Barenboim on Beethoven

Last night I enjoyed the performance of Daniel Barenboim on PBS Great Performances. He played five of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas including the great "Appassionata" ("Sonata No. 23 F minor," Op. 57). Other sonatas included in the concert special were "Sonata No. 5 C minor," Op. 10, No. 1; "Sonata No.11 B-flat major," Op. 22; "Sonata No. 19 G minor," Op. 49, No. 1; and "Sonata No. 20 G major," Op. 49, No. 2.. I particularly admired his musicianship and intensity. His selections demonstrated both the classical simplicity evident in the Op. 49 and the heroic and romantic drama of the Appassionata. Overall it was an excellent evening of music.