Composer's Bio:
Ludwig van Beethoven, (December 16, 1770 – March 26, 1827) was a German composer and virtuoso pianist. He was an important figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western classical music, and remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.
Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany in 1770. Of the seven children born to Johann Beethoven, himself the only survivor of three, only second-born Ludwig and two younger brothers survived infancy. Although his birth date is not known for certain, his family celebrated his birthday on December 16.
Piece comment: Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor is a composition by Ludwig van Beethoven (Opus 31/2). It is usually referred to as "The Tempest" (or Der Sturm in his native German), but this title was not given by him, or indeed referred to as such during his lifetime; instead, it comes from a claim by his associate Anton Schindler that the sonata was inspired by the Shakespeare play. However, much of Schindler's information is distrusted by classical music scholars. The piece consists of three movements and takes around twenty minutes to perform: * Largo - Allegro * Adagio * Allegretto Each of the movements is in sonata form, though the second lacks substantial development. The first movement alternates seeming peacefulness with sudden turmoil, after some time expanding into a haunting "storm" in which the peacefulness is lost. There is a long recitative section at the end of this movement's development. The second movement in B flat major is slower and more dignified. It mimics the first movement through use of rolling arpeggios, and many other ideas in this movement mirror the first. For example, a figure in the eighth measure and parallel passages of the second movement is similar to a figure in the sixth measure of the first. The third movement, in the key of D minor, is very moving, first flowing with emotion and then reaching a climax, before moving into an extended development section which mainly focuses on the opening figure of the movement and meanders through many keys and dynamics, before entering the recapitulation and and coda (which is also quite substantial). This Sonata, though not as well known by the public, is a favorite among Beethoven enthusiasts.
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