My favorite sonata among the 32 piano sonatas composed by Beethoven is the number 31. Every major pianist has performed this work at some time in her/his career. I have recently been very moved by Helene Grimaud’s playing, and today it is her turn…
Composed in 1821, the Opus 110 shares the same humanity and other-worldly atmosphere of its neighbors, the opus 109 and 111.
The first movement is a close cousin of Op. 109: both display a warm lyricism and tenderness. It is also remarkably compact – some 19 minutes in length — whereas many others are quite longer.
This work is an amazing collection of ideas of compelling meaning and profound expression by a composer who has all but rejected the rules of classical sonata form at this late point of his creative career.
Here is Ms. Grimaud to play this music for you:
