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The 'Mount Everest for pianists': Beethoven's 'Hammerklavier' Sonata

The opening moments of Ludwig van Beethoven's "Hammerklavier" Sonata
The opening moments of Ludwig van Beethoven's "Hammerklavier" Sonata

The "Hammerklavier" sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven is widely considered to be the most difficult of the thirty-two piano sonatas that he composed. It is difficult technically, athletically, and emotionally. We’ll hear an exceptional live performance of this landmark musical work.

Compositions and Recordings

Piano Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 - "Hammerklavier"
by Ludwig van Beethoven
Sviatoslav Richter, piano

Hammerklavier Sonata - Mvt. 1
by Ludwig van Beethoven, arr. by Felix Weingartner
Felix Weingartner and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Frank Byrne is the host of From the Archives.
Sam Wisman is a senior producer for 91.9 Classical KC and a backup announcer for KCUR 89.3