Type: Classical Piano
Soloist: Daniel Barenboim
Program: Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 24 in F-sharp major, Op. 78
Location: Schloss Charlottenburg, Berlin
Year: 1984

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 24, is one of his shorter and more graceful piano sonatas yet retains a very distinctive personality. Unlike the stormier Beethoven that people expect, this sonata is interesting, bright, and affectionate. It has only two movements. Instead of a dramatic struggle, he focuses on elegance, lyricism, and playful charm. The opening begins with a singing introduction before the music takes flight, and the second movement is quick and sparkling.