Beethoven the Miniaturist: A performance and discussion of two late works
While we may think of Beethoven as the composer who doubled the length of the Classical symphony, this program focuses on his mastery of the miniature. From the crystalline opening movement of the Op. 109 sonata through the six variations of its final movement, none of the individual parts runs more than four minutes — and yet they work together to create an experience that rivals any in late Beethoven. Similarly, one finds multitudes within the six contrasting character pieces that comprise the Bagatelles, Op. 126, a collection that Beethoven intended to be experienced as a set. There is humor, rhapsody and reverie in these miniatures, but it is the circumspect cantabile melodies that ground the work and create its contemplative aspect. Paul Hersh brings a lifetime of experience to his commentary on these late masterpieces, which are performed by Christopher Basso.