Gautier Capuçon:
Beethoven's sonatas

A French duo 

This evening marks a welcome return of Gautier Capuçon, who played to a sold-out Main Stage at the Oslo Opera House in spring 2026. The French star soloist is renowned for his expressive and vibrant virtuosity and regularly performs with leading orchestras worldwide. 

In 2027, it will have been 200 years since Beethoven’s death. Together with pianist Frank Braley – Capuçon’s long-standing musical partner – he pays tribute to the legendary composer by performing all five of his cello sonatas in a single evening. It is a musical journey that demands everything of the performers.  

Exceptional ... a true master craftsman of the cello 

– THE STRAD 

A life’s work in miniature  

Beethoven’s five sonatas for piano and cello are among the most beloved works in the cello repertoire. Here, the two instruments share the leading role – a balance that was revolutionary in its time. 

Composed between 1796 and 1817, the sonatas span the three periods of Beethoven’s compositional career – early, middle and late – offering a unique insight into his musical life and development: the young revolutionary, the mature master and the introspective artist. 

The dialogue between cello and piano in these works laid the foundation for the rich chamber music tradition of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It influenced composers such as Brahms, Schubert and Chopin. 

Concert Programme

Ludwig van Beethoven 

Sonata No. 1 in F major, Op. 5 No. 1 (without repeats) 

Sonata No. 4 in C major, Op. 102 No. 1 (without repeats) 

Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5 No. 2 (without repeats) 

Interval

Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69 (without repeats) 

Sonata No. 5 in D major, Op. 102 No. 2 (with repeats)