Jonathan Biss - Beethoven, Janacek, Chopin

Presented by Martin Handley

Live from the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London

American pianist Jonathan Biss plays Sonatas by Beethoven, Janácek's Sonata I.X.1905 (From the Street)
and Chopin favourites.

The programme centres around two late pieces by Chopin, the tranquil Nocturne in E, Op. 62 No.2 and the profoundly original Polonaise-Fantaisie, on either side of which he turns to the poetic soundworld of Janácek.

Characteristically infused with the rhythms of the Czech language, the beautiful suite In the Mists is followed by the harrowing Sonata I.X.1905, an intense personal response to the shooting of a young political protestor.

Biss frames this with Beethoven, opening with the dramatic early Sonata in C minor, and closing with the Les Adieux Sonata, depicting an impassioned farewell, a lonely middle movement and a triumphant return.

Beethoven: Piano Sonata in C minor, Op.10 No.1
Janácek: In the Mists (V mlhách)
Chopin: Nocturne in E, Op.62 No.2
Chopin: Polonaise-Fantaisie in A flat, Op.61

8.15: Interval

Janácek: Sonata I.X.1905 (From the Street)
Beethoven: Piano Sonata in E flat, Op.81a (Les Adieux)

Jonathan Biss piano.