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Beethoven's carefully choreographed violence
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DC
Jan 15, 2010, 11:57:58 AM1/15/10
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(NPR) - Nowhere are Beethoven's gifts as a composer more
evident than in his sonatas for the piano. They contain
what was, from the start, his most personal musical
expression. The piano was his instrument, and he was
constantly pushing its capacities � particularly its range
and dynamic gradations � as far as they would go.
evident than in his sonatas for the piano. They contain
what was, from the start, his most personal musical
expression. The piano was his instrument, and he was
constantly pushing its capacities � particularly its range
and dynamic gradations � as far as they would go.
Emil Gilels' recordings of three great Beethoven sonatas
from 1972 to '74 are solid, dry and tightly focused.
There's a percussive hardness to his tone that is fitting
in Beethoven, but also a softness that is amazing �
qualities few other pianists have cultivated so skillfully.
As for technique, his rhythm is deadly accurate, his scales
evenly weighted. But what is truly extraordinary is the
lively, leonine quality of the playing...
Continued: http://xrl.us/BeethovenS
Music samples (Amazon.com): http://xrl.us/Bsonatas
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