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, along with 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, regarded as small masterpieces, is organized in increasing levels of difficulty and virtuosity. The four-movement Sonata in F minor is frequently referred to as the "Little Appassionata," as it not only shares the same key with the renowned Sonata Op. 57 but also conveys a similarly intense emotional character, particularly in its final movement. Murray Perahia's fingerings, refined through decades of performance, provide a fresh perspective on these pivotal works within the piano repertoire.
