Listen & tracks

2 of 15 tracks have a preview · 8 works · 156:01

1 7 Variations in E-flat major on a theme of Mozart, WoO 46 Ludwig van Beethoven 10:34
Sonata No. 1 in F major, Op. 5 No. 1Ludwig van Beethoven 2 movements26:20
1. 2 Adagio sostenuto – Allegro 18:45
2. 3 Rondo: Allegro vivace 7:35
4 12 Variations in G major on a theme of Handel, WoO 45 Ludwig van Beethoven 14:22
Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69Ludwig van Beethoven 3 movements28:09
1. 5 Allegro ma non tanto 13:35
2. 6 Scherzo: Allegro molto 5:49
3. 7 Adagio cantabile – Allegro vivace 8:45
201 12 Variations in F major on a theme by Mozart, Op. 66 Ludwig van Beethoven 11:07
Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5 No. 2Ludwig van Beethoven 2 movements27:11
1. 202 Adagio sostenuto e espressivo – Allegro molto più tosto presto 17:30
2. 203 Rondo: Allegro 9:41
Sonata No. 4 in C major, Op. 102 No. 1Ludwig van Beethoven 2 movements16:00
1. 204 Andante – Allegro vivace 8:25
2. 205 Adagio – Tempo d’Andante – Allegro vivace 7:35
Sonata No. 5 in D major, Op. 102 No. 2Ludwig van Beethoven 3 movements22:18
1. 206 Allegro con brio 7:09
2. 207 Adagio con molto sentimento d’affetto – attacca 10:09
3. 208 Allegro – Allegro fugato 5:00

Beethoven had contact with a number of virtuoso cellists (Jean-Pierre and Jean-Louis Duport and Romberg to name a few). He even offered to write a concerto for Romberg, who politely declined, preferring his own compositions. We are grateful for these five sonatas and three sets of variations. In the late eighteenth century the cello was beginning to be known as a solo instrument with great expressive potential.

As a duo Zoe Knighton and Amir Farid debuted at Melbourne Recital Centre in 2009 and have since released two CDs on the Move label, performed in the ABC Sunday Live series, the Saturday Sessions (ABC), the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival and throughout regional Victoria. As well-known chamber musicians in Australia’s premiere ensembles, Knighton and Farid bring a wealth of experience and onstage rapport to their partnership and performances.

Reviews

Cellist Zoe Knighton and pianist Amir Farid are an adornment to Melbourne chamber music. In this two-CD collaboration they play all five Beethoven cello sonatas, with a bonus of the much rarer two sets of variations on themes by Mozart (both from the Magic Flute) and one set on a theme by Handel. Knighton is a rich-toned and warm cellist, with a sensitive understanding with the capable Farid, and this recording is very forward and natural. The lovely A major sonata (Op 69) is particularly successful, but cello lovers will be especially grateful to have the three sets of variations. ★★★½

— Barney Zwartz, The Age

Artists

Zoe Knighton

cello

Zoe Knighton is at the forefront of a new generation of performers intent on forging an innovative path for the enjoyment of classical music. A founding member of Flinders Quartet, she is a leading Melbourne cellist and chamber musician.

Amir Farid

piano

Amir Farid has been described as a highly creative musician – a pianist of great intelligence and integrity who brings strong musical substance to all that he does, imbuing it with his own experience and understanding, and who distinguishes himself for all the right reasons.

Ludwig van Beethoven

composer

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was a German composer and pianist whose music stands at the centre of the Western classical tradition, bridging the Classical and Romantic eras.