The Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 “Waldstein” stands as one of Ludwig van Beethoven’s most celebrated “Grand Sonatas”. A work of remarkable breadth and innovation, it combines stark contrasts between driving energy and moments of luminous stillness. Written during a pivotal period in Beethoven’s creative life, it marks a bold expansion of the piano’s expressive and technical possibilities.
From the exhilarating sweep of the opening Allegro con brio to the mysterious, harmonically rich Introduzione, the sonata unfolds as a striking musical journey. The radiant Rondo finale (sometimes nicknamed L’Aurore (“Dawn”)), emerges from shadow into light, culminating in a dazzling Prestissimo coda, complete with trills and the famous octave glissandi that highlight Beethoven’s forward-looking pianism.
In the video below, acclaimed Beethoven interpretor, Julian Jacobson, introduces the work, offering valuable context and musical insights that set the stage for a deeper exploration of the sonata.
New video lecture series
This video is the first in a new lecture recital series on the Online Academy exploring interpretation, structure, voicing, pedalling and technical control to help you bring clarity, brilliance and understanding to this extraordinary work. Click here for links to the full series (requires subscription) or click here for Julian’s performance.
Further links & resources
- Click here for links to Julian’s video lessons on other works on the Online Academy or click here to view his previous blog post on embarking upon Beethoven’s piano sonatas.
- Click here to find out more and to purchase access to a recording of Julian’s online presentation on approaching four of the more accessible movements from Beethoven’s Sonatas.
- Click here to view an index of our Beethoven on Board series which features detailed video lectures on Beethoven’s first five sonatas (or click here for a blog preview for the first sonata).
- Click here for more information on Julian’s recommended edition for this work (Bärenreiter). These editions are also available on the digital sheet music app Oktav and readers can also use discount code PRACTISINGTHEPIANO30 to get 30% off an annual subscription to Oktav.
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