09/03/2024
My latest album received a glowing review in Germany:
https://www.facebook.com/Orchestergraben/posts/pfbid0CTrtmZvaVwq5hzrtgBZejmcxPtbrKiAKHsEvw8A2fWh5FXuuoosrShr1cWiKxH1Wl
The exceptional Portuguese pianist and Beethoven expert Artur Pereira set the tone with his new album 'Piano Sonatas vol. 2' in his interpretation of the Beethoven piano sonatas.
The Sonata Op. 2 No. 1, an early work by the master, was first performed publicly in 1795 in the house of Prince Lichnowsky. The illustrious audience included none other than the great composer Joseph Haydn, who was not only Beethoven's friend but also his teacher. So it is unsurprising that the Op.2 Sonatas are dedicated to Haydn. Despite tensions between the two men, the great role model was given a special honour.
Artur Pereira with attention to detail
Artur Pereira places particular attention and emphasis on detail in his interpretation of the sonatas, and this fact can be heard in every note. His playing is remarkably nuanced but never too much intellectually oriented. Although Beethoven often did not provide any signs of resolution at crucial points, his intentions are at least clearly visible in scientifically sound editions of music. And that's exactly what Pereira focuses on in his work. Embellishments or decorations are not his thing. This brings him closer to Beethoven in a special way.
The sonata 'quasi una fantasia', better known by the unspeakable nickname 'Moonlight Sonata', is often misinterpreted as romanticized night music. The basic mood of this masterpiece is more like a funeral march. Beethoven was truly in a rather depressed mood when he completed this piece in 1801. According to tradition, he played the first movement in quiet seclusion on the occasion of a friend's funeral, completely without an audience.
Here too Artur Pereira succeeds in the 'art of the fugue'. He gives the sonata the necessary intimacy and meticulously adheres to Beethoven's instructions to play the piece with the 'utmost tenderness' while avoiding any sentimental touch. The allegretto is gracefully dance-like and does not lack a certain elegance. In the Presto, he then unleashes a storm on the keyboard. Pereira skilfully uses the pedal to underpin the rousing finale.
Artur Pereira's playing, as a whole, is a stylistic balance paired with a special depth of expression. After his brilliant recording of the 'Tempest Sonata Op. 31', he also succeeds in producing an extremely gripping and luminous interpretation with his continuation of the Beethoven Sonatas vol. 2.
His Beethoven is empirical, challenging and a source of inspiration.
Entdecke die Brillanz des Pianisten Artur Pereira. Sein neues Album 'Piano sonatas vol. 2' ist eine spannende Interpretation der Beethoven-Klaviersonaten.
