Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas, Vol. 4

The fourth and final volume of the complete recordings of Ludwig van Beethovens violin sonatas by Salzburg violinist Thomas Albertus Irnberger with Michael Korstick, piano, focuses on the sonatas op. 30/1 and 30/2. Composed in 1802, the year when he also wrote the "Heiligenstädter Testament", these works reflect Beethovens emotional state: On one hand, there is a new affection, professional success and aspiration, on the other hand, above all his emerging severe hearing defect, threatening his artistic and psychological existence. Ever so different in style and characterized by heavy mood swings, the sonatas are composed in the keys of A major (No. 6, op. 30/1) respectively C minor (No. 7, op. 30/2). The Rondo in G major, WoO 41, and the Six German Dances, WoO 42, however, were written in 1794/96 and convey ease and almost juvenile cheerfulness - a trait also prevalent in the interpretation of Irnberger and Korstick.