Beethoven was renowned as an unparalleled improviser by his contemporaries, a skill that influenced his compositional approach.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven used short pieces like Bagatelles as a 'playground' for novel ideas that would later appear in his larger works.
Performer Biography
Michael Korstick, the pianist on this recording, has made over 60 award-winning CD recordings and is known for his cyclical performances of complete piano concerti by various composers.
Performer Biography
Critics have praised Michael Korstick's recordings of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas, calling him "one of the foremost Beethoven pianists of our time."
Composition History
Beethoven's first published work, at age eleven, was a set of variations on a simple march, showing his early engagement with this form.
Composition History
Beethoven composed more works in variation form than he did symphonies, concerti, sonatas, trios, and string quartets combined.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven is considered a visionary who opened the gates to the Romantic Era, even while being a master of Classical form.
