Pianists are recording Beethoven’s Appassionata sonata in droves. “Why the ‘Appassionata’? And why now? Have Beethoven’s notes perhaps released a deadly sonic Kool-Aid for use by record companies wanting to commit mass suicide? Might the companies be deluded by the youth angle? As a showpiece full of turbulence, Beethoven’s sonata obviously appeals to young musicians, and most of the new releases are by emerging artists using the ‘Appassionata’ as an aural calling card.”