Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2

1. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor ("Pathétique") Op. 13
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with John Lill

2. Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2/3
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with John Lill

3. Piano Sonata No. 4 in E flat major ("Grand Sonata") Op. 7
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with John Lill

Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2,Ludwig van Beethoven,John Lill,Asv Living Era,Chamber Music & Recitals,Classical,Keyboard,Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard

Average customer rating: Five stars for the performance, 2 stars for the product Bought on referral - everything promised and more! HE HAS THE TOUCH! remarkable playing This is Beethoven as Beethoven would have played it.

Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Alfred Brendel plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. III Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven, Vol. 4 Beethoven: The Late Piano Sonatas Beethoven: Variations & Vignettes ASIN: B000001K2S Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest': I. Largo-Allegro-Adagio
2. Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest': II. Adagio
3. Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest': III. Allegretto
4. I. Allegro
5. Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3: II. Scherzo: Allegretto vivace
6. Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3: III. Minuetto: Moderato e grazioso
7. Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3: IV. Presto con fuoco
8. Sonata No. 21 In C, Op. 53 'Waldstein': I. Allegro con brio
9. Sonata No. 21 In C, Op. 53 'Waldstein': II. Introduzione: Adagio molto
10. Sonata No. 21 In C, Op. 53 'Waldstein': III. Rondo: Allegretto moderato-Prestissimo
11. Sonata No. 19 In Gm, Op. 49 No. 1: I. Andante
12. 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.

Average customer rating: Fascinatingly fresh readings

Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Schiff, András | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schiff, András | ( S ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Andras Schiff Ludwig Van Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas Vol. III (3) Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Opp. 2 & 7 Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 4: Sonatas Opp. 26, 27 & 28 Beethoven: Complete Music for Piano and Violoncello Beethoven # 1 ASIN: B000EGFUZA Release Date: 2006-03-28

Amazon.com

This is the second volume of András Schiff's projected recording, in chronological order, of the complete Beethoven sonatas. It comprises the three sonatas Op. 10 and the "Pathétique" Sonata Op. 13, all written between 1795 and 1798, but quite different in character and feeling. The first, in Beethoven's dramatic tonality of C minor, is turbulent; the second is light-hearted and humorous. The third is most expansive; in four rather than three movements, it includes a lyrical Menuetto with an all too short, delightful Trio, and a profound, grief-stricken slow movement. The "Pathétique," again in C minor, has become a popular favorite for its high drama and its beautiful, song-like middle movement. Its slow introduction recurs several times; Schiff regards it as a thematic and structural part of the movement and includes it in the repeat of the exposition. (He takes all repeats throughout, at times adding discreet ornamentation.) Schiff's playing, as always, is the essence of refinement and elegance. His virtuosity is invariably at the service of the music, even at headlong speeds; his tone sings with beguiling beauty. He commands variety of touch, articulation, dynamics, and inflection; melody and harmonic background are balanced perfectly. (The Angelo Fabbrini piano sounds clear, but less rich and mellow than the Bösendorfer he often uses.) He combines scholarly integrity with inward expressiveness, steadiness with poised liberties; his identification with Beethoven's changing moods is complete. Strangely enough, he subscribes to the old-fashioned habit of letting the left hand anticipate the right and tends to rush certain rhythms, especially before and after crossing hands. But these are minor flaws in masterfully controlled, deeply affecting performances. -- Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Fascinatingly fresh readings.......2007-06-06

Andras Schiff's Beethoven cycle seems to defy classification. Considering this artists unanimous success as a sensitive and intelligent accompanist, a leading interpreter of Schubert and Mozart, and in light of his graceful, lyric readings of the keyboard works of J.S. Bach, it seems as if it would be safe to assume Beethoven's lyric earlier works would respond resplendently to Schiff's delicate touch. But to the contrary, in the first installment of the cycle, Schiff delivered full-bodied approaches that did not always suite the sonatas particularly well. Although the 1st and 2nd sonatas were delightful, a tighter perspective would have yielded a more coherent opus 2, No. 3 and more energy a stronger opus 7. The inconsistencies are still present in this release, but, again, where you would least expect it. Schiff delivers a shockingly convincing Pathetique, one strong on classical musical argument and filled with fresh spontaneity. As for the opus 10 sonatas, they are more of a mixed bag.

Although Schiff claims in the liner notes that he reads the F major sonata as a comic work, little of that humor actually translates into his reading. Schiff draws little humor from the coquettish flourishes that open the piece, nor do the petulant minor outbursts create any real sense of tension and release. The development zips by far too quickly and he creates nothing comic of the false recapitulation. Worse still, the finale lacks any sense of warmth or charm in Schiff's hands. He certainly makes the most of the counterpuntal nature of the work, but the proceeding has a wooden, almost perfunctory ennui that completely misses the mark. Conversely, the allegretto is delightful. Schiff magically coaxes a dark, murky tone from his instrument that is rapt with tension. Best of all, that very tension transitions into the trio magnificently, which incidentally features some of the best playing on the disc. He makes the most of music's somber poignancy, making the return of the minuet theme all the more haunting.

Opus 10, No. 3 features some wonderfully introspective playing from Schiff in the largo, taken at a flowing tempo which allows Schiff to articulate the various moods effectively. The menuetto, just shy of three minutes, is pure charm and the rondo appropriately punchy. The first movement is a bit more problematic, featuring wonderful technical precision married to lively tempos, but marred by a slightly mannered development. Schiff slight hesitations are just that, slight, but they are apparent enough to become tiresome after repeated listenings.

Surprisingly, the two c-minor sonatas are the best on the disc. Schiff (thankfully) trades in his delicate touch and somewhat mannered phrasing for strong rhythms and a sturdy tone.

The first of the opus 10 sonatas responds quite well to the instrument's brighter timbre. He creates some wonderfully dark sonorities in the opening allegro, although Schiff's clipping of the arpeggio theme is slightly aggravating. The second movement goes well enough, although suffering slightly due to the brittle tone in the upper register. The finale, however, is quite delightful. Schiff's nimble technique is dazzling as he navigates between the various moods, especially in the particularly punchy major episodes. By underplaying the coda, Schiff adds a tremendous amount of tension to the closing passages, unusually uneasy behind the mask of a major key.

The "Pathetique" is uniformly spectacular, his best conception within the cycle so far. The sonata opens with an appropriate gravitas that functions within the classical structural parameters of the work. The allegro has great vitality, energy, and a fresh spontaneity that is all together refreshing. And although I personally feel repeating the introduction with the exposition robs the development of some of its shocking novelty, so convincing is Schiff's commitment to his case that it does not bother me one bit. The freshness of the first movement ebbs over into the wonderfully flowing second movement. Schiff shakes off the romantic patina that this movement has amassed over the years, which makes the listening experience akin to seeing a newly cleaned and restored painting. Schiff's usual sensitivity of tone and tasteful accoutrements only add to this gem. Best of all, Schiff reads the finale as a classical rondo in the truest sense, making no attempt to instill grand drama where Beethoven intended none. The episodes fly by with delightful buoyancy, Schiff adding refined embellishments with each return of the rondo theme. The churlish clipping of the final chords is slightly gauche, but on the whole, Schiff succeeds in the seemingly impossible task of delivering a fresh "Pathetique" read (correctly) not as a romantic milestone but rather as a classical sonata struggling to find a voice for Beethoven's developing style.

All in all, the good out weigh the bad in this second release from Andras Schiff, whose cycle, if anything, will be musically fascinating. Although I will never warm to the harsh, overly-bright tone of his instrument, only exacerbated by the microphone placement, Schiff has more than enough to say to warrant adding this release to your collection. And while at times he can sound distant, calculated, or just plain bizarre, he is always saying something interesting, defending his choices with utmost conviction. Fascinating.

Average customer rating: AMONG THE BEST! Brendel plays Bethoven in his own way early Beethoven played sweetly

Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. III Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven, Vol. 4 Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 Alfred Brendel plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 Beethoven: Variations & Vignettes Beethoven: The Late Piano Sonatas ASIN: B000001K34 Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

1. Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2, No. 1: Movement I: Allegro
2. Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2, No. 1: Movement II: Adagio
3. Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2, No. 1: Movement III: Minuetto-Allegretto
4. Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2, No. 1: Movement IV: Prestissimo
5. Sonata No. 25 In G Major, Op. 79: Movement I: Presto alla tedesca
6. Sonata No. 25 In G Major, Op. 79: Movement II: Andante
7. Sonata No. 25 In G Major, Op. 79: Movement III: Vivace
8. Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10, No. 1: Movement I: Allegro molto e con brio
9. Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10, No. 1: Movement II: Adagio molto
10. Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10, No. 1: Movement III: Finale, Prestissimo
11. Sonata No. 6 In F Major, Op. 10, No. 2: Movement I: Allegro
12. Sonata No. 6 In F Major, Op. 10, No. 2: Movement II: Allegretto
13. Sonata No. 6 In F Major, Op. 10, No. 2: Movement III: Finale, Presto
14. Sonata No. 9 In E Major, Op. 14, No. 1: Movement I: Allegro
15. Sonata No. 9 In E Major, Op. 14, No. 1: Movement II: Allegretto
16. Sonata No. 9 In E Major, Op. 14, No. 1: Movement III: Rondo; Allegro commodo

Tracks:

1. Sonata No. 10 In G Major, Op. 14, No. 2: Movement I: Allegro
2. Sonata No. 10 In G Major, Op. 14, No. 2: Movement II: Andante
3. Sonata No. 10 In G Major, Op. 14, No. 2: Movement III: Scherzo: Allegro assai
4. Sonata No. 13 In E-Flat Major, Op. 27. No. 1: Movement I: Andante-Allegro-Andante
5. Sonata No. 13 In E-Flat Major, Op. 27. No. 1: Movement II: Allegro molto vivace
6. Sonata No. 13 In E-Flat Major, Op. 27. No. 1: Movement III: Adagio
7. Sonata No. 13 In E-Flat Major, Op. 27. No. 1: Movement IV: Finale: Allegro vivace
8. Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': Movement I: Adagio sostenuto
9. Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': Movement II: Allegretto
10. Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': Movement III: Presto agitato
11. Sonata No. 15 In D Major, Op. 28 'Pastoral': Movement I: Allegro
12. Sonata No. 15 In D Major, Op. 28 'Pastoral': Movement II: Andante
13. Sonata No. 15 In D Major, Op. 28 'Pastoral': Movement III: Scherzo: Allegro vivace-Trio; Movement IV: Rondo: Allegro non troppo

Customer Reviews:

AMONG THE BEST!.......2006-05-08

One man's viewpoint: Brendel again shows his wonderful, steady sense of rhythm. The miracle is that he can keep it rock-steady or slow it a bit for dramatic effect - only if he wants to. He has control and a clarity of vision/purpose with each piece. So of course he transmits this to us. I also notice the lightness of touch he has. And his limber agility (hard-won, no doubt).
I suggest picking up on all four of Mr. Brendel's Vox recordings of the LVB sonatas. Absolutely wonderful stuff. Also consider his fine, fine Diabelli Variations on Vox. Also I suggest checking out John O'Conor's set. Fantastic! Also Claude Frank has a highly praised set; I may buy this one next (a real bargain).
There are many fine players, so enjoy the search through these piano pieces of such incredible character, nobility, beauty, and boldness. They help develop a love of sound and the fine arts.

Brendel plays Bethoven in his own way.......2006-02-24

He may not have a lyricism of Gilels or force and precision of Sokolov, but along these greatest I love the way he plays No.10 G Major and NO. 15 D Major "Pastoral" and others from this album

early Beethoven played sweetly.......2004-04-25

Brendel always seems to have a penchant for never over-doing things. He's never too loud, never too soft, never too harsh (even with this composer). In all the lyrical sections of these early sonatas, I find this disciplined sense of moderation to be soothing yet intense. For example in the first movement of the "Moonlight" Sonata, the soft and double soft marking are observed with assiduousness. It's subtle and not overly dramatic.

Brendel's technique is more than adequate. I wonder why he is not more of a perfectionist when he plays (as he has said about his playing- "I am not a perfectionist.")

All the dynamic and phrasing markings are observed diligently. He's very true to the intentions of the composer even in the little pieces such as these. And as always, he puts the composer before himself when playing.

Average customer rating: Quite astonishing playing! Satisfactory, but not great

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas , vol. 2 Paul Lewis Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven # 1 Andras Schiff Ludwig Van Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas Vol. III (3) Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 [Hybrid SACD] Carl Nielsen, Orchestral Music Chopin: Sonata No. 2; 4 Scherzos ASIN: B000HXDS04 Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

1. I Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio (Sonata no. 8 Pathetique in C minor)
2. II Andante cantabile
3. III Rondo. Allegro
4. I Allegro con brio (Sonata no. 11 in B flat major)
5. II Adagio con molto espressione
6. III Tempo di Menuetto
7. IV Rondo. Allegretto
8. I Allegretto ma non troppo (Sonata no. 28 in A major)
9. II Vivace alla marcia
10. III Adagio ma non troppo con affetto
11. IV Allegro ma no troppo

Tracks:

1. I Allegro (Sonata no. 9 in E major)
2. II Allegretto
3. III Rondo. Allegro commodo
4. I Allegro (Sonata no. 10 in G major)
5. II Andante
6. III Scherzo. Allegro assai
7. I Allegro ma non troppo(Sonata no. 24 in F sharp major)
8. II Allegro vivace
9. I Allegro con brio (Sonata no. 21 Waldstein in C major)
10. II Introduzione. Adagio molto
11. III Rondo. Allegretto moderato

Tracks:

1. I Allegro (Sonata no. 27 in E minor)
2. II Rondo
3. I Presto all tedesca(Sonata #25 Alla tedesca in G Major)
4. II Andante
5. III Vivace
6. I Allegro (Sonata #29 Hammerklavier in B flat major)
7. II Scherzo. Assai vivace
8. III Adagio sostenuto Appassionato e con molto sentimento
9. IV Largo - Allegro risoluto

Amazon.com

Paul Lewis's traversal of the Beethoven Piano Sonatas may just become one of the indispensable recorded versions of these unique works. He tackles the Hammerklavier without attacking it; his interest is textual clarity, and he never fails in that approach. If you listen to the last movement of No. 25, "Alla tedesco," you'll be amazed by the formality and forward propulsion which underpins the seeming merriment in the piece, the abrupt ending suddenly quite a puzzle. Similarly, the first movement of the Waldstein is imbued with a darkness that makes you think you're hearing much of it for the first time. Lewis's is a serious--some might say grave--approach to these works, but it is not heavy; indeed, his touch remains light when it ought to be, without making the music seem trivial. Each movement lets us in on another one of Beethoven's secrets, and the lyrical moments have never seemed lovelier. This is a very special set, highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Quite astonishing playing!.......2007-02-13

It is certainly possible to imagine different interpretations but never better ones. One forgets the prodigious technique that underlies the melodic magic Paul Lewis seems capable of supplying in an inexhaustible flow. That such a talented artist should be also so modest is quite remarkable; because there seems not the slightest desire to shine for his own sake: one is always aware of the music itself and seldom of the artist who makes it. He is capable of drama, certainly; but above any drama the music might demand, Lewis has a marvelous gift for sweet lucidity and joy, and above all for melody: the most demanding passages quite simply sing [which is actually no simple thing since it is so rare] and are never merely notes achieved, no matter how brilliantly. I feel as though Lewis has given us a glimpse into Beethoven's heart and we find something hitherto hidden but which he reveals with such grace. I wish I could do Paul Lewis as much justice in my description as he has done the composer by his playing. This second volume in his series of the complete Beethoven piano sonatas, along with the companion first volume, deserves much more than the 5 stars permitted us to give.

Satisfactory, but not great.......2007-02-12

This is very serviceable playing and interpretation, but not great playing. The recording is first rate. Great Beethovan players have communicated more in their versions with me than Lewis.

Average customer rating: lyrical pianist Incredibly Accurate and Precise

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music O'Conor, John | ( O ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 Piano Classics: Popular Works for Solo Piano Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 8 Autumn Songs: Popular Works For Solo Piano Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 5 ASIN: B000003CTQ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. I. Grave - Allegro Di Molto E Con Brio
2. II. Adagio Cantabile
3. III. Rondo: Allegro
4. I. Adagio Sostenuto
5. II. Allegretto
6. III. Presto
7. I. Allegro Assai
8. II. Andante Con Moto
9. III. Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Amazon.com

There are more famous pianists around, some flashier, some more visible, but none performs Beethoven's sonatas with more stylistic acuity or technical facility--or understanding of how to play these three mainstays of the piano repertoire. John O'Conor's Hamburg Steinway is a phenomenal instrument, and his recording team captures its every color and dynamic nuance like no one else. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

lyrical pianist.......2001-11-20

John O'Conor is a lyrical pianist who plays with beautiful tone. He is not so aggressive as some other pianists and has made a beautiful recording of Beethoven piano sonatas. He keeps strict tempo. It is a wonderful introduction to Beethoven and John O'Conor. He has also recorded all of the sonatas in a complete set. But this single CD is a good introduction and not so expensive as the whole set.

Incredibly Accurate and Precise.......1999-07-22

I'm just an amateur pianist, but O'Conor is the most flawless I've ever heard on the Appasionata, particularly the 3rd movement. He also does well with expression, but Vladimir Ashkenazy is much more exciting in that sense.

Average customer rating: Technically brilliant and unflamboyant at the same time

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 4 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 6 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 8 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 7 ASIN: B0000013JB Release Date: 1992-09-04

Tracks:

1. Allegro con brio
2. Introduzione: Molto Adagio, Rondo: Allegretto Moderato
3. Largo - Allegro
4. Adagio
5. Allegretto
6. Adagio - Allegro (Les Adieux)
7. Andante Espressivo (Le Retour)

Amazon.com

Beethoven's Farewell Sonata has three movements--departure, absence, and return--that perfectly capture the emotions they express. The first movement had a powerful influence on Mahler's Ninth Symphony, which quotes it literally on several occasions. The Waldstein and Tempest Sonatas are, in many respects, quintessential Beethoven: passionate, turbulent, but always formally perfect. Jeno Jando's survey of Beethoven sonatas on Naxos has been extremely successful--much more so than several other pianists on more expensive, full-priced labels. His second volume isn't just a good deal for the money, it's a good deal, period. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Technically brilliant and unflamboyant at the same time.......2004-08-28

This recording from April and June 1987 was the one that introduced me to Beethoven's piano sonatas some years hence, and although there may be some "better" versions around, I must confess that this disc has provided me with hours of listening pleasure and still does so. Its strengths are twofold. First, it contains three of the most fascinating pieces of piano music that have ever been written. The "Waldstein" sonata and "Les Adieux" belong to the "You-just-have-to-know-them" category and have been recorded countless times. The "Tempest" (Sonata Nr. 17) is a little more difficult - from the point of view of the listener, that is - but I find it rewards patient re-listenings. Despite its title, the piece is not really "programme music", it just creates an atmosphere or mood reminiscent of Shakespeare's "Tempest", including some rather eery or mysterious largo passages that immediately conjure up the scene on the magic isle without in any way being narrative. Second, there is Jenö Jando's piano playing. Somehow Jando manages to be technically brilliant and unpretentious, unflamboyant at the same time. The result is that it becomes very easy to immerse oneself in Beethoven's music, to analyse it and to enjoy it. To put it in literary terms, Jando is Beethoven's translator, but not his editor, the music's servant and not its master. In an interview published some years ago in a German-language magazine, Jando made it quite clear that this is a deliberate strategy, and it is one that I find convincing.

On the negative side, I have to say that the recorded sound on this CD is, at best, acceptable. I know you can't apply today's standards to 1987 16-bit recordings, but this one is not remarkable for its quality. There is a certain amount of noise around, a kind of digital mist that swirls around and makes the pianissimo passages sound a good deal more mysterious than they were probably intended to be. The left hand often sounds a little muffled, the right hand a little tinny, not enough to spoil the recording but enough to make me wish it had been done just a little better. I must add, however, that I have the "Waldstein" and "Les Adieux" sonatas on other Cds (Rudolf Buchbinder on Warner Classics and Melvyn Tan playing a fortepiano on EMI/Virgin) and the sound there is equally problem-fraught, I guess it's anything but easy to record a piano played with such a huge dynamic range.

Average customer rating: Fantastic Fournier

Les Introuvables de Pierre Fournier Manufacturer: EMI ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rubinstein | Rubinstein, Anton | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music English Horn | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Fournier, Pierre | ( F ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: 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:

1. Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, H. 7b Op. 101
2. Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129
3. Phantasiestke (3 Fantasy Pieces) For Clarinet (Or Cello Or Violin) & Piano, Op
4. Variations On A Rococo Theme, For Cello & Orchestra (Or Cello & Piano) In A Majo
5. Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5/1
6. Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5/2
7. Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69
8. Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102/1
9. Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102/2
10. Sonata For Arpeggione & Piano In A Minor, D.821
11. Pieces For Children Big And Small For Piano, 4 Hands Op. 85
12. Feldeinsamkeit ("Ich Ruhe Still Im Hohen Gren Gras"), Song For Voice & Piano,
13. Romance For Cello & Piano, Op. 69
14. Shylock, Incidental Music And Suite For Tenor & Orch., Op. 57
15. Mavra, Opera Buffa In One Act
16. Nocturne For Violin (Or Flute) & Piano
17. Melody In F, Various Arrangements, Op. 3/1
18. Introduction & Polonaise Brilliante For Cello & Piano In C Major, Op. 3
19. Song Without Words For Cello & Piano In D Major, Op. 109
20. Le Coq D'or (The Golden Cockerel; Zolotoy Petushok), Concert Suite For Orchestra
21. The Tale Of Tsar Saltan, Op. 57
22. Carnival Of The Animals, Zoological Fantasy For 2 Pianos & Ensemble
23. Berceuse, For Violin & Piano (Or Orchestra) In D Major, Op. 16
24. Tonadillas Al Estilo Antiguo, Songs (10) For Voice & Piano, H. 136
25. Goyescas (Serenata Goyesca; Dusk), For Piano, H. 63
26. La Gitana For Violin & Piano (After An 18th Century Arabo-Spanish Gypsy Song)
27. Papillon, For Cello & Piano, Op. 77
28. L' Enfant Prodigue, Sce Lyrique For Voices & Orchestra, L. 57
29. Pie En Forme De Habanera, For Solo Instrument & Keyboard (Arr.)
30. Kaddisch, Song For Voice & Piano (Modie Hraue No. 1)
31. O Mensch, Bewein' Dein' Sde Gross, Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein N
32. Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen, Chorale Prelude For Organ, Bwv 727 (Bc K109)
33. Ich Ruf Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ (I), Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein
34. Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland (I), Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein No. 1
35. 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.

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 All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Gould, Glenn | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Glenn Gould Edition: Ludwig Van Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Volume II Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 24 "À Thérèse" & 29 "Hammerklavier" Mozart: The Complete Sonatas; Fantasias, K397 & K475 Glenn Gould Edition: Chopin / Mendelssohn / Scriabin / Prokofiev Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos ASIN: B0000028NX Release Date: 1994-04-19

Tracks:

1. Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2, No.1: I. Allegro
2. Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2, No.1: II. Adagio
3. Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2, No.1: III. Menuetto. Allegretto
4. Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2, No.1: IV. Prestissimo
5. Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2, No.2: I. Allegro vivace
6. Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2, No.2: II. Largo appassionato
7. Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2, No.2: III. Scherzo. Allegretto
8. Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2, No.2: IV. Rondo. Grazioso
9. Sonata No. 3 In C Major, Op.2, No.3: I. Allegro con brio
10. Sonata No. 3 In C Major, Op.2, No.3: II. Adagio
11. Sonata No. 3 In C Major, Op.2, No.3: III. Scherzo. Allegro
12. Sonata No. 3 In C Major, Op.2, No.3: IV. Allegro assai

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': I. Grave - Allegro di molto e com brio
2. SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': II. Adatio cantabile
3. SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': III. Rondo. Allegro
4. Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14, No. 1: I . Allegro
5. Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14, No. 1: II. Allegretto
6. Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14, No. 1: III. Rondo. Allegro comodo
7. Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14, No.2: I. Allegro
8. Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14, No.2: II. Andante
9. Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14, No.2: III. Scherzo. Allegro assai
10. Sonata No.13 In E-Flat Major, Op.27, No.1: I. Andante - Allegro - Tempo I. - attacca:
11. Sonata No.13 In E-Flat Major, Op.27, No.1: II. Allegro molto e vivace - attacca:
12. Sonata No.13 In E-Flat Major, Op.27, No.1: III. Adagio con espressione - attacca:
13. Sonata No.13 In E-Flat Major, Op.27, No.1: IV. Allegro vivace
14. Sonata No.14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op.27, No.2 'Moonlight': I. Adagio sostenuto - attacca:
15. Sonata No.14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op.27, No.2 'Moonlight': II. Allegretto - attacca:
16. 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: PERFECT SOUND. AND A HEAP OF TALENT! Extraordinary... Great music, good performance - but terrible sound Great music, good performance - but terrible recording. great waldstein interpretation

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music O'Conor, John | ( O ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 9 ASIN: B000003CUO Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Con Brio
2. II. Introduzione: Adagio Molto
3. III. Rondo: Allegretto Moderato
4. I. Largo - Allegro
5. II. Adagio
6. III. Allegretto
7. I. Das Lebewohl (Les Adieux): Adagio - Allegro
8. II. Abwesenheit (L'Absence): Andante Espressivo
9. III. Das Wiedersehen (La Retour): Vivacissimamente

Amazon.com

It takes a lot of confidence, to say nothing of experience and technical mastery to even think about tackling these three Beethovenian giants, but Irish pianist John O'Conor has more than what it takes. He delivers performances that not only show the depth of the composer's complex pianistic structures, but find the music's heart as well. The sonics are superb. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

PERFECT SOUND. AND A HEAP OF TALENT!.......2006-04-03

***My ears are, if anything, over-sensitive to harsh sound, so regarding the reviewer who complained about the tone in O'Conor...well, with all due respect, I just can't see it. The sound here is rich, full, and loaded with resonance to me. I enjoy/savor O'Conor's touch on the keys AND the pure joy of the piano tone captured here. Congrats to the engineers of this recorded set.
***Thanks to O'Conor, I have a deepening love for the spiritual and intellectual nature of LVB's 32! What a gift for us all.
...and I must add, there are many great players of The 32. Find your true taste and enjoy the best.
...also, if you care to read Paul Twitchell's The Flute of God, you may find an enhanced understanding of music, overtones and even "spiritual psychology."

Extraordinary..........2004-05-27

This is an exceptionally beautiful recording of the 'Waldstein', 'Tempest', and 'Les Adieux' sonatas of Beethoven. O'conor's sound is warm and lyrical with a powerful technique which serves, but never overpowers the music - he's not a basher. He sounds utterly at home in this music and the performances have such a rightness about them that they feel inevitable. He leans, perhaps, a bit more to the classical than the romantic style of playing, so if you're in search of melodrama this may not be the recording for you.

As to the sound - well not to contradict the shrill reviewer below - but to my ear this is one of the best (of hundreds) sounding piano recordings I've heard. There's some room ambience, but not enough that the sound gets lost. It is NOT harsh or overly treble, nor does it have too much bass. It feels intimate, as if you're in the room with the performer and is exceptionally clear and warm. This not a dry recording (see Gulda's WTC).

My favorite 'Waldstein'!

Great music, good performance - but terrible sound.......2001-08-19

The music is great, the performance is solid - but the sound is so bad it detracts from both. I don't know what they did, but either the piano was lousy (which I doubt!) or the recording/engineering was terrible. It actually sounds like a metal piano (if that were possible) - shrill, tinny and shallow. The upper range is shrill and thin, the middle range is flat and shallow, and the lower range is almost non-existent. It sounds as if there is some sort of low frequency filter that mutes everything below about 200Hz. Where is the sonorous sound that makes this music live? I was very disappointed.

Great music, good performance - but terrible recording........2001-08-19

The music may be great and the performance may be great, but the recording (or the piano - but I doubt that) is terrible. The piano sounds like it's made of cheap metal (if that were possible) - everything sounds "tinny". The higher registers sound shrill and thin, the middle registers are flat and lifeless, and the lower notes lack any depth or resonance. A real disappointment.

great waldstein interpretation.......2000-02-16

The Waldstein sonata can be difficult to interpret. Even after many listenings, the repeated third chords seem like an threatening omen of difficult music ahead. John O'Connor's interpretation of this work is the first I've heard that seems to get into the heart and mind of the music. For me, it was the first recording of the Waldstein that "made sense". It is truly wonderful.

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 4 Manufacturer: G.M. Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 5 ASIN: B00001O2XY Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Music Review:

1. Beneventan Chants
2. Brahms: Violin Concerto/Concerto For Violin and Cello
3. Chopin: Chamber Music
4. Concerto for Orchestra / Dance Suite
5. Contemporary Hungarian Wind Music
6. Dohnányi: Piano Concertos
7. Dohnanyi and Lajtha: Sonatas for Cello and Piano
8. Doppler: Works for 2 flutes & piano
9. Festival on the Classical Harp
10. Flute Visions of the 20th Century

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Ordinary World [CD-single] [Import]

Tchaikovsky: The Seasons / Album for Children

To Manuela

Viaticum [Import]

Ultimate Performers [Import]

Siempre en Mi Mente

The Hostile Takeover

That Darn Punk [Soundtrack]

The Singing Brakeman [Box set] [Import]

Super Fiesta: De Vallenato Clasico, Vol. 1

Swimming Back To Shore Without Me

Tales of the Drum

So What?!

Collectables Classics

Monterey Concerts