Beethoven: Complete Piano Works Vol. 2

Following the internationally acclaimed first part of Alfredo Perl’s three-part complete recording of Ludwig van Beethoven’s piano music, this second box set covers the period from 1801 to 1814. Literature has long referred to this as a ‘middle’ or ‘classical’ creative phase: however, this obscures a view of a compositional mindset characterized essentially by a reliance on what came before and an anticipation of what was to come, as well as Beethoven’s identification with his instrument. For him, the piano was a tool for self-discovery and an exploration of the world, used to process the most intimate and personal experiences on one hand, and collective historical and political upheavals on the other. Of the 14 sonatas heard here, at least six belong to the core repertoire of every pianist, their popularity reflected in the nicknames—mostly not provided by Beethoven himself: “Moonlight” (op. 27/2), “Pastorale” (op. 28), “The Tempest” (op. 31/2), “Waldstein” (op. 53), “Appassionata” (op. 57), and “Les Adieux” (op. 81a). Among the variations, the “Eroica” variations op. 35 and the C minor variations WoO 80 have long held a special appeal for both pianists and audiences. Most famous is the piano piece composed in 1810, “Für Elise,” which may have been no more than a finger exercise for Beethoven, yet it demonstrates his ability to create a musical world from the simplest motifs and gestures. This spectrum of elemental expressive power and novel virtuosity makes it clear why Beethoven’s piano works from this period have become a milestone in the history of piano music. Experienced Beethoven interpreter Alfredo Perl provides poignant, virtuosic new recordings of these pieces.