Andrea Molteni (piano)

 This remarkable program brings together three late works by Ludwig van Beethoven in which the Fugue plays an essential and pivotal part. Beethoven, renowned as a revolutionary, approached the fugue with both reverence and innovation. Especially in his later works he used the form to bridge the classical and romantic eras, transcending traditional boundaries, and infusing the fugue structure with dramatic intensity and emotional depth. The Grosse Fuge Op. 133 and the Fugue from the Hammerklavier Sonata are of near monstrous proportions and impact, shattering examples of complexity and innovation: 'For me the Grobe Fugue is not only the greatest work of Beethoven but about the most astonishing piece in music literature.' (Glenn Gould): 'The Great Fugue now seems to me the most perfect miracle in Music. It is also the most contemporary piece I know and contemporary forever'! (Stravinsky). The fugues from the Piano Sonata Op. 110 are of a more intimate nature, but no less varied and charged with emotion. The Grosse Fuge Op. 133, originally for string quartet, is played on this recording in the piano transcription by Louis Winkler. Played by one of the most interesting young Italian pianists, Andrea Molteni, presenting an absolutely faithful and transparent rendition, astonishing in its rhythmic verve yet emotionally fully engaged. Molteni successfully recorded two previous CDs for Piano Classics: the complete piano works by Dallapiccola and Goffredo Petrassi (PCL 10222), as well as a superb selection of Scarlatti Sonatas (PCL 10233). The CD title 'Con alcune licenze' refers to the title which Beethoven gave to these fugues: Fuga Con Alcune Licenze', meaning "a fugue with certain liberties'. He never spoke a truer word...

• Beethoven: Grosse Fuge in B flat major, Op. 133
• Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, Op. 106 'Hammerklavier'
• Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110