Michel Béroff, a renowned pianist with a career spanning over five decades, presents a captivating album that showcases his exceptional artistry and versatility. This album features a unique blend of Baroque and Classical masterpieces, beginning with Johann Sebastian Bach's "Overture in the French Style, BWV 831." This suite, originally composed for harpsichord, is a delightful display of Bach's intricate compositions, with its lively overture, graceful courante, and elegant gavottes, passepieds, sarabande, bourrées, and gigue. Béroff's interpretation brings out the nuanced beauty of each movement, offering a fresh perspective on this timeless work.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Ludwig van Beethoven's late piano sonatas, specifically Nos. 30 and 31, Op. 109 and Op. 110 respectively. These sonatas are among Beethoven's most introspective and innovative works, pushing the boundaries of musical expression and form. Béroff's performances are marked by their technical brilliance, deep emotional resonance, and profound understanding of Beethoven's musical language. From the lively and playful first movements to the deeply moving and contemplative slow movements, and the intricate and virtuosic final movements, Béroff navigates these sonatas with remarkable skill and sensitivity.
Recorded in 2025 and released under the prestigious Warner Classics label, this album is a testament to Michel Béroff's enduring legacy as one of the most distinguished pianists of our time. The high-resolution 24-bit audio quality ensures an immersive listening experience, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the richness and depth of Béroff's playing. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding and enriching journey through some of the most beloved and enduring works in the piano repertoire.
Bach, JS: Overture in the French Style, BWV 831: I. OvertureJohann Sebastian Bach, Michel Béroff
Bach, JS: Overture in the French Style, BWV 831: II. CouranteJohann Sebastian Bach, Michel Béroff
Bach, JS: Overture in the French Style, BWV 831: III. Gavottes I & IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Michel Béroff
Bach, JS: Overture in the French Style, BWV 831: IV. Passepieds I & IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Michel Béroff
Bach, JS: Overture in the French Style, BWV 831: V. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Michel Béroff
Bach, JS: Overture in the French Style, BWV 831: VI. Bourrées I & IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Michel Béroff
Bach, JS: Overture in the French Style, BWV 831: VII. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Michel Béroff
Bach, JS: Overture in the French Style, BWV 831: VIII. EchoJohann Sebastian Bach, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: I. Vivace, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: II. PrestissimoLudwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: III. (a) Andante molto cantabile e espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: III. (b) Variation I. Molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: III. (c) Variation II. LeggiermenteLudwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: III. (d) Variation III. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: III. (e) Variation IV. Etwas langsamer als das ThemaLudwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: III. (f) Variation V. Allegro, ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: III. (g) Variation VI. Tempo I del temaLudwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: II. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: III. (a) Adagio ma non troppo - Recitativo più adagio -Ludwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: III. (b) Adagio ma non troppo. Arioso dolente -Ludwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: III. (c) Fuga. Allegro ma non troppo -Ludwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: III. (d) L'istesso di Arioso -Ludwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: III. (e) L'istesso tempo della fuga. Poi a poi di nuovo viventeLudwig van Beethoven, Michel Béroff