Pianist Angela Hewitt, whose appearances at Sage Gateshead are always keenly anticipated by North-East audiences, presents the sixth volume in her acclaimed series of Beethoven Piano Sonatas. This album features five piano sonatas, culminating with the masterly ‘Les adieux’ in which Beethoven’s sadness over his friend’s departure is poignantly expressed. Hewitt’s detailed sleeve notes provide penetrating insight into the music and context in which it was conceived. As ever, her performances come highly recommended.