Maestro to attempt ‘almost unplayable’ Sonata at Montville

Konstantin Shamray will perform Beethoven’s almost ‘umplayable’ Hammerklavier Sonata Op106 at Lucas Parklands later this month.

- by Richard Bruinsma

ONE of the most difficult and rarely-played of Beethoven’s piano sonatas will be performed for the first time on the Sunshine Coast later this month. Some commentators have described Beethoven’s 45-minute ‘Hammerklavier Sonata Op106’ as almost ‘unplayable’ for many concert pianists – but that’s exactly the type of challenge that is relished by Russian-born maestro Konstantin Shamray.

The piece – translated aptly as ‘hammer keyboard’ – will be among the attractions of the first concerts for 2025 at the Lucas Parklands auditorium at Montville on January 23 and 24. “It’s Beethoven’s longest piece, it’s his most difficult piece and it’s right up Konstantin’s alley because he is a very powerful pianist with a big physical presence, and he loves a big challenge,” Ian Lucas, of Lucas Parklands, said.

Beethoven wrote the ferociously difficult Hammerklavier sonata to celebrate the depth of sound and virtuosity afforded by the ‘newer pianos of the early 1800s’ compared to the smaller sound of the pianos used by Mozart and Haydn. “It’s rarely played in public because of its length, and it would never have been played on the Sunshine Coast, so it’s a special treat for local lovers of classical music,” Mr Lucas added.

“It’s a difficult thing to program because of its length. I mean, you’ve got to have the right pianist, but it’s too good an opportunity for us to pass it by.”

The repertoire for the January 23 and 24 concerts features three major works that will each be performed once only over the two concert days. Both concerts will be held at 4pm. Konstantin will perform Beethoven’s ‘Hammerklavier Sonata op106‘ and ‘Saint Saens piano concerto no 5’ with Daniel piano 2. Daniel Le will perform ‘George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue’ with Konstantin playing piano 2 as well as Gershwin miniatures plus other items.

The Rhapsody and Beethoven Sonata will be played on the 24th. The Gershwin songs and Saint Saens Concerto No 5 on the 23rd. For Lucas Parklands performance and ticketing enquiries, phone 54785667 or 0409623228. For more information visit: https://lucasparklands.com.au/