Ariel Lanyi plays Beethoven Sonata No. 32, Op. 111

  / arielfans  
Beethoven's last piano sonata in C minor, Op. 111, was written in 1821-1822. The fiery first movement, which begins with a dramatic and forceful introduction, contains fugal and polyphonic elements (common in Beethoven's late period) reminiscent of the baroque period. The second movement, Arietta, is indeed one of Beethoven's most spectacular movements. For me, the Arietta contains two large parts. The first is the introduction of a simple theme, which gradually metamorphoses into some of Beethoven's most emotionally intense and dramatic music. The second is the ending, which is reminiscent of an epic tale. In the ending, Beethoven modulates briefly from C major (the key of the Arietta) to E-flat major, then returns to C major with a grand entrance of the original theme, which winds down to a calm and peaceful ending of the sonata (indeed, of all of Beethoven's 32 sonatas).
Played in a recital at the Monart Arts Center, in Ashdod, Israel.
Maestoso: 0:05
Arietta: 9:02