Description
Beethoven's three Piano Sonatas, Op. 2, represent the initial compositions in this genre to which he assigned an opus number, thereby indicating their significant value in his oeuvre. Composed during his early years in Vienna, these sonatas, alongside his Op. 1 piano trios, played a crucial role in establishing his reputation as one of the foremost composers of his era. Each of these three sonatas can be regarded as a small masterpiece, arranged in a sequence that reflects increasing levels of difficulty and virtuosity. The expansive Sonata in C is particularly distinguished by its brisk outer movements, labeled Allegro con brio and Allegro assai, which require a high level of technical skill from even the most seasoned performers. When executed successfully, these pieces are sure to captivate the audience. Murray Perahia's fingerings, refined through decades of performance, provide a fresh perspective on these pivotal works within the piano repertoire.
