Get the best of both worlds – and 25% off – with this Download & Vinyl Bundle!

Pure Analogue Recording, Pure Analogue Cutting, One-Stage Pressing Process, 180gr. Virgin Vinyl Pressing, Heavy Quality Sleeves, 33rpm, Tube Processed Analog Master, HiFi Reference, Limited Edition 496 copies
Printed in Japan,  natural color transparent vinyl

The original edition of the Sonatas Op.12 (1799) bears on the words Sonatas for Harpsichord or Forte-Piano with a Violin on the title page. The order of importance of the two instruments is surprisingly inverted from that to which modern times has accustomed us, but listening immediately reveals that the Baroque tradition of considering the violin as a mere accompaniment has disappeared altogether. In the radiant and vital Sonatas Op.12 Beethoven places the two instruments firmly, and forever, on the same level.

Dedicated to one of his teachers in Vienna, Antonio Salieri, the Sonatas Op.12 were received unfavorably by critics because of their unconventional harmonic structure, but their success with the public was attested by the eight reprints in less than ten years. The style of these Sonatas was something radically new. The great innovations of the young Beethoven’s music were the daring use of the full textures of the two instruments, the frequent dynamic contrasts and the unusual use of sforzatos, all in a perfect architectural construction.

Salvatore Accardo – Violin
Stefania Redaelli – Piano
Maria Grazia Bellocchio – Piano
Laura Manzini – Piano

The Master has been implemented with Ampex ATR 102 (Electronic Tube Ampex Model 351 – 1965) 2 tracks, 1/2 inch 30ips modified by David Manley. The Mastering for Vinyl was made by Giulio Cesare Ricci using Signoricci’s analog and valve system. Thanks to Micheli Associati for having granted the “Sala dell’Ermellino” Casa della Musica, Milan for the recording of this album.

SIDE A

Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano in A major Op. 12

Allegro vivace                                               7’34”
Andante più tosto – Allegretto                  6’09”
Allegro piacevole                                         5’50”
Total Time       19’35”

SIDE B

Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano in E-flat major Op. 12

Allegro con spirito                                      9’14”
Adagio con molta espressione                 7’19”
Rondò – Allegro molto                              4’40”

Total Time      21’13”