Through extensive study of Beethoven, the man and his music, his scores, letters and the reflections of his contemporaries, pianist HJ Lim has curated his complete piano sonatas into eight themes which offer a unique insight into the powerful relationship between composer and musician.
'I view these 30 sonatas by Beethoven,' remarks HJ Lim, 'as the most intense diary, in which genius expresses, or even illustrates, all the facets of a life that is sometimes sublimated, and idealised, and often deeply moving by its realism.
To perform Beethoven's sonatas is not just to interpret music, but is also an attempt to understand the multi-faceted psychology of a human being. It is, in any case, an attempt to bring to light one's own truth. If Beethoven's music can help us understand the human being that he was, so can entering Beethoven's life help us understand his music.'
'I view these 30 sonatas by Beethoven,' remarks HJ Lim, 'as the most intense diary, in which genius expresses, or even illustrates, all the facets of a life that is sometimes sublimated, and idealised, and often deeply moving by its realism.
To perform Beethoven's sonatas is not just to interpret music, but is also an attempt to understand the multi-faceted psychology of a human being. It is, in any case, an attempt to bring to light one's own truth. If Beethoven's music can help us understand the human being that he was, so can entering Beethoven's life help us understand his music.'
Would you prefer to visit our website in English?