This is the final post in pianist and professor Julian Jacobson’s series examining the ‘Hammerklavier’ sonata in preparation for his lecture recital on Sunday January 11th at Mill Hill Library in London. In this article, Julian explores and examines some of the pressing preparation issues found whilst working at this epic piece. Purchase your tickets…
Tag: Beethoven
Julian Jacobson plays the ‘Hammerklavier’: Part 2
This is the second post in pianist and professor Julian Jacobson’s mini-series for this blog focusing on Beethoven’s most complex master piece for the piano, the ‘Hammerklavier’ Sonata in B flat major Op. 106, which he will be performing in London on Sunday January 11th 2026 at Mill Hill Library. Today, he discusses his past…
Julian Jacobson plays the ‘Hammerklavier’: Part 1
My final guest writer of the year is pianist and piano professor Julian Jacobson, who is no stranger to my blog having written several guest post series already. This mini series focuses on Julian’s forthcoming performance of and lecture on Beethoven’s mighty ‘Hammerklavier’ Sonata No. 29 in B flat major Op. 106 on Sunday January…
On preparing for a Beethoven marathon Part 10: Julian Jacobson
This post chronicles the final preparations before concert pianist and piano professor Julian Jacobson’s big day! He will be performing all 32 Beethoven sonatas on Saturday at St John’s Church Waterloo in London. Julian will be repeating this performance in Uruguay six days later on his 75th birthday. In this post, he discusses the issue…
On preparing a Beethoven marathon Part 9: Julian Jacobson
This is part nine of concert pianist and piano professor Julian Jacobson’s series of articles chronicling his Beethoven marathon preparations. He muses on many aspects which must be taken into consideration when gearing-up for such an event. Two Weeks To Go! And so the day approaches. Like all big events in life, it seems…
A master class with Sir Andras Schiff
I really enjoy attending master classes and if I can’t go, the next best thing is to watch on YouTube. With so many fascinating classes given by celebrated pianists and teachers posted online, one could spend weeks just viewing them all. The following workshop given by Hungarian concert pianist Sir András Schiff, was recorded last…
Stephen Kovacevich in conversation with Melanie Spanswick
My fortieth and final interview in the Classical Conversations Series features celebrated American concert pianist Stephen Kovacevich. I spoke to him at his home in West London where he provided great insights into practising, overcoming nerves, and late Beethoven. Find out more about Stephen, here. Here’s the transcript for those who prefer to read my interviews:…
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Wishing you all a very HAPPY CHRISTMAS. Thank you for visiting my blog this year, and here’s a special Christmas ‘à la Beethoven’ medley played by pianist John Lenehan.
32 Pianists perform 32 Beethoven Sonatas
Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas represent the composer’s life journey, both as a composer and human being. From the early sonatas, which are stylistically akin to those of Mozart or Haydn, through to the final six, which are amongst the most sublime works ever written for the instrument. They are often performed as a complete cycle. However, they…
A few thoughts on Beethoven’s Für Elise
This small seemingly straightforward work has become such a favourite with pianists of all ages and abilities. It is perpetually at the top of the ‘must learn to play’ list. The piece is instantly recognisable from the first few notes. For many, Für Elise represents Beethoven (1770-1827). In reality, though, it holds scant importance when surveying…
Rhythmic Precision in the First Movement of Beethoven’s Sonata in C Minor Op. 10 No. 1
Beethoven’s thirty-two piano sonatas are a musical autobiography, charting the composer’s development from a young man up to his death in 1827. The early sonatas are more typical of the traditional classical style. They are akin to those written by Mozart and Haydn. The last six sonatas are possibly the greatest in this genre ever written for…