Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 2 [Nos 11- 21]

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LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN
Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 2 [Nos 11- 21]
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (piano)

[ Chandos / 3 CD Box Set ]

Release Date: Monday 10 February 2014

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Jean-Efflam Bavouzet returns for the second volume of his survey of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas. The project, set to conclude with Vol. 3 in 2014, runs alongside his complete recording of Haydn's Piano Sonatas. Vol. 1 of the Beethoven series was critically acclaimed, BBC Music calling the performances 'distinguished and virtuosic' and Fanfare remarking that 'his readings will withstand the test of time'. In this release Bavouzet performs the sonatas published between 1800 and 1804.

This period marked a transitional stage in Beethoven's work and the arrival of his middle period. Included are the two Op. 27 sonatas, both modified 'quasi una fantasia' that break away from traditional forms. One of these, the 'Moonlight' Sonata, features one of his best-known movements, the opening Adagio sostenuto, which unfolds like a baroque prelude with its famous rolling triplets and lamenting melody. The 'Waldstein' Sonata, Op. 53 is one of the glories of Beethoven's middle period and surpasses all his previous sonatas in scope and scale. Also recorded here is the Andante in F, a piece originally intended as the slow movement to the 'Waldstein'. Although later replaced by a shorter Adagio molto this is a charming piece in its own right and quickly became one of Beethoven's most popular works after being published alone as the Andante favori.

"The nervous, abrupt chords in the first movement of Op 31, No 1 jump out and bite us. He's equally impressive capturing the music's playful mischief and sudden poetic revelations. So much here is brilliantly achieved and so sharply polished that the few moments of dullness take us by surprise." The Times, 10th January 2014 ****

"Bavouzet proves he has the elegance for the early sonatas and the pianistic command for Beethoven's larger forms...The "Moonlight" radiates mystery and momentum, the "Tempest" has fabulous intensity (and a graceful touch), while the "Waldstein" is treated to a performance of unmitigated rapture." Financial Times, 11th January 2014 ****

"At its best, his playing is engaging and fresh; there's never a hint of staleness about even the most familiar music...While some might feel increasingly short-changed by these performances, others who admire the polish and assurance of Bavouzet's playing as well as the surface slickness that goes with it, may well enjoy every one of these performances." The Guardian, 16th January 2014 ****

"he plays a rich-sounding modern instrument, and Chandos supplies its usual feather-bed acoustic. Yet whenever there's a chance to be abrasive, Bavouzet seizes it, and he relishes the opportunities Beethoven gives him to sound wispy and 'French'." BBC Music Magazine, February 2014 ****

"This second volume is lucid yet intense in the poised Opus 31 sonatas and vital in the 'Waldstein.'"
Gramophone Magazine Editor's Choice February 2014

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 11 in B flat major, Op. 22
Piano Sonata No. 12 in A flat major, Op. 26 'March Funebre'
Piano Sonata No. 13 in E flat major, Op. 27 No. 1 'Quasi una fantasia'
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 'Moonlight'
Piano Sonata No. 15 in D major, Op. 28 'Pastorale'
Piano Sonata No. 16 in G major, Op. 31 No. 1
Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest'
Piano Sonata No. 18 in E flat major, Op. 31 No. 3 'The Hunt'
Piano Sonata No. 19 in G minor, Op. 49 No. 1
Piano Sonata No. 20 in G major, Op. 49 No. 2
Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 'Waldstein'
Andante Favori in F, Wo057