A Monument for Beethoven

Album review

A “monument to Beethoven” which includes no compositions by the Fidelio composer? A mistake? Absolutely not! For his first album, released by Warner, Yoav Levanon has purposefully chosen a selection of piano pieces by Liszt, Chopin, Mendelssohn and Schumann: “[The album] presents works by great composers who played a role, financial or otherwise, in the commissioning and erection of a Beethoven monument in Bonn, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the master’s birth. For me, their participation in this commemorative project is emblematic of the tremendous camaraderie and solidarity amongst musicians.”  

Liszt played a key role in creating the three days of festivities which accompanied the inauguration of the Beethoven statue in August 1845; his incredible Sonata in B minor S.178 opens the album. Yoav Levanon’s interpretation favours chopping and changing rather than a continuous reading. However, regardless of how disconcerting the piece may feel, it still doesn’t lack coherence. This is partly accredited to the extraordinary strength and speed of the young Israeli pianist, who glides effortlessly over the keyboard during the most sonorous and virtuoso passages. Chopin’s Prelude in C sharp minor is then played rubato with a strong pedal, sometimes edging towards Debussy’s impressionist tone. This interpretation may not be the most historically or musically faithful, but it’s definitely captivating! In the Variations serieuses we discover, once again, the stunning musical agility that seduced us in Liszt’s Sonata (there’s no doubt that young Levanon loves a highly technical score). As for Schumann’s Fantasy in C, its delicate execution hides the pianissimo elements which are slightly lacking in tone. 

It’s certainly a bold first album for a young pianist, and Levanon is clearly unphased by the sheer complexity of the programme’s content. He promises great things, and only time will tell if he’s able to maintain the incredibly high standards he’s set for himself! © Pierre Lamy/Qobuz

Details of the original recording : Recorded : 17-19 May & 7-9 June 2021, Teldex Studio, Berlin, GERMANY