An­der­matt Mu­sic: Ru­dolf Buch­bin­der

When Google was asked how long it would take to master Ludwig van Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata with its dreamlike, beautiful introductory movement and the virtuoso-powerful «Presto agitato» of the third movement, the search engine «replies»: «It should only be available after four to five years of piano lessons, then you can actually play the complete sonata!» Not too much imagination is needed to imagine the head-shaking Rudolf Buchbinder, how he contradicts this extremely daring thesis in amazement - the exceptional pianist dedicates his creative life's work in particular to the music of Beethoven: Buchbinder's interpretations of Beethoven's works are considered to be benchmarks (see biography, below). . "Pathétique", "Moonlight Sonata", "Appassionata" and Sonata in G major op. 14/2 were written between 1798 and 1805. Beethoven was between 28 and 35 years old. His popular piano sonatas are known for their technical complexity, innovative style, expressiveness, outrageous harmonies and rich melodies. The composer repeatedly broke with classical conventions in his works. This is also the case in the Moonlight Sonata, which Beethoven called “Sonata quasi una Fantasia” and thus has a free, imaginative structure. The sonata is known for its flowing melodies and for its dramatic contrasts between quiet passages and passionate outbursts - and due to its melancholic mood is considered a forerunner of musical romanticism. Unlike the "Pathétique", the "Moonlight Sonata" did not get its nickname from Beethoven himself, but from the poet and music writer Ludwig Rellstab: "I wouldn't be worth a false fifth if I had forgotten the Adagio from the Fantasy in C sharp minor. The lake rests in the twilight shimmer of the moon, the wave thuds against the dark shore, gloomy forest mountains rise and seal off the sacred region from the world, swans whisper like ghosts through the flood and an Aeolian harp sounds mysteriously lamentations of longing, lonely love down that ruin. – Quiet, good night!” The audience can be curious to see which musical images Buchbinder is able to evoke in Andermatt - who knows, maybe even the distant mooing of a cow in the moonlight can be heard. Program: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827): Sonata for piano in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathétique” Sonata for piano in C sharp minor, Op. 27/2 “Moonlight” Sonata for piano in G major, Op. 14/2 Sonata for Piano F minor op. 57 «Appassionata»