November 1, 2019
Label: Steinway & Sons [STNS 30106]
In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, Steinway & Sons releases a recording of three of the composer’s piano sonatas performed by Young-Ah Tak in her debut recording for the Steinway label (STNS 30106). The works span the short and cheery early Sonata No. 6 in F Major to the monumental Sonata No. 23 in F minor, “Appassionata.” Tak will perform from the album along with other works in a recital at Steinway Hall in New York City on November 14, 2019. The event is private but a select number of media tickets are available.
Like most pianists, Tak has had a long relationship with Beethoven, from her first public solo recital at age 9 which included several Beethoven variations on the program, to her audition for The Juilliard School with the Sonata No. 18 in E flat major, featured on this disc. Tak waited a long time to study and perform the “Appassionata,” given the hundreds of interpretations already out in the world, so as to ensure she could give the piece a convincing reading in her own voice.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Rondo for Piano in C major, Op. 51 No. 1
Sonata for Piano no 6 in F major, Op. 10 No. 2
Sonata for Piano no 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "Tempest"
Sonata for Piano no 23 in F minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata"