Chamber music of Beethoven: three instrumental ensembles

Beethoven created the cello sonata A major, op.69, probably his most monumental composition, at the same time as the Sixth, or Pastoral symphony. The resemblance between the two pieces can be easily tracked: melodic formation of the sonata and the Sixth symphony is distinguished by broadness and softness of its sound. It was also the A major sonata that Brahms drew upon in his op.38.

The ever popular sonata No.5 is probably the sunniest and most inspiring of the ten violin sonatas by Beethoven. It took almost seven years from the first version of the piece to the accomplished mature musical text which captivates the listeners. The sonata was finalized in spring of 1801. The sub-title “Spring” later assigned to sonata No.5 by its publishers meets perfectly the feelings which overwhelm the listeners at the very first sounds of violin.

And finally, the third piece included in the program of the concert demonstrates Beethoven´s sense of humor: “Duet with two eyeglasses obligato” for viola and cello. The recipients whom Beethoven wrote this composition for remained unknown. We can also assume that an accomplished composition which can be related to the period of around 1800 – stylistically it resembles string quartet, op.18, No.4 – initially consisted of four movements, out of which, unfortunately, only the first two remained.  

A Hamburg native, Elisabeth Kufferath plays violin and viola, is one of the co-founders of the famous Tetzlaff Quartet and is loved by musical critics for her ability for stylistic breadth and universality. Along with concerting Kufferath teaches at the University of Music, Drama and Media on a class of violin.

The cellist Leonid Gorokhov was born in St. Petersburg where he received his musical education, and in 1986 won Grand Prix and the first prize at the Geneva International Music Competition. The Geneva victory was followed by other musical triumphs and international tours. In 1991 Gorokhov had the fortune to play under the direction of Yehudi Menuhin. Today the cellist also teaches at the University of Music, Drama and Media.

The renowned Chinese pianist Haiou Zhang began his high musical education in Beijing at the age of ten. Beijing was followed by studies in Europe (Hannover) and a diploma with the highest score. After Zhang became a winner of the V International Competition for Young Pianists in Memory of Vladimir Horowitz, his international career developed with great success. Despite his young age, the pianist has long been giving master classes and performs as a music director of festivals and concerts.

Ludwig van Beethoven 

Sonata No.3 for cello and piano A major, op.69 (1807/08)

1.   Allegro ma non tanto
2.   Scherzo. Allegro molto
3. Adagio cantabile- Allegro vivace

Sonata No.5 for violin and piano F major “Spring”, op.24  

1.   Allegro
2.   Adagio molto espressivo
3. Scherzo: Allegro molto
4. Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo

Duet for viola and cello E-flat major, WoO 32 “Duet with two eyeglasses obligato”

1.   Allegro
2. Minuetto. Allegretto