Vladyslav Ustiuhov is a Ukrainian pianist based in Miami, shaped by early musical experiences in Ukraine and inspired by Beethoven’s sonatas. A graduate of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, he is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. An active soloist and collaborator, he performs widely, participates in international festivals, and has earned top competition prizes while contributing to academic research and innovative teaching practices.
On “Beethoven: Sonatas Ops. 53, 57, 111,” Vladyslav Ustiuhov presents a deeply personal and technically commanding interpretation of three of Ludwig van Beethoven’s most philosophically expansive sonatas. Recorded during his graduate studies at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and the Frost School of Music, this debut album captures a pivotal artistic moment. The project is entirely instrumental, placing the full expressive responsibility on the piano alone. Without vocals, Ustiuhov communicates narrative, tension, and transcendence purely through touch, articulation, and tonal architecture, doing so with remarkable authority.
Beethoven: Sonatas Ops. 53, 57, 111 Album Review:
Piano Sonata No. 21, Op. 53 ‘Waldstein’ – I. Allegro con brio:
On “Piano Sonata No. 21, Op. 53 ‘Waldstein’ – I. Allegro con brio,” Vladyslav Ustiuhov presents a powerful solo piano performance that clearly rises and falls in intensity. The track opens with bright, energetic momentum, driven by crisp articulation and steady rhythmic grounding. Fast repeated notes shimmer with control, while stronger chordal passages add weight and drama.
As the movement progresses, the music builds through growing harmonic tension and fuller dynamics, then gently pulls back into lighter, more transparent textures. These natural swells and retreats create a strong sense of motion and balance. The return of the main theme feels confident and resolved, leading into a thrilling coda that surges forward before settling. Overall, the piece moves like a wave, climbing toward bold climaxes and easing into reflective moments, showcasing both technical precision and expressive depth through piano alone.
Piano Sonata No. 21, Op. 53 ‘Waldstein’ – II. Introduzione: Adagio molto:
On “Piano Sonata No. 21, Op. 53 ‘Waldstein’ – II. Introduzione: Adagio molto,” Vladyslav Ustiuhov presents a truly delicate piano performance defined by restraint and careful control. The movement unfolds slowly and quietly, with each note placed thoughtfully and allowed to settle naturally. The soft dynamic remains consistent, creating a calm and suspended atmosphere without dramatic shifts.
His touch is light and refined, producing a luminous tone that never feels forced. Subtle pedaling supports the harmony while preserving clarity between notes, ensuring that every chord is clean and balanced. Silence plays an essential role, as pauses are given equal importance to the notes themselves. There is no overt build or surge in intensity; instead, the piece maintains a steady, intimate stillness throughout. The result is a fragile, contemplative bridge that relies entirely on tonal purity, precision, and the quiet power of simplicity.
Piano Sonata No. 21, Op. 57 “Appassionata” – II. Andante con moto:
The second movement of Beethoven’s Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 23, “Appassionata,” marked Andante con moto, offers a contemplative contrast to the stormy outer movements. Its solemnity is immediately apparent, with delicate key touches that reveal both restraint and emotional depth. The melody flows gracefully, supported by subtle harmonies and soft arpeggiated textures, creating an intimate atmosphere. Every note is imbued with expressive nuance, showing Beethoven’s mastery of translating emotion into sound. Unlike the dramatic tension of the first and third movements, this section feels like a quiet, reflective pause, inviting listeners to linger in its measured pace. Its lyrical simplicity belies profound emotional weight, offering an oasis of calm while hinting at underlying intensity. The movement demonstrates Beethoven’s genius in balancing delicacy with gravitas, making it an essential, deeply moving part of the sonata.
Piano Sonata No. 21, Op. 111 – I. Maestoso – Allegro con brio ed appassionato:
This opening movement of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 21, Op. 111, bursts with vitality and restless energy. From the first Maestoso chords, the piano commands attention, asserting a bold, almost regal presence. Yet beneath the grandeur, the Allegro con brio ed appassionato unfolds with playful agility; the notes seem to leap and dance unpredictably across registers, never settling. Beethoven’s phrasing is both dramatic and fluid, balancing intense passion with lyrical elegance. The rhythmic drive propels the music forward, while sudden bursts of ornamentation and dynamic contrasts keep listeners on edge. It’s a movement that marries structure with spontaneity, showcasing the composer’s genius in creating tension, release, and movement within a single piano texture. The result is an exhilarating, almost kinetic musical journey that feels alive, unpredictable, and utterly captivating, a testament to Beethoven’s brilliance in translating human emotion into piano sound.
Technically, the album is a study in control and contrast. Ustiuhov navigates Beethoven’s explosive virtuosity with crystalline clarity, maintaining structural precision even in the most turbulent passages. His dynamic range is expansive, moving from thunderous, orchestral sonorities delivered with weight and conviction to passages of suspended delicacy that seem to hover in stillness. His pedaling is measured and intentional, enriching harmonic resonance without obscuring contrapuntal lines. Rhythmic discipline anchors the entire recording, ensuring that dramatic surges feel purposeful and coherent. The piano becomes both narrator and orchestra, projecting grandeur, conflict, lyricism, and resolution.
Beethoven: Sonatas Ops. 53, 57, 111 Is A Masterful Solo Piano Album By Vladyslav Ustiuhov, Blending Technical Brilliance, Emotional Depth, And Profound Respect For Beethoven’s Enduring Musical Vision
~ Faithfulness (Dulaxi Team)
What elevates this album beyond technical accomplishment is its emotional intelligence. Ustiuhov shapes long musical arcs with patience, allowing climaxes to unfold organically and reflective moments to breathe naturally. Rather than indulging in excessive romanticism, he preserves the architectural integrity of Beethoven’s writing. The result is a cohesive, expansive, and profoundly human solo piano statement that affirms the enduring communicative power of instrumental music alone.
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