Beethoven Bookends
Navona, 2021
8/10
Just as the title implies, the pianist Antoinette Perry brings us on an adventure that covers Beethoven’s Opus 7, Opus 119 and Opus 111, where Perry brings her inimitable vision to the classic compositions that retains the brilliance of Beethoven while also allowing the artist to inject her unconventional vision to the interpretations.
“Sonata #4, Opus 7” starts the listen and offers 4 chapters where Perry’s brisk keys amaze us with so much precision, that it hardly seems like just one piano is present. Deeper into the composition, the setting turns bare with much beauty, but not without firm strikes entering the dreamy climate.
In the middle, “Eleven Bagatelles, Opus 119” is comprised of 11 pieces that vary from hypnotic and lush to light and airy with playful melodies. Near the end of his portion, “Vivace Moderato”, which is under a minute, finds a fascinating and classically timeless place to reside with both a sweeping and restrained approach.
The final track, “Sonata #32, Opus 111”, is just 2 segments, but they’re both long and allow Perry’s vast skill to shine in sparse moments amid rumbling, dramatic swells of intricate progression.
Amazingly, this is actually a live recording, and the sound quality and execution is nothing short of incredible. For fans of Beethoven and piano music in general, this is just not to be missed.
Travels well with: Elaine Freeman- La Speranza; Mark John McEncroe- Musical Images For Piano