.png)
Force of Nature: Colin Carr Plays Beethoven’s Five Cello Sonatas on Classic 107
All week long, September 15–19 at 1 p.m., Classic 107 invites you to immerse yourself in Beethoven’s five groundbreaking cello sonatas—performed by acclaimed cellist Colin Carr alongside pianist Thomas Sauer. Each day, we’ll broadcast one of these masterworks, in anticipation of a truly monumental concert here in Winnipeg: on October 29, as part of the International Cello Festival of Canada, audiences will hear all five sonatas performed by a roster of stellar artists, including Carr himself.
The Beethoven cello sonatas: a musical revolution
Beethoven’s five cello sonatas span his early, middle, and late periods, reflecting both his compositional evolution and his lifelong push against musical boundaries. Before Beethoven, the cello was largely confined to an accompanying role. With these works, he placed it firmly in the spotlight, establishing the cello sonata as a genre of equals between cello and piano.
Here’s what you’ll hear this week:
Monday, September 15 – Sonata No. 1 in F major, Op. 5 No. 1
Written in 1796 during Beethoven’s visit to Berlin, this sonata (alongside its companion, No. 2) was dedicated to King Friedrich Wilhelm II, an enthusiastic amateur cellist. With its expansive opening movement and lively rondo finale, Sonata No. 1 showcases Beethoven’s youthful boldness and a new sense of balance between cello and piano.
Tuesday, September 16 – Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5 No. 2
Dramatic and turbulent, Sonata No. 2 already hints at the stormier Beethoven to come. The piano writing is virtuosic, almost concerto-like, while the cello’s lyrical lines demand both finesse and power. This sonata cemented Beethoven’s role as a pioneer in redefining the cello’s voice.
Wednesday, September 17 – Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69
Completed in 1808, this is arguably the most famous of the five. Written during Beethoven’s so-called “heroic” middle period, the A major sonata opens with the cello alone—an unmistakable declaration of independence. With its balance of grandeur and intimacy, it remains a cornerstone of the cello repertoire.
Thursday, September 18 – Sonata No. 4 in C major, Op. 102 No. 1
By 1815, Beethoven had entered his late style, and the C major sonata shows his fascination with compact, tightly woven musical ideas. Its brevity is paired with profound depth, moving from lyrical tenderness to surprising bursts of energy.
Friday, September 19 – Sonata No. 5 in D major, Op. 102 No. 2
The final sonata is the most radical. Its fugal finale looks ahead to Beethoven’s late string quartets and even Bach-inspired counterpoint, while the slow movement stands among his most poetic creations. It is a work that challenges performers and continues to astonish listeners.
About the International Cello Festival of Canada
Returning for its third edition, the International Cello Festival of Canada (presented by Agassiz Music) celebrates 25 years of bringing musicians and audiences together in Winnipeg. This year’s festival features concerts with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, and the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra. It all culminates in a gala with an 80-member Cello Orchestra and the Zara Nelsova National Cello Competition, spotlighting the next generation of Canadian cello talent.
On October 29, festival audiences will experience Beethoven’s complete cycle of cello sonatas, performed by Bryan Cheng, Alban Gerhardt, Inbal Segev, Paul Marleyn, and Colin Carr. It promises to be an unforgettable evening.
Tune in and join the celebration
Don’t miss this chance to hear Colin Carr’s masterful recordings of Beethoven’s cello sonatas each weekday at 1 p.m. on Classic 107. Then, mark your calendars for October 29 to experience these masterpieces live at the International Cello Festival of Canada.
For tickets and full festival details, visit the International Cello Festival of Canada website.