Renaud Capuçon and Franck Braley perform Beethoven's Sonatas No. 8 to 10
Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
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Cast
Renaud Capuçon — Violinist
Frank Braley — Pianist
Program notes
The violinist Renaud Capuçon and the pianist Frank Braley perform Ludwig van Beethoven's Violin Sonatas No. 8, 9 and 10 at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. (I/III)
The French violinist Renaud Capuçon and the pianist Frank Braley have been performing together for a long time. Here they gather to perform Beethoven's complete Violin Sonatas. The program of this three concerts follows the chronological order of composition of the Sonatas. It aims to understand the evolution of Beethoven's style.
During this third concert, Renaud Capuçon and Frank Braley perform Beethoven's Violin Sonatas No. 8, 9 and 10. The Violin Sonata No. 9 is among the most famous Violin Sonatas. This Sonata was dedicated to violinist Rodolphe Kreutzer and nicknamed the "Kreutzer Sonata". It is considered nowadays as one of the most difficult work for violin to perform.
Composed in over twenty years, Beethoven's ten Violin Sonatas reflect the importance given to violin during the 18th and the 19th century. Gradually, violin became more independent and inspired more virtuoso compositions, in particular under the influence of Corelli and Vivaldi - and the virtuosity of his violin concertos –, Bach and Mozart. Violin became, like piano, the king of soloist instruments.
Although Beethoven first sonatas give a major role to the piano, the next ones give the same status to both instruments and lead the soloists to share the musical speech.
This concert reflects the wonderful collaboration between Renaud Capuçon and Frank Braley, according to the virtuosity, finesse and elegance both musicians have. The sonatas also express power in their main themes and fragility in their details.
