Jonathan Biss embarks on a fascinating journey through all 32 Beethoven sonatas. Spanning the years 1795 to 1822, these works contain some of the composer’s most profound musical utterances. Beethoven’s subtle transformation of the piano sonata form is extraordinary – from the Classical style of the early sonatas to the freer multi-movement structures of the visionary late works. The first volume in the series moves from the nervous intensity of the C minor Sonata op.10 no.1 to the sublime leave-taking of the ‘Les Adieux’ Sonata, taking in another elegiac essay with op.26.
"... stylish, handsome readings that are sure to wear well over many repeated hearings."
Jerry Dubins - Fanfare - May/June 2012
Music **** Sound ****
Ingo Harden - Fono Forum magazine - May 2012
Instrumental Choice Performance ***** Recording **** Michael Tanner - BBC Music magazine - March 2012
"There’s a wonderfully unforced quality to Biss’s playing....the way in which he eases into the opening movement of the A flat Funeral March Sonata op26, or perfectly weights the climaxes in Op81a, Les Adieux, are marks of an outstanding pianist; for those who stay the course, this could be a Beethoven cycle to treasure" *****
Andrew Clements - The Guardian - 23 December 2011
