Description
The two Sonatas op. 102, written in 1815, mark the transition to the often austere sonorities of Beethoven's late style. In 1818, one reviewer of the original edition noted that they "doubtless number among the most unusual and peculiar things written in a long while." Proceeding from the established Classical schema, Beethoven explores possibilities for changing and expanding sonata form in these works, making Opus 102 the capstone of his cello œuvre.
The Sonata in C-major features unusual structural elements, including two fast movements each preceded by short slow-tempo introductions - an idiosyncratic, unique formal construction. The Urtext edition by Jens Dufner, based on his research for the Beethoven Complete Edition's Critical Report, presents the musical text at the highest scholarly level. Dufner's preface and Critical Report outline the genesis and source situation of the sonata. The edition also includes fingerings provided by Ian Fountain and David Geringas.
