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Jonathan Biss - Beethoven, Janacek, Chopin

Recital by Jonathan Biss. Beethoven: Sonata, Op 10 No 1; Sonata, Op 81a. Janacek: In the Mists. Chopin: Nocturne, Op 62 No 2; Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op 61. Janacek: Sonata I X 1905.

Presented by Martin Handley

Live from the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London

American pianist Jonathan Biss plays Sonatas by Beethoven, Jan谩cek's Sonata I.X.1905 (From the Street)
and Chopin favourites.

The programme centres around two late pieces by Chopin, the tranquil Nocturne in E, Op. 62 No.2 and the profoundly original Polonaise-Fantaisie, on either side of which he turns to the poetic soundworld of Jan谩cek.

Characteristically infused with the rhythms of the Czech language, the beautiful suite In the Mists is followed by the harrowing Sonata I.X.1905, an intense personal response to the shooting of a young political protestor.

Biss frames this with Beethoven, opening with the dramatic early Sonata in C minor, and closing with the Les Adieux Sonata, depicting an impassioned farewell, a lonely middle movement and a triumphant return.

Beethoven: Piano Sonata in C minor, Op.10 No.1
Jan谩cek: In the Mists (V mlh谩ch)
Chopin: Nocturne in E, Op.62 No.2
Chopin: Polonaise-Fantaisie in A flat, Op.61

8.15: Interval

Jan谩cek: Sonata I.X.1905 (From the Street)
Beethoven: Piano Sonata in E flat, Op.81a (Les Adieux)

Jonathan Biss piano.

2 hours, 30 minutes

Broadcast

  • Tue 17 Jan 2012 19:30

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