Evening Masterwork: Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 23

`Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Piano Sonata No. 23, “Appassionata,” by Ludwig van Beethoven

Evening Masterwork for August 21, 2020 – 7:00 PM on Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9

While the nickname “Appassionata” is well-suited for Beethoven’s 23rd Piano Sonata, it was not one that the composer had in mind when writing it. It was a decision made by a publisher that came 30 years after the work was written. It does fit the character of the music, though: the sonata was composed during a dramatic time in Beethoven’s life when he was experiencing the onset of deafness along with bouts of anger and despair. It’s our Evening Masterwork tonight at 7 on Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9.