American pianist, teacher, and writer based in New York City Jonathan Biss continues his nine disc Beethoven Sonata cycle by presenting Volume 5, with a most unique perspective: "20 years, and an entire cosmos, separate these sonatas that bookend this recording," Biss explains. "The evolution that takes place within Beethoven between the C Major Sonata, Opus 2, Number 3, and the A Major, Opus 101, is monumental, almost impossible to overstate: I struggle to think of an artist - not Picasso, not Schönberg, not Joyce - who changed so profoundly over the course of a working life. But what was the change, really?"

Well, here on Beethoven Piano Sonatas Vol.5 Nos. 3, 25, 27, & 28 we join in to discover the answers Biss musically provides the questions to in these beautifully recorded performances that are sure to become firm favorites with his fans and lovers of Beethoven the world over.

1. Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 2, No. 3: I. Allegro con brio
2. Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 2, No. 3: II. Adagio
3. Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 2, No. 3: III. Scherzo - Allegro
4. Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 2, No. 3: IV. Allegro assai
5. Piano Sonata No.25, Op. 79: I. Presto alla tedesca
6. Piano Sonata No. 25, Op. 79: II. Andante
7. Piano Sonata No. 25, Op. 79: III. Vivace
8. Piano Sonata No. 27, Op. 90: I. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
9. Piano Sonata No. 27, Op. 90: II. Nicht zugeschwing und sehr singbar vorzutragen
10. Piano Sonata No. 28, Op. 101: I. Etwas lebhaft und mit der innigsten Empfindung
11. Piano Sonata No. 28, Op. 101: II. Lebhatf. Marschmässig. Vivace alla Marcia
12. Piano Sonata No. 28, Op. 101: III. Langam und sehnsuchtsvoll. Adagio ma non troppo, con affetto - Geschwind, doch nicht zu sehr, und mit Entschlossenheit. Allegro

Biss' Beethoven Piano Sonatas Vol.5 Nos. 3, 25, 27, & 28 has wonderful touch and phrasing. Delightful and optimistic approach, which gives a promise even better to come. Reminds me a bit of the great Artur S. A great feel for the sweep and structure of the music. Amazing technique. Give it a listen and don't hesitate.

www.jonathanbiss.com