Since 2004, Andreas Haefliger has been presenting Perspectives, a series of recital programs, in concert and on recordings. Each program focusses on one or two Beethoven sonatas, juxtaposed with works by other composers which in some way interact with Beethoven's music and with each other. Now, for his latest release on BIS, Haefliger has instead opted for an all-Beethoven recital, choosing to present the composer's three sonatas Op. 31 as a group. In his introduction to the disc, Haefliger describes the set as occupying 'a very special place in the Beethoven sonata cycle: It preserves a link to the past but gives us also a vision of the works to come, exploring humour and tenderness, nature and the psychology of the human mind.' The recording took place in the Salle de Musique in La Chaux-de-Fonds, celebrated for it's superb acoustics, on a Bechstein concert grand which Haefliger describes as 'a piano which, while a modern instrument, retains a nostalgic quality in it's sound world and was a constant source of inspiration during the sessions.'

Tracklist:

Piano Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: I. Allegro Vivace
Piano Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: II. Adagio Grazioso
Piano Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: III. Rondo. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "The Tempest": I. Largo - Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "The Tempest": II. Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "The Tempest": III. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "The Hunt": I. Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "The Hunt": II. Scherzo. Allegretto Vivace
Piano Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "The Hunt": III. Menuetto. Moderato E Grazioso
Piano Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3 "The Hunt": IV. Presto Con Fuoco

UPC: 7318599926070
Label: Bis
Release Date: 1.7.22
Format: CD

Beethoven / Haefliger - Piano Sonatas 31 (Hybr) (CD)