HJ Lim and Beethoven
24 year old pianist, HJ Lim just came out with her complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas recordings! And they are amazing. Her interpretations are clear and daring but scholarly at the same time. Plus right now it’s on iTunes for only $9.99.
Beethoven - Piano Sonata Op. 21 in C major, Op. 53 “Waldstein” - III. Rondo: Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo
Performed by Nicholas Walker
Beethoven - Piano Sonata Op. 21 in C major, Op. 53 “Waldstein” - II. Introduzione: Adagio molto - attacca
Performed by Nicholas Walker
Beethoven - Piano Sonata Op. 21 in C major, Op. 53 ”Waldstein” - I. Allegro con brio
Performed by Nicholas Walker
Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58 - III. Rondo (Vivace)
Performed by Wilhelm Kempff with the Berlin Philharmonic
(Source: toonpool.com)
Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58 - II. Andante con moto
Performed by Wilhelm Kempff with the Berlin Philharmonic
Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58 - I. Allegro moderato
Performed by Wilhelm Kempff with the Berlin Philharmonic
(Source: musicallypunny)
Beethoven - Choral Fantasy Op. 80 - II. Finale
The main part of the piece, marked “Finale”, begins with an Allegro theme played by the cellos and basses. Next, the solo piano introduces the choral theme in an ornamented version. Variations on the theme are then played by the flutes, oboes, clarinets, and string soloists, respectively. A full orchestral version of the theme, played at a forte dynamic leads into a more lyrical piano line.
The orchestra accompanies an eighth-note heavy piano part as the piece modulates from C minor to C major. A calm, flowing A-major section, ending with a call-and-response section between double reeds, horn, and piano, leads into the Marcia, an F-major variation on the main theme in march style. A reprise of the instrumental theme from the first Allegro transitions into the choral entrance.
The chorus enters with the sopranos and altos singing the main theme, harmonized in triads. The tenors and basses then sing the theme, after which the entire chorus is joined by the orchestra in a tutti rendition. A presto coda with orchestra, chorus, and piano brings the piece to a close.
Rudolf Serkin, piano; Westminster Choir; New York Philharmonic; Leonard Bernstein, conductor
