Beethoven: Sonatas op. 7, op. 13, op. 49 (on Graf fortepiano)

In this third volume of his acclaimed Beethoven fortepiano cycle, Roberto Prosseda explores four early piano sonatas composed between 1796 and 1799, including the iconic Pathétique Sonata, the expansive Op. 7, and the intimate Op. 49 sonatas. Performing on an original 1820 Conrad Graf fortepiano, Prosseda reveals a Beethoven who is bold, unpredictable, and deeply theatrical - an improviser whose music breathes with rhetorical power, expressive contrasts, and remarkable spontaneity. Rather than seeking historical reconstruction, this recording offers a fresh rediscovery of Beethoven’s creative imagination through the distinctive colours and responsiveness of one of the finest surviving instruments of its kind.

Recorded at the renowned Musicafelix Studio in Prato, Italy, this album benefits from an exceptional acoustic environment that beautifully captures the fortepiano’s unique palette of transparent bass, eloquent middle register, and crystalline treble. Together, Prosseda’s insightful interpretation and the studio’s natural sound create an immersive listening experience that brings Beethoven’s early masterpieces vividly to life, balancing architectural grandeur with poetic intimacy.

“I continue to perceive a remarkably living presence: a Beethoven who improvises, experiments, and takes risks.” - Roberto Prosseda The Italian's power is spectacular […] Spectacular, but never merely for effect. […] A tribute to composer and performer alike.

Ritmo, 30-9-2026

In each of these sonatas, the precision of Prosseda’s passagework and the clarity of his textures are little short of awesome. [...] I suspect these performances will delight those long familiar with these pieces as much as they will those only recently introduced to them.

Gramophone, 18-9-2026

Prosseda’s playing is characterized by the utmost clarity and precision, and is always imbued with a communicative, spirited interpretation that nevertheless never sounds exaggerated, mannered, or contrived, guaranteeing a truly captivating listening experience.

Pizzicato, 18-9-2026