Performed by Michael Houstoun at his recital celebrating the the 250th birthday of Beethoven
Photo: Poster art
Michael Houstoun talks to Eva Radich about his Beethoven recital
The adagio sostenuto from the epic 'Hammerklavier' sonata was described by Michael Houstoun as possibly the greatest slow movement of them all.
However he went on to say that "unless a pianist is utterly committed to it, it will probably fail".
The 1819 marketing blurb by the Sonata's Viennese publishers captured the new frontiers Beethoven was exploring in emotional expression, physical difficulty and even playing time: a work that "excels above all other creations of this master not only through its most rich and grand fantasy but also in regard to artistic perfection and sustained style, [it] will mark a new period in Beethoven’s pianoforte works."
Recorded by RNZ Concert in Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber, 16 December 2020
Producer: Tim Dodd; Engineer: Adrian Hollay
