Beethoven Piano Sonatas: Heroic To Hammerklavier
Prospero, 2025
9/10
Listen to Beethoven Piano Sonatas: Heroic To Hammerklavier
The esteemed pianist David Korevaar takes on a significant project here, where 2 discs of Beethoven’s interpretations have been honed from years of teaching and playing the works and are fleshed out with precision.
The first half is comprised of The Heroic Period, as “Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53” opens with the dancing keys radiating much meticulousness via the animated delivery, and “Andante favori, WoO 57” follows with a distinct intimacy thanks to the cautious fingers.
The first disc finishes with “Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57”, where both firm blasts and melodic bouts align with incredible attention to detail, while Disc 2, i.e. The Two ‘Hammerklavier’ Sonatas, leads with “Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101”, which is full of beauty and sophistication from the sensitive gestures and attentiveness to mood.
“Sonata No. 29 in B-flat Major, Op. 106” finishes the album, and offers friskiness, fluid progressions and Korevaar’s unique take on texture.
Korevaar began this vision during Covid, and these recorded pieces give us further clarity and an enhanced sound that truly does justice to the originals while also allowing for his inimitable techniques to shine.
Travels well with: David Korevaar- Piano Quintets; Opus Two- Stephen Sondheim: New Chamber Music Arrangements