Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2, No. 3, composed in 1795, is the most ambitious of the three sonatas in Op. 2. Dedicated to Joseph Haydn, this work highlights Beethoven’s early genius and bold approach to form, harmony, and expression. The sonata opens with an expansive Allegro con brio, filled with dynamic energy and virtuosic demands. The second movement, Adagio, offers a lyrical and contemplative contrast, revealing Beethoven’s sensitivity to melodic beauty. The Scherzo, marked Allegro, is lighthearted and playful, with sudden dynamic shifts, a hallmark of Beethoven’s emerging personal style. The sonata concludes with a sparkling Allegro assai, where Beethoven explores intricate passagework and rhythmic complexity, maintaining excitement throughout.
This sonata represents Beethoven's mastery of classical form while pushing the boundaries of traditional expectations, showcasing his developing individuality and foreshadowing the dramatic, revolutionary works to come in his later period.
My recordings of all 32 sonatas offer a deep exploration of Beethoven's emotional and structural range, connecting the listener with the composer's transformative journey through these masterpieces.
Reflecting on my recordings of all 32 sonatas, the Evening Standard remarked, "If Beethoven hadn't written his piano sonatas in mind for himself, he might quite happily have written them for Crossland," a sentiment that humbles and inspires me in interpreting these monumental works.
