Piano recital by David Brain

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata in E major, Op.109; Piano Sonata in A flat major, Op.110; and Piano Sonata in C minor, Op.111

Written in the wake of the Missa Solemnis between 1820 and 1822, these very familiar works represent the final instalments from Beethoven's long cycle of Piano Sonatas. Frequently played but not often heard in one sitting, they are particularly fascinating in their fusion of traditional procedures such as fugal device and canonic imitation and rather more revolutionary structures and textures anticipating much from the 20th century. In each of the Sonatas there is a consistent reinvestigation of the principles of sonata form, a vocally conceived warmth in the lyricism and a pervasive third period rhetoric, rich in philosophical significance. In short, a concert dedicated to three magnificent and indispensable additions to the literature.