Four sonatas in one sitting, and not arbitrary ones: Opus 31 and the Waldstein are where Beethoven stepped out of Haydn's shadow and turned heroic, which is exactly what the subtitle promises. Jeffrey Swann talks the audience through the shift as he plays, so it works as a recital and a free music-history lecture at once. If you have wanted the Tempest and the Waldstein explained and played back to back, this is your Sunday.
What to expect
A compact hall built into the uplands of Pier 5, unreserved seating, and roughly ninety minutes of piano with spoken commentary and no intermission. Swann introduces each sonata before playing it, so newcomers are not left guessing. No food or drink inside and no recording without permission - the room is quiet enough that you notice.
Good to know
- Walk fifteen minutes down Joralemon Street from Borough Hall, or take the NYC Ferry South Brooklyn route to Pier 6 and walk north along the river.
- The address reads 10 Montague Street, but that block is reached only from Furman Street - Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights is a dead end above the park.
- The Boathouse is wheelchair accessible via a ramp as well as the stairs.
- Seating is unreserved and the hall is small, so early arrivals get the good sightlines onto the keyboard.
- Concerts run straight through with no intermission; restrooms are just inside the entrance.
- Pair it with the park - Pier 3's beach and the picnic pier's blue umbrellas are a two-minute walk away.
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Common questions
Do I need to have heard Parts 1 through 4?
No. Each installment is a self-contained recital with its own program, and Swann's spoken introductions set up the works from scratch. Coming in at Part 5 is completely normal.
Is there a charge or a suggested donation at the door?
Bargemusic states that all concerts are admission-free this year. Donations support the series but nothing is collected as a condition of entry.
Is it suitable for children?
It is a quiet listening room with no intermission, which suits patient older kids and teens more than restless younger ones. Sit near the aisle if you may need to step out.
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