Beethoven's Piano Sonata no. 7 in D major is the third from his Opus 10, which appeared in 1798, and simultaneously the heavyweight of this group of works. As one of the most powerful sonatas from the early years, it captivates with its very broad spectrum of moods and highly elaborate interplay of motivic elements. At the centre is the famous Largo e mesto, mournful, plaintive and almost tragic in the profundity of its emotion. It is framed by an energetic first movement and a nimble Menuetto. The conclusion is formedby a vivacious-playful Finale which is reminiscent of Haydn’s humourful escapades. In an in-depth introduction, Murray Perahia discusses this masterpiece. A further edition from the Gertsch-Perahia workshop for the new edition of Beethoven’s Complete Piano Sonatas, as always with fingerings by the cult pianist.

Editors: Norbert Gertsch, Murray Perahia