“Bold and courageous” – Classical Voice America

“Sandrin expresses the sounds with infinite subtlety” – Nieuwe Noten Netherlands

"A brave new world" – BBC Music Magazine

"An incredibly talented pianist"– Piano News Germany

Join acclaimed pianist and Kettner Concerts co-artistic director Cristian Sandrin for an extraordinary evening showcasing Beethoven's complete Opus 2 Piano Sonatas—the young composer's bold declaration and his emerging unique voice within the musical world of Vienna.

Written to challenge the mastery of Mozart and Haydn, these three ambitious sonatas marked Beethoven's explosive debut in the world of piano sonatas. Experience the revolutionary spirit of young Beethoven as his unique voice emerges through brilliant technical passages, dramatic emotional contrasts, and surprising innovations that would forever change classical music.

Witness the complete cycle performed in the elegant surroundings of the National Liberal Club—a rare opportunity to trace the evolution of Beethoven's genius across three remarkable works that announced the arrival of one of history's greatest musical revolutionaries.

Programme: 

L van Beethoven:

Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2, No. 1

• Allegro

• Adagio

• Menuetto: Allegretto

• Prestissimo

The F minor sonata opens the cycle with a restless energy. Its first movement, inspired by Mozart's K. 457 sonata in the same key, features dramatic silences and sudden dynamic contrasts. The lyrical Adagio provides momentary respite before the traditional Menuetto and the fiery final Prestissimo, which pushes the technical boundaries of piano playing for its time.

Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 2, No. 2

• Allegro vivace

• Largo appassionato

• Scherzo: Allegretto

• Rondo: Grazioso

The A major sonata expands in scale and ambition. Its brilliant opening movement demonstrates Beethoven's mastery of Classical forms while hinting at new directions. The profound Largo appassionato moves with the dignity of a slow march, while the Scherzo replaces the traditional Menuetto with greater rhythmic playfulness. The elegant Rondo finale showcases Beethoven's gift for graceful melody.

Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2, No. 3

• Allegro con brio

• Adagio

• Scherzo: Allegro

• Allegro assai

The cycle culminates in the virtuosic C major sonata, the most technically demanding of the three. Its expansive first movement rivals a concerto in brilliance, while the serene Adagio explores rich harmonic territories. The playful Scherzo leads to an exhilarating finale that pushes the performer's technique to its limits, highlighting Beethoven's own legendary prowess as a pianist.