Record Review

Original version

BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

Magazines & Reviews

Music: Classical

A thorough look at the week's classical music releases, plus news and recommendations.

A thorough look at the week's classical music releases, plus news and the Radio 3 Disc of the Week recommendation.

Record Review: Beethoven's Les Adieux Sonata in Building a Library with Lucy Parham and Andrew McGregor

Beethoven's Les Adieux Sonata in Building a Library with Lucy Parham and Andrew McGregor

BBC Radio 3 - Record Review, Beethoven's Les Adieux Sonata in Building a Library with Lucy Parham and Andrew McGregor

Lucy Parham chooses her favourite version of Beethoven's Les Adieux Sonata.

In Building a Library, pianist Lucy Parham chooses her favourite version of Beethoven's Piano Sonata, 'Les Adieux', and Nigel Simeone discusses his selection of exciting new releases.

Andrew McGregor with the best new recordings of classical music.

9.30 am
Nigel Simeone brings his selection of exciting new releases to the studio and shares his On Repeat track: music he has been listening to again and again.

10.30 am
Building a Library

Lucy Parham chooses her favourite version of Beethoven's Piano Sonata "Les Adieux".

Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 26 in E♭ major, Op. 81a, known as Les Adieux ("The Farewell"), was written around 1810. The French attack on Vienna, led by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1809, had forced Beethoven's patron, Archduke Rudolph, to leave the city. He titled the three movements 'farewell', 'absence', and 'reunion'. The sonata has a dedication that reads "On the departure of his Imperial Highness, for the Archduke Rudolph in admiration". Beethoven's works are traditionally divided into three periods and this sonata is often thought of as one of the very best from his middle period.

Recommended version:
Emil Gilels (piano)
Deutsche Grammophon 4191622

11.20 am
Record of the Week: Andrew’s top pick.

Send us your On Repeat recommendations at recordreview@bbc.co.uk or tweet us @BBCRadio3

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Record Review

Beethoven's Les Adieux Sonata in Building a Library with Lucy Parham and Andrew McGregor

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 3

About BBC Radio 3