Dive into the formative years of one of classical music's most revered composers with "Beethoven - The Early Years" by Ludwig van Beethoven. Released on May 2, 2025, this comprehensive collection from Naxos Special Projects offers a captivating journey through Beethoven's early musical explorations, spanning a generous three hours of enchanting performances.
This album showcases a diverse array of compositions, including chamber music, piano pieces, and even a mandolin sonatina, demonstrating Beethoven's versatility and innovation during his early career. From the lively "Mandolin Sonatina in C Major" to the poignant "Romance No. 2 in F Major," each track reveals the depth and breadth of Beethoven's genius, even in his formative years.
Featuring works such as the "Rondo in C Major, Op. 51 No. 1" and the dramatic "Ah, perfido, Op. 65," the album highlights Beethoven's ability to blend classical structures with emerging romantic sensibilities. The inclusion of lesser-known pieces like the "Minuet for String Quartet in A-Flat Major" and the "Bagatelles in C Minor" offers a fresh perspective on his early creative output.
Performed with meticulous attention to historical detail, this collection brings to life the essence of Beethoven's early compositions, providing a unique window into the mind of a musical revolutionary. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Beethoven's music, "Beethoven - The Early Years" is a must-listen, offering a rich tapestry of sound that celebrates the beginnings of a musical legacy that continues to inspire generations.
2025 Naxos2025 Naxos
Tracks
Mandolin Sonatina in C Major, WoO 44a, Hess 43 (Performed on Mandolin & Fortepiano)Ludwig van Beethoven, Alon Sariel, Michael Tsalka
V. Scherzo: Allegro molto e vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, József Balogh, Jozsef Vajda, Jeno Kevehazi, Ildiko Hegyi, Gyözö Máthé, Péter Szabó, Istvan Toth
Allegretto in C Minor, WoO 53Ludwig van Beethoven, Jenő Jandó
III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Gabriel Schwabe, Nicholas Rimmer
Ii. LargoLudwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vasily Petrenko
III. Rondo. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Takako Nishizaki, Jenő Jandó
Rondo in C Major, Op. 51 No. 1Ludwig van Beethoven, Jenő Jandó
No. 7Ludwig van Beethoven, Capella Istropolitana, Oliver von Dohnanyi
III. Finale. PrestissimoLudwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg
Romance No. 2 in F Major, Op. 50Ludwig van Beethoven, Takako Nishizaki, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Kenneth Jean
Ah, perfido, Op. 65Ludwig van Beethoven, Madeleine Pierard, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
Minuet for String Quartet in A-Flat Major, WoO 209, Hess 33Ludwig van Beethoven, Fine Arts Quartet
I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg
March in B-Flat Major, WoO 29 "Grenadier"Ludwig van Beethoven, David Shifrin, Paul Wonjin Cho, Frank Morelli, Marissa Olegario, William Purvis, Lauren Hunt
II. Andante cantabile con variazioniLudwig van Beethoven, Xyrion Trio
III. Menuetto. Allegro molto e vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia, Béla Drahos
Bagatelle in C Minor, WoO 214, Hess 69Ludwig van Beethoven, Jenő Jandó
IV. Allegretto - PrestissimoLudwig van Beethoven, Kodály Quartet
II. Adagio cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg
II. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Jeno Kevehazi, János Keveházi, Ildiko Hegyi, Peter Popa, Gyözö Máthé, Péter Szabó
III. RondoLudwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vasily Petrenko
IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Kodály Quartet
No. 12Ludwig van Beethoven, Capella Istropolitana, Oliver von Dohnanyi
Rondo in C Major, WoO 48, Hess 51Ludwig van Beethoven, Jenő Jandó
III. LargoLudwig van Beethoven, Kazunori Seo, Makoto Ueno
II. Largo, con gran espressioneLudwig van Beethoven, Jenő Jandó
IV. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Marc Schachman, John Abberger, Lani Spahr
Romance cantabile in E Minor, WoO 207, Hess 13 (Fragment)Ludwig van Beethoven, Martina Čechová, Filip Krytinář, Johanna Haniková, Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, Marek Štilec
9 Variations on a March by Dressler, WoO 63Ludwig van Beethoven, Susan Kagan
III. Scherzo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Fine Arts Quartet
IV. Finale. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Xyrion Trio
No. 1, Tot, stöhnt es durch die öde Nacht!Ludwig van Beethoven, Chorus Cathedralis Aboensis, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Leif Segerstam