Description

The Piano Sonata No. 24 in F sharp major, Op. 78, which consists of only two movements, has consistently remained overshadowed by the significantly more renowned “Appassionata,” Op. 57, and “Les Adieux,” Op. 81a, that surround it. Nevertheless, Beethoven himself regarded this sonata, composed in 1809, as being of greater significance – believe it or not – than the “Moonlight Sonata.” He reportedly expressed his frustration, as noted by Carl Czerny: “One always speaks of the C sharp minor Sonata!” he lamented. “I have, after all, truly written better things. The F sharp major Sonata is something else!” This edition of the sonata, edited by the skilled editors Norbert Gertsch and Murray Perahia, and featuring Perahia’s fingerings, advocates for this masterpiece, which masterfully blends virtuosity with lyricism.