Brahms:
- Handel Variations and Sonata #3
Johannes Brahms’ Piano Sonata No. 3 is unconventional in its structure, and it is one of the most impressive sonatas since those of Beethoven and Schubert.
Brahms never wrote another piano sonata after completing No. 3 but instead concentrated on a series of large-scale sets of variations, among which the Handel Variations must be considered his crowning achievement.
On this CD we get to hear the following:
Brahms:
- Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24
- Piano Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 5
Performed by Jonathan Plowright (piano)
MusicWeb International wrote on the 5th June 2013 about British pianist Jonathan Plowright, as follows:
“If Brahms ever wrote a symphony for the piano then the Sonata No. 3 Op. 5 is very much this piece, and Plowright’s range of expression, his daring periods of absolute repose, extended passages of development and extremes of contrast deliver this impression as few other performances I have encountered.”
Here is a video of Chopin’s Barcarolle in F sharp major Op 60, as performed by Jonathan Plowright:
I was unable to locate other videos by Mr. Plowright, so here is Brahms’ Variations & Fugue on a Theme of Handel, as performed by pianist Simone Pedroni: (Terrific playing!)
Let me conclude with Helene GRIMAUD playing the Brahms piano sonata No.3, the 3rd movement:
Tags: Brahms, Sonata #3, Handel Variations, Jonathan Plowright, Grimaud, Simone Pedroni