GARRICK OHLSSON, PIANO; Beethoven Sonatas, Vol. 9 (Bridge) ****

Recording the complete sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven is a formidable undertaking, but a rewarding one for both the performer and the listener. The 32 sonatas Beethoven wrote span the composer’s creative life and give a compelling glimpse into his musical roots. They also show how he developed the form from the classicism of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and how he shaped it into the romanticism of Frédéric Chopin and other 19^th century composers.

The final, two-disc volume of Ohlsson’s project contains some of Beethoven’s earlier and smaller sonatas, including the two in op. 49. Sharing the album with this pair are the op. 10 set, the op. 54 and the second and third sonatas in op. 31. All are much more classically structured and conceived than the later sonatas and Ohlsson gives some beautifully phrased and clearly articulated readings of these pieces. Everything is wonderfully balanced and the playing is immaculate. Ohlsson makes the most of these sonatas and makes them a lot of fun to listen to. This is an absolutely delightful way to end this multi-year venture.