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Duo Sonata

November 16, 2009

The sonatas that Johannes Moser and Paul Rivinius played in the Collegium Leonium during the Beethovenfest 2009 were all written by composers as musical declarations of friendship.

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Johannes Moser
Cellist Johannes MoserImage: Manfred Esser

Beethoven's last cello sonata, Op. 102, No. 2, in three movements, is one of the most musically and technically demanding compositions for cello, on a par with Bach's solo suites. It is a typical example of Beethoven's daring late style. Even years after its first performance in 1815, a critic voiced surprise that the cello and piano were given equal prominence, with neither playing an accompanying role.

Johannes Moser, one of the most outstanding cellists of our time, draws a full and sensual sound from his instrument, filling the hall in almost majestic fashion. Paul Rivinius, his partner on the piano, contributes greatly towards making this performance an experience to remember.

Program:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Sonata for cello and piano no. 5 in D major op. 102/2

Recorded by Deutsche Welle at the Collegium Leoninum, in Bonn, Germany on September 25, 2009.

Norbert Hornig/gz/kjb