Sonate Für Klavier Nr.16 G-dur Op.31 Nr.1, Sonate Für Klavier Nr.17 D-moll Op.31 Nr.2 "Der Sturm", Sonate Für Klavier Nr.27 E-moll Op.90

This recording features the Austrian pianist Friedrich Gulda performing three of Ludwig van Beethoven's piano sonatas: No. 16, No. 17, and No. 27. Released under the Metronome Classic label, this collection highlights Gulda’s lifelong dedication to Beethoven, a composer whose works defined the core of his repertoire. Gulda was renowned for his technical precision and his ability to bridge the gap between traditional Viennese classical sensibilities and a more modern, improvisational approach to performance.

The album includes the Sonata No. 17, famously known as 'The Tempest' (Der Sturm). This work dates to 1801–1802, a period during which Beethoven was grappling with his increasing hearing loss, leading to a profound shift toward more dramatic and experimental compositions. Friedrich Gulda’s interpretation of these sonatas was widely regarded by critics for its clarity and structural integrity, reflecting his status as one of the definitive Beethoven interpreters of the mid-20th century.