BEETHOVEN, L. van: Piano Sonata No. 23, "Appassionata" (Behind the Notes - Boris Giltburg Introduces Piano Sonata No. 23)
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, "Appassionata"
Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van
Giltburg, Boris
Catalogue Number: NVF1294
UPC: 730099629416
Beethoven, in his core, is a composer of light, his music uplifting and life-affirming. But in a few works he addressed the darkness with a mastery just as absolute, giving us within the sonata cycle the Pathetique, Moonlight, and perhaps most vivid of all, the Appassionata. These three are without doubt among the most popular of his works, attesting to some irresistible attraction these dark soundscapes must exert on us. Perhaps it is also an attestation to Beethoven's mastery of dramaturgy and his profound, relatable humanity: he knows how to grip us in a dark narrative, but we constantly feel that he lived through the same experience as us, felt the same emotions, possibly more strongly than we do. Trusting him, we willingly lower our defenses and submit ourselves to this white-knuckle ride.
Boris Giltburg is lauded worldwide as a deeply sensitive, insightful and compelling interpreter, with critics praising his impassioned approach to performance. This project to record all of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas is a personal exploration for Giltburg, driven by curiosity and his profound respect for the composer.
