Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Opp. 109, 110 & 111

Scottish pianist Steven Osborne is comfortable and adept at performing music by a wide range of composers including Messiaen, Debussy, Liszt and Rachmaninoff, but he seems to have a particularly profound feel for Beethoven.

Osborne’s recent release of Beethoven’s final three piano sonatas on the Hyperion label packs a powerful emotional punch through technical command, delicate subtleties and sheer strength.

The composer is known for juxtaposing wild, stormy passages against those of sublime beauty and serenity, with the listener experiencing depths of pain relieved by an almost visceral sense of hope and spiritual connection.

Osborne has the listener in the palm of his hand for each of these meaningful journeys, generously sharing the essence of Beethoven’s genius.