Beethoven's first set of three piano sonatas was dedicated to his former mentor Joseph Haydn. The first of this set, the Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1, is a true testament to this dedication, with an ascending principal theme, to which a subsidiary motive provides the necessary contrast of contour and key, truly in the spirit of Beethoven's teacher. The following Adagio movement calls for the singing style of performance for which Beethoven was well known, as the principal theme is elaborated and embellished. The Minuet, with its contrasting F major Trio, presages later Scherzo movements, while the final Prestissimo brings a touch of Promethean fire. This performance is taken from Daniel Barenboim's highly esteemed complete rendition of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas, recorded at the Schloss Hetzendorf, Vienna, Austria, in 1983.
