Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Works: Complete Piano Sonatas
Performers: Malcolm Bilson, Tom Beghin, David Breitman, Ursula Dütschler, Zvi Meniker, Bart van Oort, Andrew Willis (fortepiano)
Recording: March, June, July, November 1996, Masterview Sound Studio, Ithaca, New York, and Maria Minor Church, Utrecht, Holland
Label: Claves
The complete piano sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven stand as monumental pillars in the canon of Western classical music. Composed between 1795 and 1822, these works traverse the evolution of Beethoven’s musical language, reflecting his shifting aesthetic ideals and personal circumstances. The Claves recording, featuring interpretations on period instruments, offers a rare opportunity to engage with these sonatas as Beethoven himself might have envisioned them, revealing the nuances and textures that modern pianos often obscure.
This set features seven distinguished pianists, each employing a fortepiano, an instrument that diverges significantly from the modern grand. The fortepiano’s sharper attack and quicker decay allow for a greater clarity in articulating Beethoven’s intricate counterpoint and dynamic contrasts. For instance, in the Allegro vivace of Sonata No. 2, the crispness of the fortepiano enhances the clarity of rapid passages, delivering a sense of buoyancy that resonates with the youthful exuberance of the work. Tom Beghin’s interpretation exemplifies this, as he navigates the virtuosic demands with deft agility, illuminating the dialogue between voices in a way that feels both intimate and urgent.
The recording’s technical aspects merit attention, especially considering the challenges associated with capturing the fortepiano’s sound. The engineering achieves a commendable balance, allowing the instrument’s idiosyncrasies to emerge without succumbing to an overabundance of artificial reverberation. Each pianist’s distinct approach to the instrument brings a kaleidoscope of interpretative choices. For example, Ursula Dütschler’s performance of Sonata No. 6 showcases a breathtaking command of articulation, with her execution of the opening Allegro marked by a fluidity that contrasts sharply with the more percussive interpretations common on modern pianos.
Equally noteworthy is the inclusion of the three “Bonn Sonatas,” composed in Beethoven’s youth. While these pieces do not reach the profundity of his later works, they provide valuable insights into the nascent genius of the composer. The fortepiano illuminates the emerging voice of Beethoven, revealing early motifs that would later blossom into the complexities of his mature style.
Interpretative liberties taken by the performers, such as varied ornamentation and differing tempos, breathe fresh life into the music. David Breitman’s brisk tempo in the Andante of Sonata No. 15 transforms this movement into an exhilarating experience, reminiscent of jazz rhythms, suggesting a playful yet profound engagement with the text. Such choices provoke thought on the performative nature of Beethoven’s music, encouraging listeners to reflect on the inherent flexibility of interpretation.
However, the decision to involve multiple pianists and instruments presents a challenge in maintaining a cohesive sonic landscape throughout the set. Some listeners may find the fluctuations in timbre and style disorienting, as entire sonatas shift in character from one track to the next. While this diversity showcases the versatility of the fortepiano, it might detract from the fluidity of the listening experience.
The accompanying booklet, rich in historical context and analytical commentary, serves as an invaluable resource for listeners seeking to deepen their understanding of Beethoven’s sonatas. It contextualizes the music within Beethoven’s life and the evolution of keyboard instruments, enhancing the overall experience of the recordings.
This collection of Beethoven’s piano sonatas on historical instruments is essential for anyone wishing to engage with the composer’s works in a manner closer to their original spirit. The performances are imbued with a freshness that invites both seasoned listeners and newcomers to hear these masterpieces anew. The fortepiano reveals subtleties of expression and dynamics that challenge conventional interpretations, making this set a vital addition to any classical music library.
