Meany Center presents Jonathan Biss: Celebrating Beethoven Part I – Redux

Ludwig van Beethoven — Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2 "Tempest"
Ludwig van Beethoven — Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-flat major, Op. 7 "Grand"
Ludwig van Beethoven — Piano Sonata No. 5 in C minor, Op. 10 No. 1
Ludwig van Beethoven — Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata"

Jonathan Biss, piano

Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-flat major, Op. 7 "Grand"
Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "Tempest"
Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 5 in C minor, Op. 10 No. 1
Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Sonata No 23 in F minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata"

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s birth, Meany Center presents a selection of his piano sonatas with acclaimed pianist and Beethoven expert Jonathan Biss. In addition to having embarked on a nine-year project to record all 32 of the composer’s piano sonatas, he created Coursera’s popular open online course, Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas. In the first of two programs, Biss showcases the remarkable variety of expression in these works as he focuses on the dramatic Op. 7 with its tremendous confidence and optimism, the “Tempest” full of mystery and ambiguity, and the “Appassionata” – a furious, remorseless descent into darkness.

In November, due to illness, Biss was unable to perform Celebrating Beethoven, Part 1 but he has graciously agreed to perform this program in its entirety while in Seattle for Celebrating Beethoven, Part 2.

"Biss unreels the music like a prayer to the universe." – NPR

About Jonathan Biss

http://www.jonathanbiss.com/

About Meany Center for the Performing Arts

http://www.meanycenter.org