This sonata was composed by Beethoven in 1804 and dedicated to count Ferdinand von Waldstein, his first protector in Bonn, the one who arranged for Beethoven to study with Haydn in Vienna. That is why the sonata op. 53 is also known as the “Waldstein” sonata.
The movements of the sonata can be interpreted as different moments of a day. The first movement is a pleasant yet noisy and roaring day. The second movement can be interpreted as a calm night while the third movement is the ardent dawn of a new day.
The Waldstein sonata is considered to be one of the notable piano sonatas that Beethoven ever composed, maybe equaled only by the Appassionata sonata. They are both part of the works between op. 50 and op. 60 that, through their content, form and proportions represent the height of Beethoven’s creation.
Here is pianist Igor Levit to play this music for you; be patient, and wait for the German language words to end, followed by a brief english translation.
