Beethoven: Sonata No.15 in D major, Op.28 (Pastoral) – Boris Giltburg | Beethoven 32 project

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A freshness emanates from the opening of the ‘Pastoral’ Sonata; its pulsing bass is akin to a beating heart, bearing the promise of a continuous, unstoppable flow.

Whether or not the nickname ‘Pastoral’ was approved by Beethoven himself, it is wonderfully fitting – the music strongly evokes nature, especially in the first and last movements. There is an unhurried gentleness throughout, climaxes are broad and harmonious, and the many ‘simple’ chords (triads and their inversions) lend the music an aura of stability and calmness which we rarely associate with Beethoven.

But more than a simplistic depiction, to me the first movement is an exploration of the mystery of life, from its first beginnings, evoking a sense of wonder and requiring utmost love and care, to the rich abundance of life’s full bloom, captured by Beethoven in multifaceted, sensitive, breathing strokes. And through it all, the pulsing bass weaves in and out, speaking of Life’s never-ending continuity.

The second movement’s (10:17) narrative, much more severe in mood, is personal and inward-looking, its measured accompaniment perhaps closer to the sound of an implacable clock. A brighter middle section (12:53) brings some playfulness with a dotted triplet motif, but the merrymaking only lasts its allotted 16 bars, unable to stave off a return to the bleaker world of the main theme. In the coda (16:45), Beethoven allows the music to become truly tragic, a reflection of inner pain and perhaps a deeply felt commentary on the fragility of a single life.

With the advent of the scherzo (18:10), the shadow has passed. A quadruple descending call is answered by an energetic rhythmical motif, as Beethoven resolutely effaces any residual darkness with the most vigorous, driven movement of the sonata.

The finale (20:39), with its bagpipe-like drone in the bass, brings back the tone of the first movement – calm and mostly gentle, transparent in texture, radiant in its sound. Its climaxes flex a bit more muscle than those of the opening movement; hinting, perhaps, at the coda, where Beethoven finally lifts all restraints and brings in the exuberant, exultant, Bacchic side of nature to end the sonata in a D major blaze.

Of the four sonatas in the recent group, the ‘Pastoral’ is the most traditional in its structure and in the composition of its movements. But the evocative power of the music, its heightened sensitivity show Beethoven’s unstoppable growth as an artist. For me, it is a masterpiece, occupying a special place in the cycle.

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Boris Giltburg, piano

Filmed by Stewart French

Filmed at Fazioli Concert Hall, Sacile, Italy
@FazioliPianos
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This will always be my favourite Beethoven sonata.. after 50 years of listening to classical music…this is the finest performance I’ve ever heard. I just wish Beethoven could have heard him play

GrahamKing-dj
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God, I love this sonata so much and those opening bars, to name just one thing, are profoundly beautifull...

WoutDC
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I. Allegro – 0:03
II. Andante – 10:17
III. Scherzo: Allegro – 18:10
IV. Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo – 20:39

BorisGiltburgPiano
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Boris, this is simply amazing! Your tonal pallette seems boundless and is shown off well here. Your playing never involves any sense of ego and here you play a Beethoven sonata with true transcendence. Thank you.

clarkebynum
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In my mind Beethoven Sonatas are synonymous with Boris. Each performance is just... glorious. 🎹❤🎶

MeowMeow_Music
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"For me, it is a masterpiece, occupying a special place in the cycle." Couldn't agree more : )

LOS_wolfb
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I love this sonata. It's the first Beethoven Sonata I learn it. Three years ago. Now I am learning no. 24 and your videos inspire me to play more Beethoven and also improve my technique to learn some Rachmaninoff and Liszt etudes. Soon On my channel will be video of the sonata

alanleoneldavid
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so much nuance...one really feels each note from this very sensitive artist

kelsocampbell
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Your interpretation is perfect Boris! Exactly as Beethoven would have intended. Brilliant!!

michaelsmith
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ЛЮБИМЫЙ КОМПОЗИТОР, ЛЮБИМАЯ СОНАТА, ЛЮБИМЫЙ Так выглядит СЧАСТЬЕ!❤❤❤

ОльгаТитова-пы
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M. Giltburg, thank you for all the beautifull interpretations you share, your pastoral is so emotional and deep as it suits. I'm thankfull to my mom who made me know your name, so I discovered a great pianist and precious CD recordings. I hope to hear you in live in Paris one day. Maestro !

wladimirvaslin
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How beatiful is this Sonata! Great interpretation!! Thanks you very much!

mabiperalta
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thanks boris! i loved the comments you made about this sonata and your interpretation is amazing :D

desertsmw
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Bravissimo! Great performance Boris! I’m learning this at the moment and having a little battle with the fingerings… but what a stunningly beautiful work!

michaelsmith
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Beautiful performance.
Enjoyed a lot. Thanks

ciel
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Eduardo Poblete de Chile, que hermosa sonata, Primavera, al igual que la sonata para violín y piano, op.24, que sutileza al interpretarla, grande Boris, muy agradecido por esta bella interpretación, te admiro ....

eduardopoblete
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superbly-fresh delivered interpretation for the one of the most beloved Beethoven's sonatas. Bravissimo

hshshs
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I always love the passion you put into the piece of music. In the first movement (that I'm playing myself right now for my studies at the institute) you brought out aspects of the piece that I haven't seen in this light before.

dampfnudel
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This is played extraordinary. Almost unbelievable.

PaulVanBladel
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...perhaps the most romantic interpretation I've every heard of this piece...not classical, but it's beautiful!

kelsocampbell