Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Numbers 7, 12, and 23 ‘Appassionata’
During his lifetime, Sviatoslav Richer mostly performed fewer than half of Beethoven’s sonatas on the concert stage. He simply wanted to emphasize the lesser-known of these sonatas. However, Richter was able to breathe new life into these early sonatas, such as Op. 10 No. 3 and the Op. 26, in which lovely passages intermingle with Beethoven’s astonishing invention and energy.
This recording brings us additional gems from Sviatoslav Richter’s legacy. The recording of the three Beethoven sonatas was made on 1 November 1959 within a single evening. One year later, Richter included these sonatas in his celebrated debut recitals at Carnegie Hall.
Beethoven:
- Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10 No. 3
- Piano Sonata No. 12 in A flat major, Op. 26 ‘March Funebre’
- Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 ‘Appassionata’
Performed by Sviatoslav Richter, piano
Richter’s interpretation of the “Appassionata” is a milestone in the history of pianistic art. He plays the exposed passages at a seemingly risky, rapid tempo, without keeping anything in reserve. The performance is passionate and astounding.
The track listing follows:
Sonata No. 7, Op. 10, No. 3: I. Presto
Sonata No. 7, Op. 10, No. 3: II. Largo E Mesto
Sonata No. 7, Op. 10, No. 3: III. Menuetto. Allegro
Sonata No. 7, Op. 10, No. 3: IV. Rondo Allegro
Sonata No. 12, I. Andante Con Variazioni
Sonata No. 12, II. Scherzo. Allegro Molto
Sonata No. 12: III. Marcia Funebre Sullamorte D’un Eroe. Andante Maestoso
Sonata No. 12 In A Flat Major, Op. 26: IV. Allegro
Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 – “Appassionata”: I. Allegro Assai
Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 – “Appassionata”: II. Andante Con Moto
Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 – “Appassionata”: III. Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Here is Sviatoslav Richter in Carnegie Hall, performing Beethoven’s piano sonata no.23 op.57 “Appassionata”, 3d Movement
Tags: Sviatoslv Richter, Beethoven, Appasionata