Stephen Beus - Beethoven Hammerklavier fugue

Stephen Beus
Bethoven Sonata opus 106

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Stephen
• Beus
• beethoven
• fugue
• hammerklavier
• hammer
• klavier
• sonata
• 106
• 29

[alexhuddleston]

Jesus.... he got a flight to catch or something?

[louisvonbeethoven]

I love this movement. Here my favorite composer tears the fugue form a new asshole. The performance is superb. You have to flirt with distaster in order to give this piece a proper reading.

[purplebela2]

I love how you can see him getting ready to play each and every part.

[classicalnut1]

This is NOT supposed to be slow or dragging. I mean, its the finale of Beethoven's grandest and most powerful piano sonata. Its also one of the largest monster fugues in music history. (not counting some of the rambling contrapuntal works by Sorabji and others that just go on forever without really going anywhere) He really goes out with a bang! Coolest way to end the coolest sonata.

[classicalnut1]

This is very impressive! Anyone who can play the hammerklavier fugue this fast while being this accurate is a brilliant pianist. however, the next step would be to add deep expression between the fury and regain a sense of complete control. he manages control to an extent, but things are happening so fast its hard to absorb. Sure it could be a tad slower with more expression and artistic freedom. add in a little personality. but when he wants to, he can definitely show off his dexterity!

[TheMovvas]

I have a headache now - thanks

[manhattanvor]

I've heard it faster as an exercise. But this is remarkably clear for what it is. Much more so than many people going 10 clicks slower or more! Not my real cup of tea, but enjoyable for the reason the mountain climber went up Everest. Because it was there....

[in18v]

That's the way Beethoven wanted it to be played , believe it or not. I'm learning that piece right now and I also was like..huh -.- ???!!!

[alexlancastermusic]

Part 4: From my calculations, he's playing this at roughly 154 quarters per minute. That's very close, if you account for this being a live performance and several other factors. I don't want to start a flame war or get anyone angry. I just wanted you all to know the facts about this piece. Just because Barenboim plays this sonata at 20 beats per minutes doesn't mean it's right.

[alexlancastermusic]

Part 3: From my examination of my edition of this piece (which has a metronome marking of 144 quarter notes per minute), and cross referencing it with an 1819 edition of this, and the Brietkopf and Hartel edition, this tempo is Beethoven's own marking. He's playing this fugue at almost the exact tempo that Beethoven himself wrote in the music. Still think it's too fast? Take it up with the master.