[ Erato CD + DVD / 2 CD/DVD ]
Release Date: Monday 8 October 2018
Alexandre Tharaud records Beethoven for the first time! Beethoven's last three sonatas, Nos. 30, 31, 32, composed 1820-22 and are considered some of the most difficult works in the repertoire. The NY Times said "[Alexandre Tharaud] imbued the opening of Beethoven's Sonata No.31 (Op. 110) with a poetic introspection..."
Includes 64 minute DVD: Beethoven - Last Sonatas
"He brings to Op. 109's opening movement a suitable effortlessness, contrasting a billowing airiness with a steelier approach to the recitative-like writing. One of Tharaud's stylistic traits is clarity of fingerwork and that is certainly much in evidence in the brief Prestissimo Scherzo…The same traits come through in the remaining two sonatas. To generalise, Tharaud is most convincing in the more moderately tempered music." Gramophone
"Of Tharaud's technique, I have nothing but admiration. 18th century music has been a specialization of his, and his considerable work on Scarlatti, Rameau and Couperin have given him a sure feeling for melodic line, articulation and lyrical weightlessness." AudAud.com
Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109
Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111