Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata Sonata No. 19 in G Minor, Op. 49, No. 1 (1795/98)

The Complete Sonatas of Beethoven (Live)
Joel Schoenhals, piano
www.joelschoenhals.com
Eastern Michigan University
Pease Auditorium
September 20, 2013
Greg Knollmeyer, video production
www.video.gregknollmeyer.com/
Sonata No. 19 in G Minor, Op. 49, No. 1 (1795/98) Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Andante
Rondo: Allegro
Two Sonatas Opus 49
These two sonatas were written between 1795 and 1798, but were published nearly ten years later in 1805 without the consent of the composer. Thus, the opus number is misleading. In performing the complete Beethoven sonatas chronologically, this is a more logical placement for these sonatas.
Entitled "Leichte Sonaten", meaning light or easy sonatas, they are the two shortest sonatas Beethoven wrote, each only lasting about eight minutes, and each only containing two movements. It is largely believed that these works were written for pedagogical purposes, and indeed they still are extraordinarily popular teaching pieces even today. At the same time, they make charming concert works and are models of Classicism in their elegance, simplicity, and balance.
Sonata No. 19 in G Minor, Op. 49, No. 1 (1795/98)
The melancholy first movement is an intimate expression of longing and tenderness. The ending descends to the bass creating a sense of darkness and emptiness. Out of this dark ending emerges a spontaneous and child-like second movement full of stops, starts, and surprises. In the form of a rondo, the youthful and energetic first theme reoccurs between episodes of restless drama and graceful charm.
- Notes by Joel Schoenhals, 2013
Dan Harteau, piano technician
Concert Instrument:
This performance features Steinway Model D, serial number 213668. It was manufactured in the Steinway & Sons factory in Queens, New York on March 28, 1922. Presumably, it returned to the Steinway factory for additional work in the 1950s, as there are Steinway 100th anniversary medallions on the fallboard. Sampson R. Field, a former president of the New York Philharmonic and chairman of the Marlboro School of Music and Marlboro Festival in Vermont purchased the instrument in 1953. "Mr. Field headed the Philharmonic from 1978 to 1981 and was a member of its board for more than 20 years. He was an amateur pianist who occasionally played with professionals, and he worked for many years as a volunteer for several organizations that aided the growth and development of the careers of young musicians" (New York Times, obituary, 1991). AC Pianocraft of New York City acquired the piano and it was rebuilt in 2006.

[@diegozapatarivera1382]

Que Bonito Joel!!! Congratulations.

[@xueliansuelian]

Beautifully interpretated!

[@JoelSchoenhals]

Thank you.

[@lovelyday50]

Can you do some tutor on this piece? Thanks

[@muhualuo3674]

Hermoso!!

[@bcizlr]

Very well done

[@joseluiscastellanosramirez8068]

Con el sentimiento perenne del genio de Bonn

[@martinesavard1246]

Nice interpretation generally speaking, although the first movement is somewhat too 'Chopinesque'. The second movement is played much more in character. Bravo!

[@theresabucker1563]

Ronde:Fasterfolg!

[@_dosha_007_5]

Русские есть?? Русских нет!!

[@user-is8hh4nr4l]

Русские повсюду!