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Episode details

Radio 3,19 Sep 2026,119 mins

Beethoven's "Spring" Sonata in Building a Library with Kathryn Stott and Andrew McGregor

Record Review

Available for 27 days

Andrew McGregor with the best new classical releases, joined by Nigel Simeone and pianist Kathryn Stott, who surveys Beethoven's "Spring" Sonata and makes a top choice. c. 2.10pm Andrew is joined by critic Nigel Simeone who picks some of his favourite new releases of the week. c.3pm Building a Library. Andrew is joined by pianist Kathryn Stott to survey recordings of Beethoven's Violin Sonata Op. 24 "Spring" and make a top recommendation. Published in 1801, Beethoven's "Spring" Sonata is the fifth of his sonatas for violin and piano. The title was not Beethoven's own, it was later bestowed owing to the work's bright, cheerful, and blossoming melodies which evoke the upbeat feel of the season. Top choice: Isabelle Faust (violin) Alexander Melnikov (piano) Harmonia Mundi HMC902025/27 c.3.45pm Record of the Week: Andrew's top pick of this week's new releases.

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Tracklist

  1. Track
    Artist
  2. 1.
    Waltz in F major
    Waltz in F major
    Leo Tolstoy
  3. 2.
    String Quartet Op.8 (1st mvt)
    String Quartet Op.8 (1st mvt)
    Vítězslava Kaprálová
  4. 3.
    Symphony no.7 in A major (4th mvt)
    Symphony no.7 in A major (4th mvt)
    Ludwig van Beethoven