With his sonatas op. 31 composed in 1802 Beethoven for the last time grouped together piano sonatas under one opus number. The centrepiece of the collection is undoubtedly the dramatic Sonata in D minor nicknamed 'Tempest' which already fascinated his contemporaries. According to Anton Schindler, who asked the composer about the 'key' to this work as well as to the sonata op. 57 ('Appassionata'), Beethoven advised him: 'Just read Shakespeares Tempest'. Jonathan Del Mar, currently one of the most renowned Beethoven scholars, stands for a meticulously edited Urtext edition on the basis of an intensive study of all sources. Performers are presented with a musical text offering new readings and based on the latest research findings. The detailed Critical Commentary accounts for sources, readings and editorial emendations. In this edition great care has been given to a user-friendly layout which on the one hand reflects the flow and tempo of the music and on the other hand facilitates the study of this complex music by means of a transparent and clear appearance on the page as well as good page turns. Particularly enlightening is the chapter on period performance practice which sheds light on certain issues of Beethovens instruments and their range, the usage of the pedals, tempo, dynamics, articulation and ornaments. / Piano

Par BEETHOVEN LUDWIG VAN. This composition published in 1802 constitutes a completely separate concert piece from Opus 51 no. 1. Compared to the first Rondo (op. 51 no. 1), the second is considerably longer and with a markedly different expressive disposition. Here, lyrical traits predominate without any of the dramatic incursions otherwise so emblematic of Beethoven’s compositions. For that reason, this comparatively reserved work did not enjoy the same popularity as the Rondo op. 51 no. 1 and continues to invite rediscovery. Based on her preliminary research for the critical Complete Edition, Beethoven specialist Joanna Cobb Biermann has carefully revised the musical text of the Henle Urtext edition and updated the preface to reflect the latest scholarship./ Répertoire / Piano

Op. 2 No. 3. Par BEETHOVEN LUDWIG VAN. remplace HN 622. Les trois sonates pour piano op. 2 sont les premières oeuvres de ce genre que Beethoven ait composées et dotées d'un numéro d'opus, les offrant ainsi au monde musical comme des compositions particulièrement précieuses. Elles virent le jour au cours des premières années viennoises de Beethoven et l'établirent - de même que ses Trios avec piano op. 1 - comme l'un des compositeurs les plus importants de son temps. Chacune de ces sonates est un petit chef d'oeuvre, qui rivalise en matière d'exécution et de bravoure. Cette grande sonate est surtout marquée par la vivacité du premier et du dernier mouvement qui avec leur Allegro con brio et Allegro assai exigent de la part d'un pianiste bien en selle de véritables prouesses de virtuosité - à la grande stupeur du public ... si tout se passe bien !/ Répertoire / Piano