Ludwig van Beethoven: The Last Three Sonatas

Large industrial complexes of solid brick tell the story of Leipzig’s industrialization in the 19th century. Where once spinning wheels clattered, chimneys smoked and thousands of workers went about their daily business, new life has moved in over the past few years. The former factories are now home to artists’ studios, galleries and manufactories. The term “industrial culture” is taken literally here. The Kunstkraftwerk Leipzig is one of these buildings that tells the story of the times and was now the setting for a very special audio and video production: the exceptional Korean pianist Sunwook Kim played Ludwig van Beethoven’s last three piano sonatas op. 109-111 in an industrial setting, framed by light projections that filled the brick hall.

Beethoven’s last three piano sonatas occupy a very special place in his œuvre. Already completely deaf at the time of their composition, Beethoven puts three of his most intimate and personal works on paper, which at the same time radiate optimism and point musically to the future like few other works.