Beethoven's works are often divided into three periods, a classification method that helps understand his evolving musical ideas.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas are considered by some to be the greatest body of music ever composed, with each sonata being remarkably different from the others.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven is described as a "life force" who was constantly concerned with life's greatest mysteries and possessed a strong personality.
Compositional Technique
In his early period, Beethoven delighted in upsetting his audience's expectations, as seen in the 'Pathétique' Sonata with its unusual slow introduction that returns throughout the movement.
Interpretation
Jonathan Biss, the pianist on this recording, states that playing Beethoven compels one to become a better musician and a better person.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Throughout his life, Beethoven grappled with the challenge of unifying multi-movement works, moving beyond the approaches of Haydn and Mozart.
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