The Piano Sonata No.9 in E major, Op.14, No.1, is an early-period work by Beethoven, dedicated to Baroness Josefa von Braun, one of his patrons at that time. It was composed in 1798 and arranged for string quartet by the composer in 1801. Not withstanding its seeming simplicity, this sonata introduces the "Sturm und Drang" character that became so commonly identified with Beethoven. He adds drama both in the contrast between the lyrical passages that follow very active, textured thematic sections. The pianist and musicologist Charles Rosen considers both of the Opus 14 sonatas to be "considerably more modest than their predecessors", "destined for use in the home" and with "few technical difficulties". The notion that the Opus 14 sonatas are lighter or easier is not shared by every pianist; many consider them frightfully difficult to play and to interpret. Gould always maintained that the early Beethoven opus numbers were more interesting that the middle period successful works; therefore he plays Sonata No.9 with much enthusiasm and conviction, particularly in the third movement, a lively sonata rondo form strangely marked Allegro comodo.
I. Allegro 3'50"
II. Allegretto 3'25"
III. Rondo. Allegro comodo 2'58"
Recorded in New York, February 1966
16 окт 2024
