FERDINAND RIES PIANO SONATAS (COMMENTS AND REVIEWS)

Ferdinand Ries, being a helper, actually servant for Beethoven, being completely neglected until the past 5 years, which saw a revive of his piano concertos and piano sonatas by Naxos, symphonies and concertos by CPO. Not to say the best, but definitely not the worst to be neglected. He has been overshadowed by Beethoven throughout his early years, being active in concerts only in his later years, which saw the producing of some great works that can compete with Beethoven.

FERDINAND RIES - COMPLETE PIANO SONATAS (VOL.1-5)

A five-disc set of complete piano sonatas (and sonatinas) for piano played by Susan Kagan has been unearthed since 2008, now to vol.6 for piano 4-hands. There is totaling of 15 sonatas with 13 premiering and 1 unpublished. Comparing to Beethoven's 32, I think it is significantly fewer and lesser quality but still, worth to listen, definitely not a composer to be forgotten.

VOL.1

Tracks 1-6 featuring two 3-movements piano sonatas op.11 and one sonatina op.45 from track 7 to 8.

TRACK 1: Largo con espressione - Allegro agitato

Slow beginning followed by a melody to be played with expression. Allegro after the melody is beautifully crafted and bears resemblance to Beethoven's early sonatas.The agitato part (even after the repeat, which has more minoric feel) is rather weak but still, it works fine for the piece. rating: 6/10.

TRACK 2: Larghetto

In a serene mood with lyrical themes, even more similar to Beethoven. The mordents and turns are effectively used. rating:7/10

TRACK 3: Allegro

Finale begins with a tarantella, with rapid triplets figuration. Excessive use of triplets in the later parts(both left and right hands), galloping feel in the development part. Ending gradually thinning. rating:5/10

Average rating of whole sonata: 6/10, still above average, but nowhere to compete with Beethoven.

TRACK 4: Allegro moderato

Begins lyrically, bears much romantic traits, serenely written overall. rating:7/10

TRACK 5:Andante

Not surprising in the beginning, lyrical part ends poorly, lesser quality than larghetto op.11/2. rating:5/10

TRACK 6: Theme and Variations

Best track of the sonata, maybe because of the lovely theme, a Russian melody, folk-like, marked with offbeat accents, not really like the 2nd variation, too much triplets may divert the theme. 3rd variation is good. 4th variation virtuostic. 5th variation with chromatic right hand, well-written. 7th variation(finale), a blend of lyrical and virtuostic passages, major and minor moods. rating:8/10

Average rating of whole sonata: 6.7/10, slightly better than the first sonata, but still weak to compete with Beethoven.

TRACK 7:  Allegro moderato

Very good beginning, expressive melancholy, ranges between a sonata and a sonatina. Lyrical themes blend in the second part. Even more melancholic and strong feelings in the B part, which fits perfectly. rating: 9/10

TRACK 8: Allegretto scherzando

Starting with a dance-like rondo, very good melody. Later parts surrounding the theme. The minor part does not correspond well (I mean obvious contrast). rating:8/10

Average rating of whole sonata: 8.5/10, a superior piece among Classical sonatas. I think Beethoven will be awed.