Beethoven’s last three piano sonatas – Nos. 30, 31 and 32 – are among the most profound and moving pieces of music ever written. Beethoven composed the works in the last phase of his life, a period when he was no longer concerned with virtuosity or technical bravado, but instead sought musical and spiritual depth.

In this respect, with Leif Ove Andsnes, the dream pianist sits behind the grand piano. The Norwegian has worked with top orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, released numerous award-winning CD recordings and between 2011 and 2015 was the driving force behind The Beethoven Journey, in which he performed and conducted Beethoven’s piano concertos.

With Andsnes, technical perfection goes hand in hand with emotional depth. Whether he plays an intimate sonata or a grand piano concerto, as he will do in November 2023 with the Noord Nederlands Orkest, his playing is always clear, powerful and compelling. About the concert with the NNO, the Volkskrant wrote: “Keyboard wizard Leif Ove Andsnes makes emotions spark eloquently.” Consider it a solid recommendation!