Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Op. 101 & Op. 106, 'Hammerklavier'

Featuring

Mari Kodama
Ludwig van Beethoven

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Compositional Technique

In his late sonatas, Beethoven expands and even 'disintegrates' the well-established sonata form, creating a new 'sonata domain' and world of expression.

Performer Biography

This recording is the final release in Mari Kodama's integral Beethoven cycle, which is now available.

Critical Reception

The 'Hammerklavier' Sonata, Op. 106, was a 'compositional utopia' that "hopelessly overwhelmed" audiences and pianists of its time, with few exceptions.

Composer Biography

Beethoven's personal situation, including social isolation, various illnesses, personal problems, and increasing deafness, significantly marked his late compositions and style.

Composition History

Beethoven urgently needed money while composing the 'Hammerklavier' Sonata, Op. 106, and sent it to his publisher predicting it would be played in 50 years.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Beethoven's late piano sonatas, including Op. 101 and Op. 106, are described as bursting open known boundaries and challenging both the listener and the pianist.

Instruments

Beethoven's Sonata in A major, Op. 101, is the first to explicitly include 'for the fortepiano' in its title, referring to the instrument with strings struck by small hammers.