David Korevaar, the pianist on this album, is a Shigeru Kawai artist and a Distinguished Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Recording & Production
This album marks the beginning of a new complete recording of Beethoven's piano sonatas by David Korevaar, with subsequent volumes to be released on digital streaming platforms in 2025/2026.
Historical Context
Beethoven's Sonatas Op. 101 and 106 reflect a trend of growing nationalism through his interest in using the German language, including the term "Hammer-Klavier" for piano.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven's Sonatas Op. 53, 54, and 57, composed between 1803-1805, represent a significant shift in his piano writing style.
Instruments
In 1803, Beethoven received a new piano from French manufacturer Erard with an extended treble range, which he exploited in his works from those years.
Composition History
The Andante WoO 57, also known as Andante favori, was originally intended as the slow movement for Beethoven's Sonata Op. 53, but he published it separately because he found it too long.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's Sonata Op. 106, known as the 'Hammerklavier' Sonata, is considered one of his longest, most difficult, and contrapuntally complex works, featuring a profound Adagio.
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Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3: Sonatas Op. 22 & 26 - Op. 27 No. 1 "Quasi una fantasia" - Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight" - Op. 28 "Pastorale"
