Beethoven and his French piano

In 1803 Beethoven received a piano from Erard Frères in Paris. Why had he been so keen to own a French instrument and how did it inspire him, both as a pianist and a composer? The answer may lie in these performances on a new replica of Beethoven’s French piano, created as part of a unique research project. Placing the iconic “Waldstein” and “Appassionata” sonatas alongside equally grand pieces by two of his Parisian contemporaries, they reveal an unfamiliar French aspect to Beethoven’s genius.

EAN: 608917721324

Track list

CD 1

1. Concerto in G Major, Op. 58 II. Andante con moto, “2da parte” - 01:46
2. Méthode de piano du Conservatoire Exercise No. 48 - 00:33
3. Sonata in C Major, Op. 8, No. 2 Allegro di molto - 15:12
4. Sonata in C Major, Op. 8, No. 2 Romance: Andante grazioso un peu animé / Adagio non troppo - 10:46
5. Sonata in C Major, Op. 8, No. 2 Finale Scherzando: Allegro vivace - 05:54
6. “Eroica” Sketchbook Excercise - 00:37
7. Sonata in C Major, Op. 53, “Waldstein” Allegro con brio - 16:47
8. Sonata in C Major, Op. 53, “Waldstein” Allegretto (WoO 56) - 01:55
9. Sonata in C Major, Op. 53, “Waldstein” Andante grazioso con moto (WoO 57) - 08:39
10. Sonata in C Major, Op. 53, “Waldstein” Introduzione: Adagio molto—Rondo: Allegretto moderato / Prestissimo - 12:33
11. Sonata in C Major, Op. 53, “Waldstein” Introduzione: Adagio molto - 03:09

CD 2

1. Sonata in F Major, Op. 54 In Tempo d’un Menuetto - 05:59
2. Sonata in F Major, Op. 54 Allegretto / Più allegro - 06:54
3. Sonata in F Minor, Op. 57, “Appassionata” Allegro assai - 10:41
4. Sonata in F Minor, Op. 57, “Appassionata” Andante con moto - 05:38
5. Sonata in F Minor, Op. 57, “Appassionata” Allegro ma non troppo / Presto - 08:42
6. Sonata in G Major, Op. 64 Cantabile con espressione - 22:19
7. Sonata in G Major, Op. 64 Tempo di Minuetto: Scherzando - 02:55
8. Sonata in G Major, Op. 64 Adagio: Fantaisie - 11:45
9. Sonata in G Major, Op. 64 Pastorale: Allegretto - 07:39

Listen on: Spotify / Deezer / Apple Music / Qobuz

The 136-page booklet includes an extensive essay by the artist and an interview with the piano maker, as well as a personal code that allows online streaming of exclusive audio and video offerings.

More info: www.beethovenerard.com