September 21, 2025
Spivey Hall
Morrow, Georgia – USA
Gil Shaham, violin; Akira Eguchi, piano.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN: Violin Sonata No. 4 in A minor, Op. 23
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN: Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 (“Spring”)
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN: Violin Sonata No. 9 in A majpr, Op. 47 (“Kreutzer”)
Mark Gresham | 26 SEP 2025
The ten violin sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven are landmarks of the chamber music repertoire, showcasing his evolution as a composer and his innovative approach to the violin-piano duo. Written between 1797 and 1812, these works trace Beethoven’s stylistic development from the Classical elegance of his early period to the bold, expressive intensity of his middle period. Unlike earlier sonatas, where the piano often dominated, Beethoven treats the violin and piano as equal partners, creating a dynamic dialogue that elevates the genre. Each sonata reflects his knack for blending technical virtuosity with emotional depth, often pushing the boundaries of form and expression.
The season-opening program at Spivey Hall on Sunday featured violinist Gil Shaham and pianist Akira Eguchi performing three of Beethoven’s violin sonatas, nos. 4, 5, and 9, which presented a compelling arc through Beethoven’s creative life, programmed in a way that highlights contrast, growth, and thematic connections. Performed in this order, the sonatas offer a narrative of increasing ambition, emotional range, and technical complexity, making for a dramatically satisfying concert.
Shaham and Eguchi opened with Sonata No. 4 in A minor, Op. 23, bringing clarity and tension to its stormy first movement. Shaham’s violin tone, characteristically warm but capable of biting articulation, carried the rhythmic drive of the “Presto,” while Eguchi’s precise touch in the piano gave the music a lean, propulsive energy. The “Andante” provided a moment of lyrical respite, with both players shaping phrases with understated elegance. The finale’s rondo brought flashes of playfulness and fire, setting a restless tone that framed the program’s emotional journey.
They followed with Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24, the beloved “Spring” Sonata, and the contrast was immediate. Shaham’s graceful phrasing and light bow strokes lent the opening “Allegro” a natural buoyancy. Eguchi supported with transparent textures, letting the violin’s long-lined melody float above. The brief “Adagio molto espressivo” was played with tender intimacy, offering an affecting moment. The Scherzo’s offbeat accents had a mischievous lilt, and the Rondo finale sparkled with a sense of ease.
After intermission came the centerpiece of the program, the Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47, known as the “Kreutzer Sonata,” which showcased both artists at their most technically commanding. The slow introduction of the first movement was expansive and full of tension, giving way to a whirlwind “Presto” in which Shaham’s virtuosity was matched by Eguchi’s driving precision. The “Andante con variazioni” provided a lyrical interlude, the duo shading each variation with coloristic nuance. The final “Allegro,” a relentless tarantella, was delivered with electrifying momentum, propelling the piece toward a breathless conclusion that earned an enthusiastic standing ovation from the capacity audience.
They were called back for bows multiple times before returning to the stage for an encore: the “Adagio espressivo” from Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 10 in G major, Op. 96.
Throughout the concert, Shaham and Eguchi maintained a fine balance between instruments, a partnership of equals, creating a sense of chamber-music intimacy that suited Spivey Hall’s immaculate acoustics.
The program’s architecture felt thoughtfully conceived and effective, offering a snapshot of Beethoven’s significant compositional development over just a few years (1801-1803), while also serving as a showcase of Shaham and Eguchi as Beethoven interpreters, from refinement and lyricism to unbridled virtuosity. ■
Gil Shaham and Akira Eguchi in recital at Spivey Hall, Sept. 21, 2025. (credit: Rand Lines)
EXTERNAL LINKS:
- Gil Shaham: gilshaham.com
- Akira Eguchi: facebook.com/Pianist.Akira.Eguchi
- Spivey Hall: spiveyhall.org
Read more by Mark Gresham.
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