Search - Glenn Gould :: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Op. 31 Complet

"The World of Early-Romanticism..."

Sébastien Melmoth | Hôtel d'Alsace, PARIS | 10/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

".

"In these three works of Opus 31, the piano sonata enters the world of early-Romanticism [with its] poetic and evocative qualities. All three speak a new language, each presenting a new and original mode." (Lockwood)



Opus 31 was composed in 1802 when Beethoven's aural malady was becoming alarmingly obtrusive, forcing his abrupt withdrawal from Viennese aristocratic society.



No. 1 [G-major] maintains his youthful charm: especially notable is the wistful :09 Adagio grazioso featuring extensive trilling effects which presage his late Sonatas (cf. Op. 110).



No. 2 [d-minor] is yet a more seriously philosophical work with a great deal of atmosphere. The :07 opening Largo-Allegro premieres a sense of "becoming" which would be most fully revealed in the Ninth Symphony. The :09 Adagio (Bb) features Beethoven's lyrical expressiveness with interesting keyboard effects. The haunting and hectoring Allegretto is justly famous--(something like a "Für Elise" on steroids): heroically indignant. GG takes no repeats, thusly effecting a thrilling tour de force conclusion.



No. 3 [Eb-major] begins with a certain joyeuse Allegro which presages Wagner's later suspension of tonality with postponement of harmonic resolution. The Moderato e grazioso effects Beethoven's noble hymn-like melody. The Presto con fuoco is typically "unbuttoned" Beethoven at his cheeriest.



Gould's miraculous durée--his cognitave time-keeping--combined with his incredible digital technique, are apparent throughout.



A very satisfying programme.

.

Glenn Gould plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas: Moonlight, Pathetique, Appassionata

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 24 "À Thérèse" & 29 "Hammerklavier"

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30; Sonata No. 31; Sonata No. 32

.

Beethoven: The Music and the Life

Beethoven: His Spiritual Development

."