Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 24 in F sharp major, Op. 78

On the second volume in his complete cycle of all 32 sonatas, Jonathan Biss has chosen the early but large-scale ‘Grand Sonata’ op.7 from 1796, a work exceeded in length only by the ‘Hammerklavier’ sonata, and the most famous of all the sonatas – the ‘Moonlight’, along with the Fantasy and op.78.

Spanning the years 1795 to 1822, the piano sonatas contain some of Beethoven’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 rare Fantasy op.77 gives an insight to Beethoven’s improvisatory style, in which he was without equal. Moscheles and Czerny both said that this work reminded them of Beethoven’s famous improvisations. It dates from 1808, the same year as the delightful and compact op.78 sonata.

One of Eloquence’s chief credos is to bring back into circulation forgotten recordings or artists who’ve slipped from memory. ‘Hans Richter-Who?’ you might say. Born in 1912 in Dresden and taught there both by Hans Schneider and in the famous class of Robert Teichmüller, around the age of 30 Richter-Haaser moved to Detmold. At first Richter-Haaser took over the artistic direction of the city orchestra. But by 1947 he had already been entrusted with a piano masterclass. This must be seen as a substantial foundation for the rank and renown of the Detmold Music Academy, which in recent years has become a sort of forge for pianists. His recordings are, sadly, few and far between. He recorded Beethoven sonatas for both Philips and EMI. Issued several years ago on its ‘The Early Years’ imprint, these Beethoven recordings from the 1950s are long out of print and a much sought-after collector’s item. The sonatas are coupled here with Richter-Haaser as soloist in the Choral Fantasy, with Karl Böhm conducting.

The much anticipated release of Volume 3 marks Roscoe’s 60th birthday celebrations.

Following the success of Volumes 1 and 2, we are delighted to present The Final Trilogy – Volume 3 of Martin Roscoe’s complete Beethoven Sonata series. Martin Roscoe is a versatile musician who endeavours always to serve the composer and the music. His enduring popularity and solid reputation are built on a deeply thoughtful musicianship that is allied to an easy rapport with audiences and fellow musicians alike.

Martin is one of the most regularly played pianists on BBC Radio 3 and they highly praised his second disc in this series (Waldstein, DXL1162) describing is as “one of the truly great recordings of the Waldstein Sonata…perfect musical judgement and a formidable technique from Martin Roscoe”

A compendium of marvellous performances from the grand old Beethovenian, Wilhelm Backhaus, these performances have all the gravitas traditionally associated with this pianist but also youthful fire in such pieces as the Appassionata. The three 'big name' sonatas frame two 'little' ones - the charming Opp. 78 and 79, respectively A Therese and Alla tedesca.

“As she demonstrated yesterday, the Turkish pianist Idil Biret must rank as a virtuoso. With unflagging energy she produced a series of supercharged performances. In Beethoven’s Hammerklavier Sonata she revealed not only glittering fingerwork, but an unusually powerful and clear-thinking musical mind. That Kempff has been among her mentors was obviously something to take into account.” DAILY TELEGRAPH

“When the massive Beethoven / Biret series is issued in the full, it will contain 19 CDs housing the complete sonatas, piano concertos and the symphonies (in Liszt’s transcriptions). It will be a worthwhile monument to keyboard aficionados and Beethoven mavens, for Biret (b.1941) is one of the finest interpreters of the composer’s works of her generation… All in all these four discs (the first four of the series) augur an excellent introduction to what will probably be regarded as one of the more important Beethoven keyboard projects of the early 21st century.” CLASSICAL NET