklavier" & Bagatelles, Op. 126
3/25/2016, 10 Tracks, 1:03:00
Featuring
Nelson Goerner
Ludwig van Beethoven
Did you know?
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Composition History
Beethoven rarely heard his piano sonatas performed in public and never intended to perform them himself, reserving the symphony for communicating with his contemporaries.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven was passionate about the piano, spending entire days playing and singing, and loved improvising, judging other musicians by their ability to improvise.
Composition History
The Sonata Op. 106, known as 'Hammerklavier', was one of the first major works Beethoven composed after regaining his strength in 1818, following a long period of crisis.
Critical Reception
Beethoven believed it would take 50 years for his 'Hammerklavier' Sonata to be understood, and it found its first champions in musicians like Franz Liszt and Clara Schumann.
Instruments
Beethoven preferred the German name 'Hammerklavier' (hammer-operated keyboard) for the new type of piano he used for Sonata Op. 106, pushing the instrument to its limits.
Composer Biography
Beethoven experienced a severe crisis from 1812, composing little and contemplating suicide due to financial difficulties, poor health, and profound deafness.
Composition History
Beethoven's piano works, unlike those of his contemporary Schubert, were not intended for social amusement, but rather for a deep exploration of music's essence.
