Classical Music | Piano Music

Recorded on 07/09/2014, uploaded on 12/02/2014

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

The first decade of the nineteenth century saw major political changes in Europe. This also manifested itself in the music of Ludwig van Beethoven. He was enamored of the ideas that shaped the French revolution and saw in Napoleon the embodiment of this triumph. His admiration for the French general changed abruptly when the latter with an imperial gesture declared himself First Consul in 1803, then Emperor. In 1809, Napoleon was advancing towards Vienna. Beethoven’s close friend, student and patron Archduke Rudolf left the city along with many aristocrats. This sonata is a programmatic work, the first movement being the departure of the Archduke, the second his absence, and the third movement his return. Above the opening three-note-horn-call Beethoven wrote the word Le-be-wohl (“Farewell”). This three-note motif unites the piece. It is diminished rhythmically or augmented, inverted or played as in the opening. It is used as a theme or as a transition figure. The piece begins with an introduction and ends with an epilogue, thus creating the perfect balance. Op. 81a is one of Beethoven’s most celebrated piano sonatas, pointing towards his late style searching for new harmonic, melodic and structural relationships.     Alon Goldstein

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.