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Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Ludwig van Beethoven was early recognized as a musical genius. He was taught by his father and by several musicians. He found relief from his dysfunctional home life, characterized by his father's increasing alcoholism. From 14 he loved, befriended, and taught piano to Helene von Breuning. At age 21, he moved to Vienna, which became his base and where he studied composition with Joseph Haydn.

Here we present 32 piano sonatas noted down in various sections of his life. The first person to play them all in a single concert cycle was Hans von Bülow, a well-known conductor, pianist, and composer of the time. Hans von Bülow called these sonatas "The New Testament" of piano literature, with Johann Sebastian Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier being "The Old Testament".

Beethoven was a master of the language of music. These creations emerged from about his deepest love and understanding of music. Beethoven has summed up his life in two quotations: "Music can change the world" and "To play without passion is inexcusable!" We also remember this: "I have never thought of writing for reputation and honour. What I have in my heart must come out; that is the reason why I compose."

Sonata No. 1 in F minor

Sonata No. 2 in A major

Sonata No. 3 in C major

Sonata No. 4 in E-flat major

Sonata No. 5 in C minor

Sonata No. 6 in F major

Sonata No. 7 in D major

Sonata No. 8 in C minor "Pathétique"

Sonata No. 9 in E major

Sonata No. 10 in G major

Sonata No. 11 in B-flat major

Sonata No. 12 in A-flat major

Sonata No. 13 in E-flat major

Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor ("quasi una fantaisia"/"Moonlight Sonata")

Sonata No. 15 in D major "Pastoral"

Sonata No. 16 in G major

Sonata No. 17 in D minor "Tempest"

Sonata No. 18 in E-flat major "The Hunt"

Sonata No. 19 in G minor

Sonata No. 20 in G major

Sonata No. 21 in C major "Waldstein"

Sonata No. 22 in F major

Sonata No. 23 in F minor "Appassionata"

Sonata No. 24 in F-sharp major

Sonata No. 25 in G major

Sonata No. 26 in E-flat major "Les Adieux"

Sonata No. 27 in E minor

Sonata No. 28 in A major

Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major "Hammerklavier"

Sonata No. 30 in E major

Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major

Sonata No. 32 in C minor

All were produced with virtual instruments for MP3.
Public Domain