This recording was made in Lentua Hall, Kuhmo Art Center, Finland, with sessions in September 2010 for Opp. 10 and 57, and January 2011 for Opp. 53 and 54.
Composition History
Beethoven's 'Waldstein' Sonata, named after his long-time supporter Count von Waldstein, was completed in 1804, shortly after his 'Eroica' Symphony.
Instruments
The larger range and sound of the Erard piano, which Beethoven had recently acquired, likely inspired the rich sound masses in the 'Waldstein' Sonata.
Compositional Technique
The 'Appassionata' Sonata is noted for Beethoven's tactic of repeatedly destroying major keys, which collapse into minor modes, reflecting its tragic power.
Composer Biography
Ludwig van Beethoven, born in Cologne, moved to Vienna in 1792 to study composition with Joseph Haydn, eventually spending the rest of his life there.
Performer Biography
Paavali Jumppanen, the pianist on this recording, has recorded Pierre Boulez's three Piano Sonatas at the composer's request, a recording The Guardian called 'the best recorded disc of Boulez's piano music so far'.
Critical Reception
An early critic from Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung (AmZ) acknowledged Beethoven's genius but criticized the 'superabundance of ideas' and 'bizarre grouping' in his early works, suggesting they might alienate listeners.
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