Beethoven:
- Moonlight, Pathétique, and Appassionata Sonatas
After winning the 2000 Warsaw Chopin competition, pianist Yundi Li immediately established himself among the leading pianists of his time.
Yundi Li returns to the DG label with his first ever Beethoven recording. This album focuses on the composer’s most beloved piano works, the three ‘name’ sonatas, the Moonlight, Pathétique and Appassionata:
Beethoven:
- Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 ‘Moonlight’
- Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 ‘Appassionata’
- Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 ‘Pathetique’
Performed by Yundi Li, (piano)
The Times wrote on the 22nd March 2013:
“The warmth of the coloring … certainly makes this Beethoven recital — Yundi’s first — different from the norm. Even when the music indicates something granitic, our pianist still stands on velvet. Drama and impetuosity abound in the first movement of the Pathétique”
Here are the movement titles:
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathétique”
I. Grave – Allegro di molto e con brio
II. Adagio cantabile
III. Rondo (Allegro)
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 “Moonlight”
I. Adagio sostenuto
II. Allegretto
III. Presto agitato
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 “Appassionata”
I. Allegro assai
II. Andante con moto
III. Allegro ma non troppo
Here is the artist in the Beethoven Pathétique sonata, 2nd movement:
And next, Yundi performs the Chopin ‘Fantasie’ Impromptu, Op 66; this is a beautiful performance; amazing technique, and a fine ability to show us his expressiveness!
As an encore for you, here’s Yundi Li in an outstanding performance of Liszt’s “La Campanella”
Tags: Beethoven, Yundi Li, Moonlight, Pathétique, Appassionata, Sonatas