Ludwig van Beethoven was already notorious for his changeable moods during his lifetime. This moodiness may have had to do with frustration related to his loss of hearing or perhaps to a lack of social skills. A wide range of emotions can also be heard in his piano compositions. The charming ‘Andante favori’, the comical Rondo a capriccio, opus 129, ‘Rage Over a Lost Penny’ or the intense passion of his Waldstein Sonata demonstrate that Beethoven does not fit into easy pigeonholes.
Ronald Brautigam offers the most refined interpretation of this gamut of emotions, playing this music as if it unfolded naturally from beneath his fingertips. He reveals Beethoven in a familiar yet fresh, new light. Even at 70, Brautigam is a benchmark for Beethoven on historical keyboards. Essential listening for everyone who loves Beethoven’s piano music or wants to love it.
Program
L. van Beethoven: Sonata no. 21, opus 53 ‘Waldstein’ | Andante in F Major, WoO57 ‘Andante favori’ | Fantasia, opus 77 | 7 Bagatelles, opus 33 | Rondo a capriccio, opus 129 ‘Rage Over a Lost Penny’
Performers
Ronald Brautigam: fortepiano
