By Ludwig van Beethoven / ed. Stewart Gordon
Level: Late Intermediate / Advanced

Beethoven wrote 32 sonatas for piano. Volume 2, edited by Stewart Gordon, includes Sonatas 9--15 (Op. 14, Nos. 1--2; Op. 22; Op. 26; Op. 27, Nos. 1--2; and Op. 28), written between 1798 and 1801 and published shortly after they were written. Of the sonatas in this volume, autographs exist for Op. 26; Op. 27, No. 2 (the first and final pages are missing); and Op. 28. This edition is based on the existing autographs and the first editions, published by various Viennese engravers. Dr. Gordon discusses a variety of topics including Beethoven´s life; the pianos of his time and their limitations; Beethoven´s use of articulation, ornamentation, tempo; and the age-old challenge of attempting to determine the definitive interpretation of Beethoven´s music. Valuable performance recommendations, helpful fingering suggestions and ornament realizations are offered in this comprehensive critical body of Beethoven´s sonatas. Where performance options are open to interpretation, other editors´ conclusions are noted, enabling students and teachers to make informed performance decisions.