Gautier Capuçon: Beethoven Sonatas

Beethoven's five cello sonatas in one evening The award-winning cellist Gautier Capuçon shows us the breadth of Beethoven's artistry together with the pianist Frank Braley. A French duo This evening offers a welcome reunion with Gautier Capuçon, who played to a sold-out main stage at Operaen in spring 2026. The French star soloist is renowned for his expressive and sparkling virtuosity, and performs regularly with the world's leading orchestras. In 2027 it will be 200 years since Beethoven's death. Together with the pianist Frank Braley, Capuçon's long-standing musical partner, they honour the legendary composer by playing all five of his cello sonatas in one evening – a musical journey that demands everything of the performers. An artistry in miniature Beethoven's five sonatas for piano and cello are among the most beloved in the cello repertoire. Here the two instruments take turns playing the leading role – a balance that was revolutionary in its day. The sonatas, composed between 1796 and 1817, span the three periods of Beethoven's career as a composer – the early, the mature and the late – and thus give us a unique insight into his musical life and development: the young revolutionary, the mature master and the reflective artist. The dialogue between cello and piano in these works laid the foundation for the rich chamber music tradition of the 1800s and 1900s, and influenced composers such as Brahms, Schubert and Chopin. Programme Ludwig van Beethoven Sonata No. 1 in F major, Op. 5 No. 1 (without repeats) Sonata No. 4 in C major, Op. 102 No. 1 (without repeats) Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5 No. 2 (without repeats) Interval Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69 (without repeats) Sonata No. 5 in D major, Op. 102 No. 2 (with repeats)

• Gautier Capuçon
• Frank Braley

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