Beethoven - Violin Sonatas Vol.3: Nos. 9 & 10 | Challenge Classics CC72862

Beethoven - Violin Sonatas Vol.3: Nos. 9 & 10

£13.25

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Label: Challenge Classics

Cat No: CC72862

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 1

Genre: Instrumental

Release Date: 2nd December 2022

Contents

About

The third and final instalment in Foyle/Štšura complete recordings of Beethoven's Piano and Violin Sonatas.

This last volume includes the last two Sonatas, op.47 and op.96, probably the most challenging and mature of the entire oeuvre. Previous volumes were welcomed by critics. Gramophone on vol.2 (CC72860): "The evident care taken by both players and the attractive variety of tone colours Foyle draws from his 1750 Gagliano make the prospect of the final volume in this series a tempting one."

The sonatas on the first two discs were emblematic of Beethoven's early and middle periods, showcasing the composer's command of the Classical idiom. The last two sonatas push the boundaries of the genre even further, resulting in artistic efforts of increased emotional intensity, cyclical scope, and lyrical intimacy. They are also considered among the most dramatic and challenging works in the duo repertoire.

An early review of Sonata no.9 in the Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung was rude: "The addition to the title 'scritta in uno stile molto concertante, quasi come d'un concerto' appears eccentric, presumptuous and ostentatious." However, to modern audiences this "like a concerto" element that describes the equality and democratic dialogue between the two instruments is now integral to our understanding of the notion of chamber music and in this, Beethoven was a trailblazer.

According to the great violinist Carl Flesch, "a flower must blossom in the souls" of those performing Beethoven's Sonata for Piano and Violin in G major, op.96. The work dates from 1812, a full decade after the previous six sonatas, and in its sublime beauty and pathos represents the transformation in Beethoven's later works from the heroic, defiant drama immortalised in works like the "Kreutzer" to something far more searching and spiritual, rather akin to his late quartets.

Reviews

Michael Foyle and Maksim Stsura […] retain a strong sense of chamber-scale intimacy, ensuring that Beethoven’s sforzando outbursts strain at the leash, as surely he originally intended. […] First rate sonics, too, which, like the performances themselves, balance detail and warmth to perfection.
BBC Music Magazine

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