Beethoven himself was rather dismissive of his three sets of Bagatelles, Opp.33, 119 and 126, calling them 'Kleinigkeiten' or trifles.
Composer Biography
Despite his frustrations with the piano's limitations, Beethoven continued to use it as a vehicle for some of his greatest compositional achievements.
Performer Biography
Ishay Shaer, the pianist on this album, has performed in numerous concerts worldwide and is becoming one of the leading pianists of his generation.
Critical Reception
Beethoven's publisher considered the Eleven Bagatelles, Op.119, to be beneath the great composer, but their qualities were recognized by composer, pianist, and horn-player Friedrich Stock.
Composition History
The Sonata No.28 in A, Op.101, finished in November 1816, is considered to mark the beginning of Beethoven's late period.
Composition History
Beethoven's Sonata No.30, Op.109, was dedicated to Maximiliane, the teenage daughter of Antonie Brentano, who is thought to be the anonymous 'Immortal Beloved' to whom Beethoven wrote a passionate letter.
Composition History
Beethoven's last five piano sonatas, along with the Bagatelles, Op.126 and the Diabelli Variations, Op.120, form a crucial part of his monumental late works.
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