JRI Recordings (J143)

BEETHOVEN: The Complete Works for Cello & Piano

(with pianist Frederick Moyer)

Disc One:

• Sonata in F Major, Op. 5, No. 1
• Sonata in G Minor, Op. 5, No. 2
• Sonata in A Major, Op. 69

Disc Two:

• Sonata in C Major, Op. 102, No. 1
• Sonata in D Major, Op. 102, No. 2
• Twelve Variations in G Major on “See, The Conquering Hero” from Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus, WoO 45
• Seven Variations in F Major on “Bei Männern welche Liebe fühlen” from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, WoO 46
• Twelve Variations in E-flat Major on “Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen” from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Op. 66

Nancy Green and Frederick Moyer have been playing together for over forty years, with many successes from acclaimed recordings to performances in the world’s most prestigious concert venues. This recording is their pinnacle achievement. Beethoven: The Complete Works for Cello and Piano encompasses the most important body of work by a single composer for piano-cello duo. This recording makes for a fulfilling listening experience, covering each of three distinct periods in Beethoven’s output. The Opus 5 sonatas capture the vigor and piano virtuosity of his early period. The great A Major Sonata Opus. 69 represents the maturity of his middle period, reminiscent of such works as the Fifth Symphony and “Emperor” Piano Concerto. In the two Opus 102 sonatas, Beethoven, in his late period, boldly pushes the boundaries of musical language. Finally, the variations are the cherries on top! Nobody has written in the variation form as well as Beethoven. His variations combine charm and endless invention with solid musicality.