Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt, known for her masterful Bach performances, tackles four of Beethoven's piano sonatas in this new release.
The London-based artist brings her pristine artistry to each of the four solo works, displaying sparkling technique during the scherzo movement of Sonata in A major, Op 2, No 2, and its rondo finale, as well as during Sonata in C minor, Op 10, No 1.
Her deeply expressive musicality is at its best during the sonatas' respective slow movements, including the latter's Adagio Molto and the opening section of Sonata in A flat major, Op 110. Hewitt also builds intriguing contrast between the two movements of Sonata in F sharp major, Op 78, including its sprightly quote of Thomas Arne's Rule, Britannia theme while keeping an eye—and ear—on the greater whole.
Despite Hewitt's sterling artistry, what is sometimes missing in action is temperament—the lifeblood of all Beethoven's music—which ironically becomes marred by her controlled precision. Still, this latest recording provides a thoughtful addition to the ever-growing body of Beethoven solo piano recordings courtesy of one of the world's greatest living pianists today.