What Makes It Great? The Appassionata Sonata

Beethoven, the Pandemic & the Power of Connection

With host Rob Kapilow & pianist Orli Shaham

Watch this performance on demand – $15
Watch any time for 30 days.

Watch Rob Kapilow introduce this series.
Listen to iconic masterpieces with new ears as NPR & PBS music commentator, conductor, composer, author and pianist Rob Kapilow shows you what you've been missing!

In Beethoven’s time, the Appassionata Sonata was an incredibly radical, cutting-edge, avant-garde work that left most listeners baffled, dazed and confused, yet today the piece has become completely acceptable, mainstream concert fare. How did this wildly radical music get domesticated, and can we rehear this piece as the wildly revolutionary work it was for Beethoven’s contemporaries?

More What Makes It Great? On Demand
Beethoven's Kreutzer Sonata
Beethoven's Archduke Trio


All 2020-21 Kaufman Music Center performances are online, filmed in safe, socially distanced locations observing health and safety protocols, and streamed to the safety of your home.

Thank you to our Supporters.

Get News from Us

Sign Up