Musical Comparisons: Beethoven's Cello Sonata

As with film narratives, musical pieces as extended through time. It's harder, I think, to form an over-all idea of a musical piece than of a picture or sculpture, but it is certainly tempted to think that we can compare works in key respects such as tempo or phrasing.

Here is a performance of Yo Yo Ma of Beethoven's Cello Sonata #4 Opus 102 Part I [And here is an MP3 version of Part II]

Here is a performance of the same piece by M. Rostropovich. [Broken Link -- will look for the MP3 version -- HERE it is -- but it is Part II]

In the meantime click here for yet another version of the Cello Sonata #4 Opus 102 Part I
And here for the same team (Fournier/Gulder) for Part II

First simply appreciate these two wonderful performances. Then, see if one is stronger than the other in a particular respect. I'll be posting a specific weekly assignment about this, but you should feel free to anticipate this on your Blog.