Ludwig Van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
David Morriss presents an overview of the approaches taken to conducting Beethoven's works, beginning with the earliest music recordings. Audio
The Circumstances of Beethoven's Symphonies
Some believe that they were conceived as a set with an overarching grand schema, but Thomas Goss points out the often more expedient external factors that influenced Beethoven in composing his nine… Audio
Beethoven ReCYCLE (Part 2)
Michael Houstoun and Tim Dodd continue their conversation about the Beethoven piano sonatas and Houstoun's approach to performing them. They talk in detail about the sonatas in his fourth concert of… Audio
Beethoven ReCYCLE (Part 1)
Michael Houstoun first performed the cycle of 32 Piano Sonatas by Beethoven 20 years ago. Why do it again? What's changed? Michael Houstoun talks to Tim Dodd about the project and they look at four… Audio
Michael Houston - Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas
Concert pianist Michael Houstoun recently released his recording of Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas. The sonatas were recorded just after his tour around the country last year where he played all 32… Audio
Beethoven ReCYCLE (Part 3)
Michael Houstoun and Tim Dodd continue their conversation about the Beethoven piano sonatas and Houstoun's approach to performing them. In this final programme, they talk about the 'Moonlight' Sonata… Audio
Extended interview: The Diabelli Variations
Michael Houstoun talks about Beethoven's Diabelli Variations which he performed in 2012 as preparation for the Beethoven reCYCLE project. Audio
Extended interview: Memory
Michael Houstoun talks about the challenge of playing all the Beethoven sonatas from memory. Audio
Extended interview: Selected movements
Tim Dodd and Michael Houstoun look at a few selected movements from sonatas in Houstoun's last wave of concerts: Op 2 No 1, Op 2 No 2 and Op 31 No 3. Audio
Extended interview: Rhythm and Rubato
Tim Dodd and Michael Houstoun talk about a number of topics related to rhythm, energy and rubato in the Beethoven sonatas. Audio
Extended interview: The Limited Piano
Michael Houstoun outlines the qualities he desires in a piano for performing Beethoven and he and Tim Dodd tackle the issue of whether the humble piano was sufficient to express Beethoven’s vision… Audio
Extended interview: Sonata form and keys
Tim Dodd asks Michael Houstoun how much he is influenced or inspired by the structure of the Beethoven sonata movements and the keys in which they are written. Audio
Extended interview: Overexposure
Michael Houstoun and Tim Dodd talk about whether a piece such as the Appassionata Sonata could become overexposed. Audio
Extended Interview: Piano Sonata in F sharp Op 78
Michael Houstoun and Tim Dodd talk a little more about the sonata affectionately dedicated to one of his dearest friends Therese von Brunswick. Audio
Extendend interview: Piano Sonata in F Op 54
Michael Houstoun and Tim Dodd look at the often overlooked but gorgeous little sonata sandwiched between the great Waldstein and Appassionata Sonatas. Audio
Extended interview: Piano Sonata in A Op 101
Michael Houstoun and Tim Dodd look at the somewhat elusive A major sonata that heralds the emergence of Beethoven's late composition style. Audio