Beethoven Sonata No. 3, Op. 10, 1st Movement

"The early D major Sonata Op. 10 No. 3 was one of Beethoven's favorites. The 1st movement Presto bursts with energy, the Largo e mesto movement is profoundly expressive, presaging the drama in his opera "Fidelio." The Menuetto emerges miraculously, like sunrise after a dark night. I call the rondo finale a "cat and mouse" movement, darting about playfully and unpredictably. Altogether a masterpiece of fresh inspiration."