A GIFT TO YOURSELF
Get ready for cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han’s marathon program of the complete Beethoven sonatas for cello and piano — monumental works in the repertoire but also significant artistic touchstones for these amazingly gifted interpreters, a husband-and-wife duo who have been playing them together for more than 25 years. These sonatas are like a small tropical island in this mad mad world. There’s peace and calm while listening, and the best way to spend quality time with yourself and your household.
Finckel and Han’s recital of the sonatas will be recorded specifically for Cal Performances at Home and will premiere in its entirety over two performances: Thursday, November 12 at 7pm (PST) will feature Sonata No. 1 in F major, Op. 5, No. 1 and Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5, No. 2, both composed in 1796; and Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69 (1808). On November 19, expect Sonata No. 4 in C major, Op. 102, No. 1 and Sonata No. 5 in D major, Op. 102, No. 2, both from 1815. Both concerts also include the artists’ commentary on the sonatas.
Cellist David Finckel and Pianist Wu HanTickets for Finckel & Han are valid for both premieres, November 12 and November 19. A single video featuring the complete set of all five sonatas, as well as artist commentary, will be available on demand from Friday, November 13, 2020, until Wednesday, February 10, 2021.
When first you hear these complex sonatas, there is so much going on that you may need to hear it again, which is why this professionally streamed performance is a no-brainer: You get to go back and listen again once you got your tickets: Sure, it will blow you away the first time out, but once you get to know the pieces better, you grow to love them and appreciate the genius of Beethoven even more. At times it is really surprising to realize that there are only two instruments playing — the music is that full. Highly Recommended.
Beethoven/The Five Sonatas for Cello and Piano
David Finckel, cello
Wu Han, piano
CAL PERFORMANCES AT HOME
Thursday, November 12, 7pm (PST)
Beethoven/Sonata No. 1 in F major, Op. 5, No. 1
Beethoven/Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5, No. 2
Beethoven/Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69
Thursday, November 19, 7pm (PST)
Beethoven/Sonata No. 4 in C major, Op. 102, No. 1
Beethoven/Sonata No. 5 in D major, Op. 102, No. 2
for tickets, call (510) 642-9988 or visit Cal Performances
tickets for either premiere are also valid for the on-demand video
