Ronald Farren-Price - A Beethoven Recital (1986) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Ten variations on La stessa, la stessissima from the opera Falstaff by Salieri in B flat, Wo073
02. Rondo in G, Op. 51 No. 2
03. Rondo in C major, Op. 51 No. 1
04. Albumblatt in A minor Fur Elise, Wo059
05. Polonaise in C, Op. 89
06. Sonatine in F
07. Allegretto in C minor, Wo053

This recording by Ronald Farren-Price was made in 1976 and presents an unusual variety of works by Beethoven. It comprises some works which have been rarely heard and some which are much loved by students.

The magnificent Polonaise in C op. 89 was composed in 1814 at the time of the Congress of Vienna and dedicated to the Empress of Russia. It is a brilliant work with much that is exacting for the pianist. In fact, Beethoven has compounded many keyboard difficulties into this one work.

Another piece rarely heard is the Allegretto in C minor, perhaps considered by the composer for the 3rd movement of the op. 10 No, 1 Sonata. This is a work of immediate strength and purpose. The two beautiful Rondos of Op. 51 and the superbly olea cut and concise Ten Variations on a theme by Salieri “La Stessa, La Stessissima” are a welcome inclusion in the recital.

The fact that Ronald Farren-Price includes the early Sonatine in F and Elise is a tribute to the master’s genius in “the simplest forms”. Mr. Farren-Price plays these works with much affection.