Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3

1. Piano Sonata No. 4 in E flat major ("Grand Sonata") Op. 7
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Robert Taub

2. Piano Sonata No. 19 in G minor, Op. 49/1
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Robert Taub

3. Piano Sonata No. 20 in G major, Op. 49/2
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Robert Taub

4. Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Robert Taub

5. Piano Sonata No. 18 in E flat major ("Hunt") Op. 31/3
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Robert Taub

6. Piano Sonata No. 22 in F major, Op. 54
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Robert Taub

7. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor ("Appassionata") Op. 57
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Robert Taub

Tracks:

Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 'Appassionata': I. Allegro assai
Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 'Appassionata': II. Andante con moto
Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 'Appassionata': III. Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No. 22 In F Major, Op. 54: I. In tempo d'un Menuetto
Sonata No. 22 In F Major, Op. 54: II. Allegretto
Sonata No. 26 In E-Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': I. Les Adieux: Adagio-Allegro
Sonata No. 26 In E-Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': II. L'Absence: Andante espressivo
Sonata No. 26 In E-Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': III. Le Retour: Vivacisimamente
Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op.31, No. 1: I. Allegro vivace
Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op.31, No. 1: II. Adagio grazioso
Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op.31, No. 1: III. Rondo: Allegretto

Tracks:

Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest': I. Largo-Allegro-Adagio
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest': II. Adagio
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest': III. Allegretto
I. Allegro
Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3: II. Scherzo: Allegretto vivace
Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3: III. Minuetto: Moderato e grazioso
Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3: IV. Presto con fuoco
Sonata No. 21 In C, Op. 53 'Waldstein': I. Allegro con brio
Sonata No. 21 In C, Op. 53 'Waldstein': II. Introduzione: Adagio molto
Sonata No. 21 In C, Op. 53 'Waldstein': III. Rondo: Allegretto moderato-Prestissimo
Sonata No. 19 In Gm, Op. 49 No. 1: I. Andante
Sonata No. 19 In Gm, Op. 49 No. 1: II. Rondo: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Five stars for the performance, 2 stars for the product.......2007-05-18

These CDs contain typical Alfred Brendel; somewhat workmanlike but technically brilliant performances of some wonderful works.

But when you put the CDs in your PC and click on a track, you don't hear what is labelled. The listings seem to be a little off. The discs contain all the music, but not in the same order listed on your computer screen. It's a pain to fix, but once it's fixed, these CDs are a bargain.

Bought on referral - everything promised and more!.......2007-04-11

Hujgh Nissenson's book, Days of Awe, inspired me to buy this particular recording of the Waldstein - it is fully "as advertised" in his novel - Brendel brought me back to Beethoven.

HE HAS THE TOUCH!.......2005-02-07

On the Vox 2-CD collections - vols. 1&2:
Alfred Brendel is the one.
He can illuminate even the Hammerklavier Sonata of Beethoven. That one being so difficult, with so many runs, trills, and effects I can't even name. But A.B. plays with such light, agile fluidity that the piece makes sense. He communicates it by - somehow - taking his time; being in control, being on top of the situation. The complication of LVB now makes sense - I imagine it's become easy for A.B. (after the years of practice, his gift is to render LVB's music as just "a snap.") He reanimates it with such clarity of mind and lightspeed of finger that we can hear our way into it. A resonant sound - all brought within hearing distance by a player who knows how to pause and how to get soft at the right moments in any complex piece.
Some of the most exciting and beautiful music available. Highly recommended.
- - -

remarkable playing.......2004-04-25

Beethoven the Titan (as described by radio commentator Karl Haas) is played by Brendel with many, many good characteristics. There is something very transcendant and seminal about Brendel and this composer. You can tell that Brendel is very, very attentive when he practices. Every note (just about) is cared for very lovingly. I think Brendel tries to play every note true to the overall scheme of the piece, as well as the individual phrase in which it lies. For example, it's exhilarating to hear Brendel go at "full steam" during the last movement of the "Appassionata" combining an awe-inspiring technique, clarity, tempo, expressivity, dynamism, and intelligence.

I dont know how Brendel's later recordings sound compared to this youthful one, but this one is simply terrific.

This is Beethoven as Beethoven would have played it........2003-04-12

These Brendel recordings of Beethoven are powerful, sensitive, poignant, subtle, clear, clean, and transparent. The phrasing, tempo, volume, peddling, and legato are perfect. The sound quality leaves nothing to be desired. I find myself comparing all other performances of Beethoven sonatas to the Brendel recordings, and have heard none better. In my mind, this is the standard. I'm buying the entire set.

Andras Schiff Ludwig Van Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas Vol. III (3)

Average customer rating:

good Beethoven rendition
Schiff doesn't disappoint.....

Andras Schiff Ludwig Van Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas Vol. III (3)
Andras Schiff , and Beethoven
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Opp. 2 & 7
Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 4: Sonatas Opp. 26, 27 & 28
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas , vol. 2
Beethoven # 1

ASIN: B000HWXS1Y
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

Andante
Rondo. Allegro
Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Tempo Di Menuetto
Allegro
Allegretto
Rondo. Allegro Comodo
Allegro
Andante
Scherzo. Allegro Assai
Allegro Con Brio
Adagio Con Molta Espressione
Minuetto
Rondo. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

good Beethoven rendition.......2007-02-15

I feel more respect to Schiff's playing after listened to his recent lectures on all Beethoven sonatas, and bought all his current released Beethoven sonata CDs (Vol.I-III) and will get his next release when it's available. I used to think Schiff as a good Bach or Mozart interpreter but hardly would think of him as that good on Beethoven, and his new Beethoven CDs certainly have proved that I was wrong about him. This CD and others have really good sound quality and Schiff's playing is excellent to say the least. It's not to say however that I agree with everything Schiff did, and feel that his playing sometimes feels on a little 'sluggish' side, comparing with Pollini's more precise and decisive playing of Beethoven. Nevertheless, it's a good refreshing rendition of Beethoven sonata set, and I certainly would recommend everyone who's into Beethoven sonatas to get it.

Schiff doesn't disappoint............2006-12-28

Volume III of Andras Schiff's much praised Beethoven sonata series has just come out. Single CD contains two `baby' sonatas (Op.49), familiar to all piano students, and Op. 14 no1 and 2 , more mature works from 1798-99, and the grand sonata Op 22 from 1800. We are past the `Pathetique' now and Beethoven's unique voice is more and more manifest. Schiff `s playing is analytical and crystal clear yet full of expression and has a singing quality so important to these pieces, especially Sonata No 10, my favorite in this group.No hesitation to recommend it.

Beethoven: Die Verliebte - Sonatas Op 7; Op 10 Nos 1-3 (Complete Works for Solo Piano Vol 3) /Brautigam

Average customer rating:

Another winner from Brautigam's Beethoven sonata series

Beethoven: Die Verliebte - Sonatas Op 7; Op 10 Nos 1-3 (Complete Works for Solo Piano Vol 3) /Brautigam

Manufacturer: Bis
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Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Early Vienna Sonatas - Sonatas Op. 2, Nos. 1-3; Op. 29, Nos. 1-2 (Complete Works for Solo Piano Vol 2) /Brautigam
Beethoven: Mondschein & Pastorale - Sonatas Op 26, 27 & 28 (Complete Works for Solo Piano Vol 4) /Brautigam
Beethoven: Sonatas Op 13 'Pathetique', Op 14 Nos 1 & 2, Op 22 (Complete Works for Solo Piano Vol 1) /Brautigam
Masterworks for Flute and Piano [Hybrid SACD]
Beethoven: Complete Works for Solo Piano, Vol. 5 [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B000H4VVPM
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Customer Reviews:

Another winner from Brautigam's Beethoven sonata series.......2006-10-12

Just a superb collection of early Beethoven sonatas by Brautigam on fortepiano. I don't think I have ever heard Op.7 played better. I can almost visualize Beethoven banging away on a fortepiano when listening to this mezmerizing performance. I can't wait for the Op.31 sonatas, hopefully next in the series.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic Fournier

Les Introuvables de Pierre Fournier

Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pierre Fournier: Aristocrat of the Cello [United Kingdom]
Bach: 6 Suiten für Violoncello solo
Beethoven: Complete Works for Cello & Piano
Shafran: Russian Archives
Beethoven: The Music for Cello and Piano

ASIN: B0000241DO
Release Date: 2002-08-05

Tracks:

Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, H. 7b Op. 101
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129
Phantasiestke (3 Fantasy Pieces) For Clarinet (Or Cello Or Violin) & Piano, Op
Variations On A Rococo Theme, For Cello & Orchestra (Or Cello & Piano) In A Majo
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5/1
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5/2
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102/1
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102/2
Sonata For Arpeggione & Piano In A Minor, D.821
Pieces For Children Big And Small For Piano, 4 Hands Op. 85
Feldeinsamkeit ("Ich Ruhe Still Im Hohen Gren Gras"), Song For Voice & Piano,
Romance For Cello & Piano, Op. 69
Shylock, Incidental Music And Suite For Tenor & Orch., Op. 57
Mavra, Opera Buffa In One Act
Nocturne For Violin (Or Flute) & Piano
Melody In F, Various Arrangements, Op. 3/1
Introduction & Polonaise Brilliante For Cello & Piano In C Major, Op. 3
Song Without Words For Cello & Piano In D Major, Op. 109
Le Coq D'or (The Golden Cockerel; Zolotoy Petushok), Concert Suite For Orchestra
The Tale Of Tsar Saltan, Op. 57
Carnival Of The Animals, Zoological Fantasy For 2 Pianos & Ensemble
Berceuse, For Violin & Piano (Or Orchestra) In D Major, Op. 16
Tonadillas Al Estilo Antiguo, Songs (10) For Voice & Piano, H. 136
Goyescas (Serenata Goyesca; Dusk), For Piano, H. 63
La Gitana For Violin & Piano (After An 18th Century Arabo-Spanish Gypsy Song)
Papillon, For Cello & Piano, Op. 77
L' Enfant Prodigue, Sce Lyrique For Voices & Orchestra, L. 57
Pie En Forme De Habanera, For Solo Instrument & Keyboard (Arr.)
Kaddisch, Song For Voice & Piano (Modie Hraue No. 1)
O Mensch, Bewein' Dein' Sde Gross, Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein N
Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen, Chorale Prelude For Organ, Bwv 727 (Bc K109)
Ich Ruf Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ (I), Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein
Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland (I), Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein No. 1
Sonata For Cello & Continuo In C Major, G. 6 (Six Sonatas No. 2)

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Fournier.......2004-02-16

On this 4CD EMI Import, the great cellist Pierre Fournier performs a variety of orchestral and chamber recordings, recorded primarily in mono from the 1940s and early 50s. There are three orchestral works -- Haydn's 2nd Concerto (Kubelik/Philharmonia, 1951), Schumann's Concerto (Sargent/Philharmonia, 1956 in stereo), and Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations (Bigot/Lamoureux, 1941). Disc two, and half of disc three, contain Beethoven Cello Sonatas with the great Artur Schnabel, while the fourth disc features a variety of pieces, from Bach and Boccherini to Debussy and Ravel, with pianist Gerald Moore. I'm withholding a fifth star because the collection contains mostly historical recordings, though it certainly captures one of history's greatest cellists in his prime. With that being said, "Les Introuvables de Pierre Fournier" is a must buy for cello entusiasts.

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 - Nos, 1-3, 5-10, 12-14

Average customer rating:

A joke
worth a listen but there are better recordings
Very Interesting
Gould Realizes Beethoven...
no 'original intent'

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 - Nos, 1-3, 5-10, 12-14

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Glenn Gould Edition: Ludwig Van Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Volume II
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Glenn Gould Edition: Chopin / Mendelssohn / Scriabin / Prokofiev
Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos

ASIN: B0000028NX
Release Date: 1994-04-19

Tracks:

Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2, No.1: I. Allegro
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2, No.1: II. Adagio
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2, No.1: III. Menuetto. Allegretto
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2, No.1: IV. Prestissimo
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2, No.2: I. Allegro vivace
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2, No.2: II. Largo appassionato
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2, No.2: III. Scherzo. Allegretto
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2, No.2: IV. Rondo. Grazioso
Sonata No. 3 In C Major, Op.2, No.3: I. Allegro con brio
Sonata No. 3 In C Major, Op.2, No.3: II. Adagio
Sonata No. 3 In C Major, Op.2, No.3: III. Scherzo. Allegro
Sonata No. 3 In C Major, Op.2, No.3: IV. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10, No.1: I. Allegro molto e con brio
Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10, No.1: II. Adagio molto
Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10, No.1: III. Finale. Prestissimo
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10, No.2: I. Allegro
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10, No.2: II. Allegretto
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10, No.2: III. Presto
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10, No.3: I. Presto
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10, No.3: II. Largo e mesto
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10, No.3: III. Menuetto. Allegro
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10, No.3: IV. Rondo. Allegro
Sonata No.12 In A-Flat Major, Op.26: I. Andante con Variazioni
Sonata No.12 In A-Flat Major, Op.26: II. Scherzo. Allegro molto
Sonata No.12 In A-Flat Major, Op.26: III. Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe
Sonata No.12 In A-Flat Major, Op.26: IV. Allegro

Tracks:

SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': I. Grave - Allegro di molto e com brio
SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': II. Adatio cantabile
SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': III. Rondo. Allegro
Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14, No. 1: I . Allegro
Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14, No. 1: II. Allegretto
Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14, No. 1: III. Rondo. Allegro comodo
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14, No.2: I. Allegro
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14, No.2: II. Andante
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14, No.2: III. Scherzo. Allegro assai
Sonata No.13 In E-Flat Major, Op.27, No.1: I. Andante - Allegro - Tempo I. - attacca:
Sonata No.13 In E-Flat Major, Op.27, No.1: II. Allegro molto e vivace - attacca:
Sonata No.13 In E-Flat Major, Op.27, No.1: III. Adagio con espressione - attacca:
Sonata No.13 In E-Flat Major, Op.27, No.1: IV. Allegro vivace
Sonata No.14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op.27, No.2 'Moonlight': I. Adagio sostenuto - attacca:
Sonata No.14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op.27, No.2 'Moonlight': II. Allegretto - attacca:
Sonata No.14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op.27, No.2 'Moonlight': III. Presto agitato

Customer Reviews:

A joke.......2005-07-15

Glenn Gould fans have got to be the most annoying people on the planet. As for the sonatas, I don't even know why they are stretched out over three disc, they could've compressed them down to one with no quality loss.

Everything you will get out of listening to these can be gotten from the Amazon.com preview samples. Listen, have a laugh, and save yourself some money.

worth a listen but there are better recordings.......2005-06-21

This is actually a review for vols. I and II. Just in general, Gould's style is fantastic for some of the sonatas but is really inappropriate for others.
His portamento (detached) presto/prestissimo playing makes the "Tempest" sonata the best version I've ever heard but really makes the "Pathetique" seem rushed and totally without feeling.
I mostly bought vol. II for the last 3 sonatas (op. 109, 110 and 111). I figured the most unusual and most "un-Beethovanic" of the sonatas deserved the most unusual interpretation, and I wasn't disappointed. They are clear and with good "diction", fast where appropriate but also slow and legato where melodic and flowing. Even in the most technically difficult sections Gould, in typical contrapunctal style, weaves the different voices in and out of the melody holding to his philosophy that "Every voice is important".
Probably the most disappointing of all the recordings on these 2 sets is the "Appassionata". Playing it through at practice speed does nothing for the passion, depth and beauty of this piece and only serves to exemplify Gould's hatred for it. (Typically, if Gould hated a piece, he would play it through either blindingly fast and without regard for dynamics or lethargically slow to heighten its inferiority and "boringness".
The "moonlight" seems a little fast, esp. the first movement, but it might be Gould's literal interpretation of 2/2 time. The 3rd movement is at breakneck speed that some people might like.
I actually prefer the romantic-style playing of R. Serkin, Brendel and Horowicz for this piece.
Listen to the 2nd movement of the #13 where the left and right hands are playing parallel arpeggios. In the 1st section the notes are played together but in the second section the hands are staggered by an 8th (the left hand plays the note 1/8th before the right). I have never heard a piano make that kind of ethereal echoing sound and, I suppose, it probably cannot be reproduced without the kind of fast detached playing that only Gould could do.
So, no one recording artist has the best performance of all the Beethoven sonatas. With Gould, you'll get excellent interpretations of some of the lesser known works and less adherence to the romantic style of the better known "named" sonatas.

Very Interesting.......2005-04-01

This is one of the most interesting CD's I've ever listened to. Gould's playing is unique; sometimes he makes Beethoven sound almost as if he had lived in Bach's days.

I'd recommand that you compare Gould's first movement of the first sonata to that of any good "conventional" pianist (Goode, Kovacevich, Brendel, Kempff, Ashkenazy, to name a few; too bad Gilels died before he could record it). Some of you might find Gould's approach worthy indeed.

Gould Realizes Beethoven..........2005-01-17

These are great recordings. Gould realizes Beethoven: he sees what's there, not merely playing the notes, but understanding the vision. He takes some movements very briskly; others, he expands to a heavenly length.

Frequently, these earlier works of Beethoven are marginalized by his later, greater works; still, these pieces are works of pure art, and Gould sees this and brings them to vivid life.

About the sound: these tracks were recorded over a 15-year period. Sony has done a wonderful job with its "Super Bit Mapping" techne; still, there are a few quirks embedded in the recordings which cannot be removed: specifically, a little "ticking" from Gould's Steinway on the '60s tracks. At that time, Gould was tinkering with his piano to achieve a certain feel to the keys--a kind of immediacy and tactile ease of stroke--by removing the bushings which padded the key mechanism. As a result, he got the feel he wanted, but was also stuck with "ticking" keys. This doesn't bother me, as the results speak for themselves: an aesthetic vision of unparalleled ecstasy. Nevertheless, the "ticks" are audible sometimes: it's part of the art and vision.

no 'original intent'.......2004-05-02

Gould's interpretations compliment the complaints I've read, about 'original intent' by introducing his own - one that has worked itself thru the entirety of Modernism and that seems to have maintained momentum, even past death...into OUR present. The digits march to our more open sense of time - space is a suspension, like in a Ran Blake cd - these are Beethoven Sonatas that Babbitt or Bartok could have composed at a minimalist cafe`.

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 4

Manufacturer: G.M. Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 5

ASIN: B00001O2XY
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Son No.10 in G, Op.14, No.2: Allegro
Son No.10 in G, Op.14, No.2: Andante
Son No.10 in G, Op.14, No.2: Scherzo: Allegro Assai
Son No.13 in E flat, Op.27, No.1: Andante-Allegro-Andante
Son No.13 in E flat, Op.27, No.1: Allegro Molto E Vivace
Son No.13 in E flat, Op.27, No.1: Adagio Con Espressione
Son No.13 in E flat, Op.27, No.1: Allegro Vivace
Son No.14 in c#, Op.27, No.2 'Moonlight': Adagio Sostenuto
Son No.14 in c#, Op.27, No.2 'Moonlight': Allegretto
Son No.14 in c#, Op.27, No.2 'Moonlight': Presto Agitato
Son No.26 in E flat, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Das Lebewohl (Les Adieux)-Adagio-Allegro
Son No.26 in E flat, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Abwesenheit (L'Absence)-Andante Espressivo...
Son No.26 in E flat, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Das Wiedersehn (Le Retour)-Vivacissimamente...

Tracks:

Son No.5 in c, Op.10, No.1: Allegro Molto E Con Brio
Son No.5 in c, Op.10, No.1: Adagio Molto
Son No.5 in c, Op.10, No.1: Finale: Prestissimo
Son No.11 in B flat, Op.22: Allegro Con Brio
Son No.11 in B flat, Op.22: Adagio Con Molto Espressione
Son No.11 in B flat, Op.22: Menuetto
Son No.11 in B flat, Op.22: Rondo: Allegretto
Son No.18 in E flat, Op.31, No.3: Allegro
Son No.18 in E flat, Op.31, No.3: Scherzo: Allegretto Vivace
Son No.18 in E flat, Op.31, No.3: Menuetto: Moderato E Grazioso
Son No.18 in E flat, Op.31, No.3: Presto Con Fuoco

Average customer rating:

Richter plays Beethoven!
Richter is King of Beethoven
Brilliant performances
Phenomenal
incredible

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Melodiya
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier
The Sofia Recital 1958
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1

ASIN: B000001HCQ
Release Date: 1997-03-11

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 - Pathetique: 1 Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 - Pathetique: 2 Adagio cantabile
Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 - Pathetique: 3 Rondo. Allegro
8 Bagatelles: in F Major,Op.33 No.3 (Allegretto)
8 Bagatelles: in C Major,Op.33 No.5 (Allegro ma non troppo)
8 Bagatelles: in C Major,Op.119 No.2 (Andante con moto)
8 Bagatelles: in C Major,Op.119 No.7(Allegro,ma non troppo)
8 Bagatelles: in A Minor,Op.119 No.9 (Vivace moderato)
8 Bagatelles: in G Major,Op.126 No.1 (Andante con moto catabile e compiacevole)
8 Bagatelles: in B Minor,Op.126 No.4 (Presto)
8 Bagatelles: in E-flat Major,Op.126 No.6 (Presto - Andante amabile e con moto)
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 - Appassionata: 1 Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 - Appassionata: 2 Andante con moto
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 - Appassionata: 3 Allegro ma non troppo - presto
Fantasy For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra In C Minor, Op. 80: Adagio
Fantasy For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra In C Minor, Op. 80: Finale.Allgro
Fantasy For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra In C Minor, Op. 80: Allegretto ma non troppo,quasi Andante con moto

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This live Appassionata, from a Moscow recital of 1960, is one of the most thrilling piano performances ever recorded. Sviatoslav Richter fills every moment of the first movement with intense drama, creates the illusion of total repose in the central variations, and then takes off in the finale with an exhibition of musical virtuosity and ever-increasing tension that becomes almost unbearably intense (and unbelievably fast and accurate). The studio Pathétique is quite fine, and the Fantasy (sung in Russian!) well performed by all but still rather quaint in its effect. But don't miss that Appassionata! --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Richter plays Beethoven!.......2005-10-11

The original treatment given by Richter to the "Pathetique" is worthy to remark. It is absolutely interesting. The opening bars sound marked Beethovenian but in Russian mood; dry and authoritative; that is a good signal because must never sound romantic, but rough. The harmonies must be dissonant. The Adagio is noble and sublime but the last movement is a pleasant surprise: Richter, before the coda makes a fabulous retard, that brief decrease of intensity prepares us for the following arpeggios with magnificent results.
The 8 Bagatelles know best interpreters: I dislike this approach. The tempos are too fast and inexpressive. I rather choose Glenn Gould or Wilhelm Kempff, just to name two Greats.
Through the years I have realized that "Appassionata" Sonata is measure by measure the most complete and heroic piano work ever written in the keyboard' s history. This Op. 57 gives us a very close idea about the player 's temperament and personality of the performer. Richter makes a superb reading about it, and in my personal ist of the great performances about this piece, I would name just five: The First choice is the legendary and unexplainable not released yet on CD of Paul Badura Skoda in 1978 in vinyl, recording that fortunately I converted digitally; this work maintains its own feature that seems to be improving through the years. The second choice goes for a superb version of Rudolf Serkin in a live recording (available in CD) Lugano 1957; my third choice would incline by a recital given in a Castle room by Daniel Barenboim in 1984; fierceness and wildness. My fourth pronouncement goes to this version and the Fifth is William Murdoch a not so well known Australian pianist in the late twenties (available in CD).
The Fantasy is terrific. Richter was inflamed by a Dionysian rage and this work needs it. Far from being a contemplative work; this work deserves to be played with more frequency by the most of pianists. Emotive, expressive, energetic and mercurial.
A glorious choice in case you decide to acquire it as I did it in 1995.

Richter is King of Beethoven.......2002-01-13

I must say that in my opinion Sviatoslav Richter is the finest interpreter of Beethoven this century. This disc is a perfect example with which to support my case. It couples two of Beethoven's greatest piano sonatas, the Pathetique and Appassionata, with some charming bagatelles, and the underrated Choral Fantasy. The Pathetique is a studio version from the 50s in mono sound (if you need a reference the whole disc is mono but sounds slightly clearer than Gould's famous 1955 Goldberg Variations), and it is simply the best performance of this famous sonata that I've ever heard. Unlike so many other pianists, Richter actually plays the first movement at a correct tempo, with it's slow opening turning into a rather fast burst of pianistic energy. Too often you hear a recording of this sonata that starts of Grave and moves to an allegretto. Thankfully, Richter actually plays the movement allegro as specified. The famous second movemtent is without a doubt the most perfect and moving I've ever heard. The rondo is also simply amazing. Richter has the incredible ability to play a rondo as light, yet emotional music at the same time. It seems like a paradox, but this amazing one of a kind pianist is able to pull it off. The Appassionata is hands down the best piano performance available on disk. It's a live recording and showcases Richter in his prime. It's simply the most emotionally stirring piano performance I've ever heard. Words fail to describe the power that Richter conjures from Beethoven's keyboard masterpiece. It's is a must hear. The fillers are the bagatelles and the choral fantasy, and even though they may just be there to fill the rest of the disk, they are quite simply stunning. The bagatelles, small dance works that were greatly popularized by Beethoven, come off sounding like the masterpieces they are. Too often they're thrown off as light music, perhaps given to a piano student as a learning tool. Basically they're not taken as seriously as they should. Luckily, Richter believed them to be miniature masterpieces, and it shows in his playing. The Choral Fantasy is in russian, translated from the original german, and may sound odd if you've heard other versions, but sanderling and his orchestra and chorus along with Richter's amazing talents make another one of Beethoven's neglected masterpieces shine as bright as it should. This disc is full of absolutely amazing performances and at an incredible price. It showcases Richter's amazing talent, and supports the belief of many, including myself, that he is THE Beethoven interpreter. Even though the sound is mono, the quality is still relatively good. Excellent performances and better than average mono sound at a bargain price make this CD an essential.

Brilliant performances.......2001-06-02

This is a fantastic CD for lovers of Beethoven's piano works and Richter both. In particular, Richter's version of the "appassionata" is without parallel in fiery virtuosity. He approaches many of these pieces in a much different way than many modern performers. This is not a CD to play in the background, this is a CD that commands your full attention, both intellectually and emotionally.

Phenomenal.......2001-04-08

I agree with the other reviewer. This disk is incredible. Simply incredible. Take any person off the street and sit then down with this disk, and play them the Appassionata. If they are not breathtaken, the only explanation is they are deaf. This is one of the most powerful performances of anything I have ever heard in my life. Beethoven himself would have had an climax if he heard this. The rest of the disk is first rate as well. If you aren't familiar with the Bagatelles, or the Choral fantasy, this is a good pace to get hooked.

incredible.......2001-01-01

I don't write a lot of amazon.com reviews, but this CD needs more exposure.. This was one of the first Richter disks I bought (I now have ~40), and is still my favorite. The 'Appassionata' is the best among all existing recordings (even if you have Richter's Praga or RCA performances, you have to hear this one). Every little bit of this sonata makes perfect sense in the context of the whole piece; it is always pushing forward toward the finale, which is more exciting than anything else ever put on tape. You shouldn't be able to listen to anything else for a few hours after it's over. So, this alone should be enough... But the other works on this CD--the bagatelles, the 'Pathetique' sonata, and especially the choral fantasy--are just as worthy of praise. I like the 'Pathetique' more than Gilels', and the Fantasy is beautiful.

Finally -- this disk is part of the 10-CD Richter Edition. The whole set is great, but if you cannot afford it right now -- this is what you ought to buy. And then you should buy a copy for your friends, especially those who don't listen to classical music yet.

Tracks:

Musette
Serenata Napoletana, Op. 24, No. 2
Mazurka, Op. 11, No. 3
Spanish Dance
Grave Ed Espressivo From Cello Concerto In D Major
Requiebros
Largo
Komm Susser Tod
Adagio
Allegro
Song Without Words No. 49 in D Major, Op. 109
Andante
Songs My Mother Taught Me
Flight Of The Bumblebee
gavotte
Tonadilla
Minuet
Air
Traumerei
Minuet No. 2 in G Major
Coriolan Overture, Op. 62

Average customer rating:

The "Pastoral" piano sonata is pure magic
Beautiful sound but not exciting

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000003CVB
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Scherzo-Allegro Vivace
IV. Rondo-Allegro Ma Non Troppo
I. Allegro Vivace
II. Adagio Grazioso
III. Rondo-Allegretto
I. Allegro
II. Scherzo-Allegretto Vivace
III. Menuetto-Moderato E Grazioso
IV. Presto Con Fuoco

Amazon.com

This is the only disc I have heard in John O'Conor's complete series of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas for Telarc. Afterwards, I didn't listen to any more of them. O'Conor's playing of these middle-period Beethoven sonatas is perfectly respectable. He plays all the notes and makes sense out of them. His style is appropriate in the mellow Pastorale. But when Beethoven turns up the heat, O'Conor turns it down again, depriving the music of its fierce drama (No. 16) and quirky humor (No. 18). This kind of playing will satisfy only those listeners who think Beethoven makes too much noise. Others should try Richard Goode's series for Nonesuch. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

The "Pastoral" piano sonata is pure magic .......2006-12-20

John O'Conor's piano work is not only flawless, but even better is the way he hides the difficulty of these sonatas. He doesn't draw attention to his own technique, but let's you listen to Beethoven piano work. As one critic wrote: "Every note connects to every other note just right, every dynamic shift is effected perfectly, and every transition is seamless." This disc with the recording of the "Pastoral" piano sonata is pure magic and one of the best I've ever heard. The other sonatas (Op. 31 no. 1 & 3) are also very enjoyable. John O'Conor's Beethoven piano sonatas are one of the best kept secerts in the world of classical music recordings.

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3 w/ John O'Conor ~ 4 1/2 stars

Beautiful sound but not exciting.......2002-01-23

The sound of these recordings produced on the "Hamburg Steinway" is the most beautiful I have heard on any production of Beethoven piano sonatas, perhaps of any piano recording. Unfortunately, in my opinion, O'Conor's lyrical style does not adequately reflect the fire and drama of these works. If you want more excitement, try Stephen Kovacevich or Alfredo Perl. These artists are superior in expressing both lyricism and drama of Beethoven's piano sonatas.

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