The Beethoven Explored series on Britain's Metier label apparently seeks to situate Beethoven's music for violin and piano within its original surroundings. (They do not, however, use period instruments.) As such, the three early sonatas included on this disc receive their original designation as being "for piano and violin." The results are easy to hear in the performances by violinist Peter Sheppard Skaerved and pianist Aaron Shorr; they don't hesitate to let the piano dominate in passages where the piano writing has a ...
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The Beethoven Explored series on Britain's Metier label apparently seeks to situate Beethoven's music for violin and piano within its original surroundings. (They do not, however, use period instruments.) As such, the three early sonatas included on this disc receive their original designation as being "for piano and violin." The results are easy to hear in the performances by violinist Peter Sheppard Skaerved and pianist Aaron Shorr; they don't hesitate to let the piano dominate in passages where the piano writing has a full texture. Beyond that, the booklet goes into a great deal of detail about the original performers of these pieces and their relationship to Beethoven, with an intent toward demystification of the composer. The violinist was Ignaz Schuppanzigh, whose string quartet later premiered Beethoven's last works, and Beethoven is depicted as, among other things, joshing the musician about his obesity. This may even have had musical ramifications. The value of this kind of investigation is...
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