Piano Sonatas Opp. 109, 110, 111

Stephen Savage, English-born and long based in Queensland, brings a deep personal attachment to Beethoven’s final three piano sonatas. These affectionate readings have drawn considerable critical praise.

Stephen Savage piano

Ludwig van Beethoven composer

The programme is Beethoven’s last three piano sonatas, Opp. 109, 110 and 111.

The performances were recorded in January and July 1995 at Studio 200, ABC Ultimo.

Op. 109 opens with a lyrical first movement and closes in a set of variations. Op. 110 joins songful writing to a fugue, and Op. 111 moves from a stern opening movement to the long Arietta that ends the cycle.

Artists

Stephen Savage

Stephen Savage has been associated with the teaching programmes of the Australian National Academy since its inception, and performs and teaches overseas frequently and extensively, travelling particularly to the UK and to many places in Asia.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was a German composer and pianist whose music stands at the centre of the Western classical tradition, bridging the Classical and Romantic eras.

Tracks

Sonata No. 30 in E, Op. 109 Ludwig van Beethoven

i. Vivace, ma non troppo – Adagio espressivo 3:46
ii. Prestissimo 2:22
iii. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung (Tema: Molto cantabile ed espressivo; Variazioni I–VI) 13:45

Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat, Op. 110 Ludwig van Beethoven

i. Moderato cantabile, molto espressivo 6:38
ii. Allegro molto 2:01
iii. Adagio ma non troppo – Arioso dolente – Fuga – Allegro, ma non troppo – L’istesso tempo di Arioso – L’inversione della Fuga 11:02

Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111 Ludwig van Beethoven

i. Maestoso – Allegro con brio ed appassionato 9:12
ii. Arietta: Adagio molto semplice e cantabile 17:54

Performers

Stephen Savage · piano

Contributors

Artwork [Cover]

Bill Leak

Bill Leak supplied cover art and illustrations across Tall Poppies chamber, piano and song discs, from an irreverent Mozart cartoon to quieter painted sleeves that sit beside Australian and classical programmes without drowning them out.

Technician [Piano]

David Kinney

David Kinney is the piano technician whose preparation underpins a wide stretch of Tall Poppies piano sound, from late Beethoven and Debussy to Janáček, Schubert and contemporary Australian repertoire. The instrument arrives ready for the music’s full colour and weight.

Liner Notes

Richard Toop

Richard Toop's annotations and liner notes sit beside programmes of Cage prepared piano, Mozart piano trios, late Beethoven sonatas and unaccompanied cello. He writes as a musicologist who has spent decades inside postwar scores, tracking structure, colour and silence.

Technician [Piano]

Ron Overs

Where to listen

Piano Sonatas Opp. 109, 110, 111 is available for streaming through Apple Music. It can also be purchased through the iTunes Music Store.

Piano Sonatas Opp. 109, 110, 111 is available as a CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer online ordering.