1801 saw Beethoven's development of the piano sonata take a dramatic turn, testing the sonata's limits with a set of slow variations in lieu of a sonata allegro in Op.26, a multi-movement work played without pause in Op.27 No.1, and the remarkable opening movement of the Moonlight, Op.27 No.2. Operatic recitatives are incorporated into the Tempest Op.31 No.2. These features are without precedent. Volume three of Jonathan Biss's acclaimed cycle of the sonatas contains two works from this year of experiment and innovation, though the innovations are less brazen - the Op.28 Pastorale and the somewhat overlooked Op.31 No.1. The third sonata on this disc is one of the most famous of the 32 - the Wildstein, composed in 1803, is a work of life affirming spirit and energy.
