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Pianist Angela Hewitt joins Donald Macleod to discuss the humour to be found and enjoyed in Beethoven's piano music, with some of Hewitt's favourite examples, including his Sonata No 18 in E flat major.

As part of Composer of the Week's year-long focus on Beethoven, this week the world-renowned pianist Angela Hewitt chooses five contrasting aspects of the piano sonatas to discuss with Donald Macleod. In 2020, Hewitt reaches the end of her survey of Beethoven’s piano works with the last recording in her acclaimed series of his 32 piano sonatas. Begun in 2005, her Beethoven odyssey has been taken at a deliberately measured pace, to give ample space and time to reflect on each sonata, each recording being a testament to her deep understanding of Beethoven. Well known for her award-winning interpretation of Bach’s music, she brings that special insight to Beethoven’s profound admiration for the composer, after which she explores the humour Beethoven injects into his music, the composer’s ability to write cantabile or singing style and how Beethoven responded to the advancement of the piano.

Piano Sonata No 10 in G major, Op 14 No 2
II: Andante
Angela Hewitt, piano

Piano Sonata No 16 in G major, Op 31 No 1
I: Allegro vivace
Angela Hewitt, piano

Piano Sonata No 6 in F major, Op 10 No 2
III. Presto
Richard Goode, piano

Piano Sonata No 18 in E flat major, Op 31 No 3
Angela Hewitt, piano

Producer: Johannah Smith for Â鶹ԼÅÄ Cymru Wales