Beethoven Moonlight

You may have been fortunate enough to hear pianist Ronald Farren-Price performing Beethoven in past years. Over seven years in the making, he has completed his long-awaited recording of selected, much-loved Beethoven piano works. This first album in the two-volume set opens the survey.

Ronald Farren-Price piano

Ludwig van Beethoven composer

Volume 1 – “Moonlight” – centres on one of Beethoven’s most readily identifiable piano works, the C-sharp minor sonata known as the Moonlight Sonata, with its familiar opening and fiery finale. Alongside it sit the rarely heard Polonaise in C, the early Sonata in D major, and the late Sonata No. 30 in E major, with its remarkable theme and variations.

Volume 2 – “Pathétique” – is a separate Move release, Beethoven Pathétique.

Reviews

sensitive performances of some of Beethoven’s finest works

— New Classics, UK

I became entranced by the wonderful sonorities … the beautiful sound of the piano along with the very high quality of the recording … absolutely beautiful! His tempi remind me of Schnabel, but his playing illuminates the structures of the variations didactically and musically in ways that Schnabel never quite managed.

— Greg Borrowman, Australian Hi-Fi

Farren-Price’s Beethoven recording in every way is superb … genuine Beethoven!

— Prof. John Damgaard, Denmark

this first volume of Beethoven piano works from Ronald Farren-Price is sure to delight … the listener can never doubt the integrity and thoughtfulness of the artistic approach … we can sense a performer who truly believes in the humanity and nobility of Beethoven’s vision.

— Tony Way, The Age - Green Guide

a tribute both to the genius of Beethoven’s music, and to the abiding talent of Ronald Farren-Price … insightful notes … an important addition to the library

— Elizabeth Scarlett, ArtStreams

Artists

Ludwig van Beethoven

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.

Ronald Farren-Price

Ronald Farren-Price is an Australian concert pianist of rare artistry, sensitivity and virtuosity. Clarity of expression and firmness of touch are the hallmarks of his style, which brings bold nobility to each performance.

Audio preview

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Tracks

Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3 Ludwig van Beethoven

Presto 7:17
Largo e mesto 10:23
Menuetto and Trio: Allegro 3:01
Rondo: Allegro 4:23

Sonata No. 14 quasi una Fantasia in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2, “Moonlight” Ludwig van Beethoven

Adagio sostenuto 6:24
Allegretto 2:36
Presto agitato 8:10
Polonaise in C, Opus 89 Alla Polacca, vivace Ludwig van Beethoven 6:10

Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109 Ludwig van Beethoven

Vivace, ma non troppo; Adagio espressivo 4:08
Prestissimo 2:46
Theme and variations 13:36

Performers

Ronald Farren-Price

Where to listen

Beethoven Moonlight is available for streaming through Spotify and Apple Music. It can also be purchased through the iTunes Music Store.

Beethoven Moonlight is available as a CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer online ordering.