Beethoven For All!

I must admit, I'm usually wary of early Beethoven. For me, it lacks the drive and passion of his middle and late periods. I was pleasantly surprised last night, however, by Miklós Perényi (cello) and András Schiff (piano) in their all-Beethoven program presented by the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society at the Independence Seaport Museum.

Both Perényi and Schiff hail from Budapest and tour the world with vibrant solo careers. Schiff, while known more for his interpretations of Bach and Schumann, is well into his his project of recording the complete piano sonatas of Beethoven. Perényi and Schiff have also recently recorded Beethoven's complete works for Piano and Cello.

From the onset, I was immediately impressed by their ensemble, coordinating the entire program with the occasional side glance at a cadence. In their opening, 12 variations on a theme from Handel's Judas Maccabæus, both musicians brought different personalities to each set of variations. Schiff's delicate touch was perfect for early Beethoven. His sparkling part often evoked sounds of a harpsichord, very fitting for variations on Handel. Perényi brought out the cello's boisterous side contrasting with mournful asides. It was truly a dialogue between two master musicians.

Next, the Cello Sonata in G Minor (Op. 5, No. 2) began to hint at what was to come for Beethoven. The opening extended Adagio contains the dramatic cries followed by wistful sighs that are so prevalent in his later works. They then continued with 7 Variations on a theme from Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, bringing a melodious and graceful end to the first half.

Fitting for a tax-day performance, the man sitting in front of me had out his Pennsylvania state tax forms out during intermission. I was not proven entirely wrong in my prejudice against early Beethoven. The jewel of the program was their last, Beethoven's last cello sonata, Op. 102, No. 2 (1815). Incidentally, Beethoven originally wrote this for hunting horn an piano, but later transcribed the horn part for cello and added more brilliance and articulation in the process as well. Here, Perényi and Schiff were truly able to let loose and convey all the passion that is Beethoven. In particular, their chilling rendition of the "dance of death" theme left the audience with goosebumps.

Image via flickr.com user gierszewski