Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2, No. 3
Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53, "Waldstein"
Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a, "Les adieux"

In a previous review of South-Korean pianist Julian Jaeyoung Kim's recording of piano works by Johannes Brahms, I had commented about his "forceful and incisive readings" and "decisive accentuation" allowing for clear and prominent motivic and melodic lines to poke through the volley of notes. These interpretive and expressive characteristics very well apply to his Beethoven survey as well.

A prime example of this can be heard in the Scherzo movement of the Sonata No. 3 (audio clip below). It's lightsome as it should be, but Kim's energetic designation at all times of the leading line, along with balanced dynamics, bring home the fact that although Beethoven was not the greatest tunesmith, he was a master at harmonic development and elaboration. And on the flip side of the coin, Julian Jaeyoung Kim can just as easily bring out the music's gravitas, as in the Adagio molto movement of the "Waldstein" Sonata. And the lightning fast runs within the Vivacissivamente final movement of the Sonata No. 26 are no match for Kim's clear and refined technical skills.

If you're anything like me you probably have lots of Beethoven recordings in your collection already, but without hesitation, this one would make a great addition and actually augment your collection's stature.