Igor Levit:
- Beethoven’s Late Piano Sonatas.
Igor Levit is being recognized by international critics as one of the most outstanding pianists of our time. His 2-CD album includes Beethoven’s five late sonatas, opp. 101, 106 and 109-111.
Out of this group of sonatas, my personal favorite is the Op. 110. Somehow I feel a great connection to this music, perhaps because it is composed in the key of A-Minor.
Here are some samples from my Spotify file called “Hank’s Levit”
Levit’s interpretations display extraordinary depth, balance, and interpretative skill. Written between 1816 and 1822 when the composer was completely deaf, Beethoven’s last sonatas are highly emotional and personal compositions; and Levit conveys the beautiful writing in this amazing and captivating performance.
The playing of the final sonata, op.111 is really exquisite, especially the second movement. The melody is so lyrical and poignant as to make the listener reflect that this was in fact Beethoven’s last piano sonata – and WHAT a sonata it is!
Here are the tracks on the two CD’s:
Disc 1:
Piano Sonata #28
1. I. Etwas lebhaft, mit der innigsten Empfindung (Allegretto, ma non troppo)
2. II. Lebhaft, marschmäßig (Vivace alla marcia)
3. III. Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll (Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto)
4. IV. Geschwind, doch nicht zu sehr und mit Entschlossenheit (Allegro)
Piano Sonata #29: (Hammerklavier”)
5. I. Allegro
6. II. Scherzo. Assai vivace
7. III. Adagio sostenuto
8. IV. Largo Allegro risoluto
Disc 2:
Piano Sonata #30
1. I. Vivace ma non troppo
2. II. Prestissimo
3. III. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung (Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo)
Piano Sonata #31
4. I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo
5. II. Allegro molto
6. III. Adagio ma non troppo – Fuga: Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata #32
7. I. Maestoso – Allegro con brio ed appassionato
8. II. Arietta. Adagio molto semplice e cantabile
Here is Igor Levit in an interview with BBC:
And next, here is Igor Levit at the 11th Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition, Playing Beethoven’s Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 2, No.2: (Listen to these amazing dynamics changes!)
Tags: Igor Levit, pianist, Beethoven, piano sonatas, Hammerklavier