Beethoven’s Opus 28 and 101

Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata in A major for Pianoforte op. 101. Edited by Jonathan Del Mar. Bärenreiter-Verlag 2016. BA 11811. € 7.50.Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata in D major for Pianoforte op. 28 “Pastorale”. Edited by Jonathan Del Mar. Bären-reiter-Verlag 2016. BA 11814. € 7.95

Bärenreiter continues Jonathan Del Mar’s Urtext edition of

the complete Beethoven piano sonatas with two major

works at once: the lyrical D major Sonata op. 28 from his

middle period (nicknamed “Pastorale” by the publisher of

the original edition) and the Sonata op. 101, Beethoven’s

first sonata specifically intended for the “für das Hammer-

Klavier / pour le Piano-Forte”, which introduced his eso-

teric late style to the piano sonatas.

The acclaimed Beethoven specialist Del Mar has consul-

ted every known source for these critical Urtext performing

editions. In addition he has analysed various copies of the

prints published during Beethoven’s lifetime. The results of

his accurate research are presented in a meticulously ed-

ited musical text at the cutting edge of scholarship, to-

gether with a detailed Critical Commentary.

Both volumes stand out in terms of their elegant and well-

presented layout. Special emphasis has been placed on

optimum page-turns and on the consideration of the flow

of the music. The highly informative Introductions on the

genesis and significance of the works are supplemented

by valuable notes on historical performance practice.

[15.4.2016]