Description
Beethoven's three Piano Sonatas, Op. 2, represent his initial foray into this genre with an assigned 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 a preeminent composer of his era. Each of these three sonatas, regarded as small masterpieces, is organized in a sequence that reflects increasing levels of difficulty and virtuosity. Central to the A-major Sonata is the renowned and deeply expressive Largo appassionato movement, characterized by a staccato bass line that evokes the sound of double bass pizzicati. This movement contrasts sharply with the lively Rondo-Finale, where the main theme reappears, increasingly adorned with intricate embellishments. The fingerings proposed by Murray Perahia, refined through decades of performance, provide a fresh perspective on these pivotal works within the piano repertoire.
