Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 7

1. Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major ("Waldstein") Op. 53
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with John Lill

2. Piano Sonata No. 22 in F major, Op. 54
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with John Lill

3. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor ("Appassionata") Op. 57
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with John Lill

Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 7,Ludwig van Beethoven,John Lill,Asv Living Era,Chamber Music & Recitals,Classical,Classical Composers,Keyboard,Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard

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 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 Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: 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: 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: Richter plays Beethoven! Richter is King of Beethoven Brilliant performances Phenomenal incredible

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Melodiya ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | 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: 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:

1. Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 - Pathetique: 1 Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
2. Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 - Pathetique: 2 Adagio cantabile
3. Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 - Pathetique: 3 Rondo. Allegro
4. 8 Bagatelles: in F Major,Op.33 No.3 (Allegretto)
5. 8 Bagatelles: in C Major,Op.33 No.5 (Allegro ma non troppo)
6. 8 Bagatelles: in C Major,Op.119 No.2 (Andante con moto)
7. 8 Bagatelles: in C Major,Op.119 No.7(Allegro,ma non troppo)
8. 8 Bagatelles: in A Minor,Op.119 No.9 (Vivace moderato)
9. 8 Bagatelles: in G Major,Op.126 No.1 (Andante con moto catabile e compiacevole)
10. 8 Bagatelles: in B Minor,Op.126 No.4 (Presto)
11. 8 Bagatelles: in E-flat Major,Op.126 No.6 (Presto - Andante amabile e con moto)
12. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 - Appassionata: 1 Allegro assai
13. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 - Appassionata: 2 Andante con moto
14. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 - Appassionata: 3 Allegro ma non troppo - presto
15. Fantasy For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra In C Minor, Op. 80: Adagio
16. Fantasy For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra In C Minor, Op. 80: Finale.Allgro
17. Fantasy For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra In C Minor, Op. 80: Allegretto ma non troppo,quasi Andante con moto

Amazon.com

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.

Hope this helps.

Average customer rating:

Piano Sonatas No.19 Op.49 No.1, No.20 Op.40 No.2, No.21 "Waldstein" Op.53, No.23 "Appassionata" Op.57 and No.25 Op.79 - Emil Gilels Vol. 7 Manufacturer: MKM (Mezhdunarodnaya Kniga Muzyka), Olympia Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000TAWZCW

Product Description

Label(s): MKM (Mezhdunarodnaya Kniga Muzyka), Olympia Records Year of release: 2006 Recording length: 79:23 Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven Performer: Emil Gilels Sonata No.19 in G minor Op.49 No.1 1.I. Andante 2.II. Rondo. Allegro Sonata No.20 in G major Op.49 No.2 3.I. Allegro, ma non troppo 4.II. Tempo di Menuetto Sonata No.21 in C major "Waldstein", Op.53 5.I. Allegro con brio 6.II. Introduzione. Adagio molto-attacca 7.III. Rondo. Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo Sonata No.23 in F minor "Appassionata", Op.57 8.I. Allegro assai 9.II. Andante con moto-attacca 10.III. Allegro, ma non troppo - Presto Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79 11.I. Presto alla tedesca 12.II. Andante 13.III. Vivace MKM 185

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 9 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. 8 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 6 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 7 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 4 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 5 ASIN: B000003D02 Release Date: 1994-04-26

Tracks:

1. I. Molto Allegro E Con Brio
2. II. Largo, Con Gran Espessione
3. III. Allegro
4. IV. Rondo: Pocco Allegretto E Grazioso
5. I. Allegro Con Brio
6. II. Adagio Con Molta Espessione
7. III. Menuetto
8. IV. Rondo: Allegretto
9. I. Andante
10. II. Allegro Molto E Vivace
11. III. Adagio Con Espessione
12. IV. Allegro Vivace

Amazon.com

These three sonatas emerged from the creative maturity of Beethoven's middle years--that is, when he was nearing 30. Each brims with its own individual personality, and pianist John O'Conor fully understands and develops to the fullest each work's unique musical and expressive character. This culmination of O'Conor's complete Beethoven sonata cycle maintains the same high standard set in the first volume. --David Vernier

Average customer rating:

Encores and Transcriptions, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music 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 General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | 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 Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tartini | Tartini, Giuseppe | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | 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 General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber 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 Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Casals, Pablo | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Encores and Transcriptions, Vol. 1 ASIN: B0001AGOMM Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

1. Musette
2. Serenata Napoletana, Op. 24, No. 2
3. Mazurka, Op. 11, No. 3
4. Spanish Dance
5. Grave Ed Espressivo From Cello Concerto In D Major
6. Requiebros
7. Largo
8. Komm Susser Tod
9. Adagio
10. Allegro
11. Song Without Words No. 49 in D Major, Op. 109
12. Andante
13. Songs My Mother Taught Me
14. Flight Of The Bumblebee
15. gavotte
16. Tonadilla
17. Minuet
18. Air
19. Traumerei
20. Minuet No. 2 in G Major
21. Coriolan Overture, Op. 62

Average customer rating: Remarkable Achievement

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 8 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. 6 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Volume 10 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 4 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 5 ASIN: B0000013LI Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

1. Allegro Molto E Con Brio
2. Largo, Con Gran Espressione
3. Allegro
4. Rondo: Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
5. Andante
6. Rondo: Allegro
7. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
8. Tempo Di Menuetto
9. In Tempo D'un Menuetto
10. Allegretto - Piu Allegro
11. Andante - Allegro - Tempo I
12. Allegro Molto Vivace
13. Adagio Con Espressione
14. Allegro Vivace - Tempo I - Presto

Customer Reviews:

Remarkable Achievement.......2004-12-06

Jenö Jandó may not have quite the extraordinary class and polish of an Alfred Brendel, but his complete Beethoven Piano Sonata edition is still a quite remarkable achievement, especially for a budget-price label in the first year of its existence (this recording was made in February and March of 1988 at the Italian Institute in Budapest, Hungary). Volume 8 contains five of those sonatas which are seldom heard, all of them having something of an experimental character. Possibly the earliest among them are Nos. 19 and 20 from the 1790’s, two short, easy pieces that could be categorized as sonatinas: brisk, jaunty and entertaining, but nothing profound here. Sonata No. 4 from 1797 is the longest piece on this recording (Jandó needs 28 minutes) and is the exception among Beethoven’s early piano sonatas in being a fully-fledged four-movement sonata with some passages that, although still quite conventional, contain a little promise of the good things to come. There is a good deal more promise in the Sonata quasi una fantasia No. 13, the “twin” to the Moonlight Sonata. It obviously stands on the brink of Beethoven’s breakthrough to new piano worlds. Sonata No. 22 only has two movements and is generally overshadowed by the Waldstein and the massive Appassionata, but even within this short compass Beethoven is able to produce some surprising effects and show what he could do with a piano, things that probably nobody before him had attempted.

Personally, I enjoyed Jandó’s performance immensely, being only occasionally irritated by his humming and grunts, especially in the Largo of Sonata No. 4. The sound quality is good without being really superb. The only area where I would question this edition is the liner notes by Keith Anderson which contain some biography and attempt to date the sonatas played but give no musical analysis at all and therefore remain overly superficial.

Average customer rating: Great sound quality and performance! Beethoven would approve!

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas (Complete), Vol. 1 (Box Set) 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 Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B0000013I7 Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. Allegro
2. Adagio
3. Menuetto. Allegretto
4. Prestissimo
5. Allegro Vivace
6. Largo Appassionato
7. Scherzo. Allegretto
8. Rondo. Grazioso
9. Allegro Con Brio
10. Adagio
11. Scherzo. Allegro
12. Allegro Assai

Tracks:

1. Allegro Molto E Con Brio
2. Adagio Molto
3. Finale: Prestissimo
4. Allegro
5. Allegretto
6. Presto
7. Presto
8. Largo E Mesto
9. Menuetto. Allegro
10. Rondo. Allegro
11. Presto Alla Tedesca
12. Andante
13. Vivace

Tracks:

1. Andante Con Variazioni
2. Scherzo. Allegro Molto
3. Marcia Funebre Sulla Morte D'Un Eroe
4. Allegro
5. Allegro Vivace
6. Adagio Grazioso
7. Rondo. Allegretto
8. Allegro
9. Scherzo. Allegretto Vivace
10. Menuetto. Moderato E Grazioso
11. Presto Con Fuoco

Tracks:

1. Allegro Con Brio
2. Adagio Con Molta Expressione
3. Menuetto
4. Rondo. Allegretto
5. Allegro
6. Scherzo. Assai Vivace - Presto - Tempo I
7. Adagio Sostenuto. Appassionato E Con Molto Sentimento
8. Largo - Allegro
9. Allegro Risoluto. Fuga E Tre Voci, con Alcune Licenze

Customer Reviews:

Great sound quality and performance!.......2006-11-27

These Naxos performances of Jeno Jando are great. As one critic said, "these are remarkably even and consistent from sonata to sonata." Agreed. I love that Jando's readings are fast and loud, and taking virtually every repeat. I couldn't help but think, this is how Beethoven must have done them. This set is right at the top of my list, and the sound quality is the amazing, the best I've ever heard.

Other sets worth exploring:
Schnabel (EMI) - essential.
O'Conor (Telarc) - a mellow way to view the sonatas, and a great alternative to Jando.

Beethoven would approve!.......2004-06-07

I just finished listening to the complete Beethoven Piano sonatas by Jeno Jando (a couple of 5 disc boxes) and give them a big thumbs up, way up!! These are really powerful, accurate and well recorded performances, actually the best sounding recording of a piano I have ever heard. Just amazing.
I also would recommend these sets even if they cost three times as much, especially when the playing can easily compete with full-priced sets.
Stylistically, the performances are amazingly consistent from sonata no. 1 to sonata 32. Jando's interpretations tends to be honest rather than ego driven (you hear more of what Beethoven wanted, and less from the messenger) and taking nearly every repeat.
Like the reviewer before me, I also read along with the scores and I too was amazed by how precisely Jeno Jando sticks to Beethoven`s markings. Bravo!!

The only other complete set that I have is Schnabels on EMI. These Naxos sets are the first ones in many years, out of many boxes, that I felt are worth keeping as well.

Jeno Jando's Beethoven on Naxos is a great deal, at any price.

Average customer rating: A unique and satisfying set

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 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 General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3 ASIN: B000005VYL Release Date: 1998-01-27

Tracks:

1. Son No.4 in E Flat, Op.7: Allegro Molto E Con Brio
2. Son No.4 in E Flat, Op.7: Largo, Con Gran Espressione
3. Son No.4 in E Flat, Op.7: Allegro
4. Son No.4 in E Flat, Op.7: Rondo: Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
5. Son No.22 in F, Op.54: In Tempo D'un Menuetto
6. Son No.22 in F, Op.54: Allegretto
7. Son No.31 in A Flat, Op.110: Moderato Cantabile, Molto Espressivo
8. Son No.31 in A Flat, Op.110: Allegro Molto
9. Son No.31 in A Flat, Op.110: Adagio Ma Non Troppo-Fuga (Allegro Ma Non Troppo)

Tracks:

1. Son No.7 in D, Op.10, No.3: Presto
2. Son No.7 in D, Op.10, No.3: Largo E Mesto
3. Son No.7 in D, Op.10, No.3: Menuetto: Allegro
4. Son No.7 in D, Op.10, No.3: Rondo: Allegro
5. Son No.17 in d, Op.31, No.2 'Tempest': Largo/Allegro
6. Son No.17 in d, Op.31, No.2 'Tempest': Adagio
7. Son No.17 in d, Op.31, No.2 'Tempest': Allegretto
8. Son No.28 in A, Op.101: Etwas Lebhaft Und Mit Der Innigsten Empfindung (Allegretto Ma Non Troppo)
9. Son No.28 in A, Op.101: Lebhaft. Marschmassig (Vivace Alla Marcia)
10. Son No.28 in A, Op.101: Langsam Und Sehnsuchtvoll (Adagio Ma Non Troppo, Con Affetto)...

Customer Reviews:

A unique and satisfying set.......2002-04-28

This is the only volume of the Russell Sherman performances of the Beethoven Piano Sonatas I currently own. Based on this volume, I am eager to listen to the rest of them. His first volume was chosen by Richard Dyer of the Boston Globe as one of the top 10 classical recordings of the year (1996), and I believe this volume is of the same caliber.

Unlike other collections, Mr. Sherman organizes the sonatas by having one early, one middle period and one late representative on each disc. This ordering encourages immediate comparisons between Beethoven's different periods. One is surprised to hear some of the innovations of his later works reflected in his earlier works, and this ordering facilitates that discovery.

Russell Sherman is a deeply thoughtful interpreter of this music. He is also a very thoughtful commentator. Mr. Sherman was educated in the humanities, graduating Columbia University while still in his teens. He draws from a deep well of insight as he approaches this music, and his liner notes convey some of his process. I have never read more interesting liner notes.

I chose this volume because I wanted to hear Mr. Sherman play a couple of my favorite late sonatas, Op. 101 and Op. 110. I was pleased to discover that it also had one of my favorite early sonatas, Sonata in D major Op. 10, No. 3 and "The Tempest" (Sonata in D minor Op. 31, No. 2). His recording of the late sonatas are very satisfying. His recordings of the D major sonata and "The Tempest" are my current favorites. All the sonatas on this disc are thoughtfully played and beautifully recorded.

I have many other recordings of these sonatas (including complete collections by Richard Goode, Alfred Brendel and Bernard Roberts, and individual performances by Vladimir Ashkenazy, Daniel Barenboim, Emil Gilels, Vladimir Horowitz, Steven Kovacevich, Louis Lortie, Sviatoslav Richter, and Dubravka Tomsic.) Although it would be difficult to rank performances, I would very likely reach for Russell Sherman's performance because they are beautifully played and the ordering of the music on the disc allows for an engaging musical experience.

In summary, I highly recommend this volume and I believe it is worth investing in the entire set.

Average customer rating: Annie fischer's Beethoven Piano Sonatas Eureka! Grace and Power In a class by itself - Just like Schnabel!

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Complete Vol. 8 Manufacturer: Hungaroton 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 Fischer, Annie | ( F ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 4 Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol.9 Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 5 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Vol. 7 Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 6 ASIN: B000009OEO Release Date: 1998-10-21

Tracks:

1. Son in c, Op.10 No 1: I. Molto Allegro
2. Son in c, Op.10 No 1: II. Adagio Molto
3. Son in c, Op.10 No 1: III. Finale. Prestissimo
4. Son in C 'Waldstein': Op.53: I. Allegro Con Brio
5. Son in C 'Waldstein': Op.53 : II. Intro. Adagio Molto/Attacca Subito
6. Son in C 'Waldstein': Op.53: III. Rondo. Allegretto Moderato/Prestissimo
7. Son in E flat, Op.7: I. Molto Allegro
8. Son in E flat, Op.7: II. Largo Con Gran Espressione
9. Son in E flat, Op.7: III. Allegro
10. Son in E flat, Op.7: IV. Rondo. Poco Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Annie fischer's Beethoven Piano Sonatas.......2007-01-13

In "Beethoven," by JWN Sullivan ("the son of a poor Irish sailor"), written in 1927 and never out of print since, the author describes the last movement of the Hammerklavier sonata as "the expression of the final refusal of annihilation, even if no hope and object be left in life." If this sort of thing sounds like nonsense to you, then you don't need Annie Fischer's performances of the Beethoven sonatas. If Sullivan's words speak to you, and you can already hear it in the performances of the sonatas you know, then again you needn't purchase Fischer's set. If, however, Sullivan's words ring true yet you have never found a performance that adequately embodies the truth that you long to hear, then Fischer's performances are for you.

That is perhaps the simplest way I can explain why I love these CDs. No other set I know (save, perhaps, Schnabel's) satisfied me, whatever fine qualities it might possess. I am thinking of Kempff, Goode, Roberts, Frank, Kuerti, Brendel, Kovacevich, Arrau, Perl, and Gulda, all of whose sets I have owned and listened to for years and then either given away or sold, because I could not hear in them the full range of states I know are expressed in the Beethoven sonatas. Besides Fischer, Schnabel alone has the spiritual depth and intellectual power to bring forth all the meaning of those phases of existence, yet the sound is distracting and there are a few occasions where he seems to put showmanship before communication. To make it even simpler, I will say that if, like me, you find Furtwangler's interpretation of the Beethoven symphonies (particularly those recorded during the war) revelatory in a way that no other performance has yet matched, then Fischer is to the sonatas what Furtwangler is to the symphonies. (If you don't know Furtwangler's recordings, more's the pity. They are available from Music & Arts.)

A more complicated way to explain would be to discuss the differences in cultural life (and therefore all life) wrought by what Walter Benjamin called "the age of mechanical reproduction," when recordings and reprints have flooded the world with what Lyotard calls "simulacra" of reality, so that we feel as though we have had an experience, though there are no emotional or intellectual traces of it left afterward. Fischer somehow avoided being caught up in "the concert industry," so her performances were genuine communal experiences between the composer, the performer, and the audience (not the empty gestures of practiced automata, like our prolific technical miracles). What's more amazing is that through what must have been an incredibly painstaking process of "patching in" (much like what Glenn Gould explains he did in his great Bach recordings), over several years and contrary to her own predilection Fischer managed to recreate that experience in the isolation of the recording studio so that we who never heard her in performance can nevertheless participate in it.

I was briefly tempted to try to justify some of my claims about Fischer's set by analysis, but even if I were adequate to the task it's absurd in this forum, so I will just baldly make the claims, and you may accept or reject them as you wish. First, Fischer understands and conveys the meaning of virtually every phrase, every contrapuntal line, every harmonic development, every dynamic contrast in a way that is nothing short of revelatory. Second, she plays with something like the range of touches, colors, expressions that were attributed by listeners to Beethoven's own playing, so that she has the heartbreaking delicacy of the adagio in op. 110 and the heaven-storming thunder of the allegro in op. 57, as well as everything in between. Third, the sound is finally adequate to the vision, amazingly "present" and beautiful, never diffuse or hazy, but really in the same room. Fourth, the packaging is beautiful, each CD in a paper sleeve accompanied by a fine booklet in English, French, German, and Hungarian, all contained in a super-slim high quality box. I am deeply grateful to Hungaraton (apparently now a subsidiary of Sony) for making this set available.

Of course, the price is very high, though I was able to find it new at Video Warehouse and at Best Prices for just over $100. If, like me, you love this music, you will likely feel that it is well worth it.

Eureka!.......2002-12-19

It was Artur Schnabel who claimed this music was better than could ever be played. After 30 years of collecting, having listened to all the greats perform this endlessly fascinating oeuvre, I would tend to agree: virtually every pianist has left room for just a little more something. Otherwise why bother collecting hundreds of performances of these vital pieces? There is always something missing that compels one to keep searching.

Until now. I can tell you from my heart that, virtually without fail, every movement of every one of these sonatas had me out of my seat, fist in the air, shouting "Brava!" These are, for me, the most satisfying performances of any music in the whole range of music. Not only are they, as the notes attest, peerless, they are priceless.

All who brought these recordings to fruition are to be deeply thanked. I have to think that Beethoven himself could not but smile, were he to hear these wonderful performances. Playing like this cannot have happened since he was alive.

To the memory of Annie Fischer, and to the kind folks at Hungaroton: Bravissima!

Grace and Power.......2001-06-30

Annie Fischer's complete recordings of the Beethoven piano sonatas are a treasure. Recorded during the 70's, not one was released during her lifetime. However, she did approve of final takes on all 32 before she passed away and thankfully, these great performances are finally available. She has an expressive tone the displays all the nuances of Beethoven's far-reaching set. She has a knack for capturing the perfect tempo every time. I regularly return to any of these recordings, including this one, to just rediscover these superb renditions. Any in this series is a solid purchase you will enjoy again and again. And whoever said Stiff and Labored is really hearing a different set of recordings then most everyone else who has sampled this treasure chest.

In a class by itself - Just like Schnabel!.......2001-05-05

I have extensively listened to 8 or 9 full setts of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas. Kempf, Arrau, Brendel, Backhauss, Gilels (partial set)...etc...I will say that without a doubt it is absolutely evident to my ears, heart and soul, that Annie Fischer's interpretation is in a class by itself. Her rendition is absolutely magnificent and sensitive. It flows with just the "right" timing just like pure running water. Although all major renditions have something to say, I feel that only Schnabel (the PEARL edition) and Gilels are in the same class as Annie Fischer. In the end and on a desert Island...I would choose her interpretation if I had to choose just one. It towers well above most of the others and by quite a margin...

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1. Brahms: Symphony in Em No4, Op98; Academic Festival Overture in Cm Op80
2. Brahms:Symphony No.1/Tragic Overture
3. Bubalo: Concertino; Valence II
4. Carpenter: Sea Drift; Hadley: Scherzo Diabolique; Mason: Chanticleer; Porter: Dance in Tree-time
5. Chadwick: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2
6. Chamber Music of Andrew Imbrie
7. Chasalow: Over the Edge / Speculum Musicae
8. Chopin:Four Ballades/Four Scherzi
9. Classical Piano Favourites
10. Dett: Magnolia Suite/In The Bottoms/Eight Bible Vignettes

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