Beethoven and his French Piano

In 1803 Beethoven received a piano from Erard Frères in Paris. Why had he been so keen to own a French instrument and how did it inspire him, both as a pianist and a composer? The answer may lie in these performances on a new replica of Beethoven’s French piano, created as part of a unique research project. Placing the iconic “Waldstein” and “Appassionata” sonatas alongside equally grand pieces by two of his Parisian contemporaries, they reveal an unfamiliar French aspect to Beethoven’s genius.

1
1
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Concerto in G Major, Op. 58
II. Andante con moto, “2da parte”
 
01:46
2
1
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Sonata in F Major, Op. 54
In Tempo d’un Menuetto
 
05:59
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2
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Méthode de piano du Conservatoire
Exercise No. 48
 
00:33
2
2
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Sonata in F Major, Op. 54
Allegretto / Più allegro
 
06:54
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3
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Sonata in C Major, Op. 8, No. 2
Allegro di molto
 
15:12
2
3
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Sonata in F Minor, Op. 57, “Appassionata”
Allegro assai
 
10:41
1
4
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Sonata in C Major, Op. 8, No. 2
Romance: Andante grazioso un peu animé / Adagio non troppo
 
10:46
2
4
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Sonata in F Minor, Op. 57, “Appassionata”
Andante con moto
 
05:38
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5
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Sonata in C Major, Op. 8, No. 2
Finale Scherzando: Allegro vivace
 
05:54
2
5
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Sonata in F Minor, Op. 57, “Appassionata”
Allegro ma non troppo / Presto
 
08:42
1
6
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“Eroica” Sketchbook
Excercise
 
00:37
2
6
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Sonata in G Major, Op. 64
Cantabile con espressione
 
22:19
1
7
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Sonata in C Major, Op. 53, “Waldstein”
Allegro con brio
 
16:47
2
7
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Sonata in G Major, Op. 64
Tempo di Minuetto: Scherzando
 
02:55
1
8
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Sonata in C Major, Op. 53, “Waldstein”
Allegretto (WoO 56)
 
01:55
2
8
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Sonata in G Major, Op. 64
Adagio: Fantaisie
 
11:45
1
9
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Sonata in C Major, Op. 53, “Waldstein”
Andante grazioso con moto (WoO 57)
 
08:39
2
9
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Sonata in G Major, Op. 64
Pastorale: Allegretto
 
07:39
1
10
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Sonata in C Major, Op. 53, “Waldstein”
Introduzione: Adagio molto—Rondo: Allegretto moderato / Prestissimo
 
12:33
1
11
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Sonata in C Major, Op. 53, “Waldstein”
Introduzione: Adagio molto
 
03:09