Sonatas for Piano & Violin

On this CD:

1. Sonata for violin & piano No. 2 in A major, Op. 12/2
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Oleg Kagan, Sviatoslav Teofilovich Richter

2. Sonata for violin & piano No. 4 in A minor, Op. 23
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Oleg Kagan, Sviatoslav Teofilovich Richter

3. Sonata for violin & piano No. 5 in F major ("Spring") Op. 24
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Oleg Kagan, Sviatoslav Teofilovich Richter

Sonatas for Piano & Violin, Music, Beethoven, Kagan, Richter, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Composers
Haydn: Piano Sonatas
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Impressive technique, but missing Haydn's genial spirit
  • Where's the fire?
  • The Fastest Haydn Sonatas Ever Recorded in the Guiness Book of Records
  • Evocative of absolutely nothing save Hamelin's fingers.
  • Hamelin Does it Again!
 Haydn: Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Volodos Plays Liszt
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  5. Rameau: Keyboard Suites

ASIN: B000N2H832
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

  1. Allegro
  2. Adagio
  3. Allegro Molto
  4. Allegretto Innocentemente
  5. Presto
  6. Allegretto Moderato
  7. Adagio
  8. Finale: Presto
  9. Allegro
  10. Allegro Di Molto
  11. Allegro Moderato
  12. Adagio
  13. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. Moderato
  2. Adagio
  3. Finale: Presto
  4. Moderato
  5. Menuetto-Trio-Menuetto Da Capo
  6. Rondo: Presto
  7. Allegro
  8. Adagio
  9. Finale: Presto
  10. Allegro Moderato
  11. Menuet
  12. Finale: Presto
  13. Allegro Con Brio
  14. Largo E Sostenuto
  15. Finale: Presto Ma Non Troppo

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Impressive technique, but missing Haydn's genial spirit.......2007-07-11

Almost all of Haydn's artistry is richly rewarding, and I encourage everyone with an interest in Classical music to acquaint themselves with his welcoming genius. Haydn's gift for lapidary musical invention seems nearly inexhaustible, and his piano sonatas are yet another genre where his creativity can be easily approached and enjoyed. I'm grateful to Marc-Andre Hamelin for recording these neglected sonatas with splendid panache, bringing them fresh to an appreciative audience. However, I sometimes feel that Haydn's music is performed skillfully, though without the breadth of humane sympathy it deserves, and I suspect that the full wealth of Haydn's craft is not quite arrayed, here. I won't find fault with Hamelin's talents as a pianist, which are brilliantly polished, nor do I mean to be glib with my critique, but I will say that stylistically, his renderings sound to my ears more like caffeinated Chopin rather than Franz Josef's neo-Classical poise, humor, verve and endearing warmth. I first fell in love with Haydn's piano music through the performances of Bart van Oort, on pianoforte (Brilliant Classics label) and John McCabe, on modern piano (London/Decca label). Unfortunately, these recordings seem to be available only as complete sets of the Haydn sonatas, which would be too great an investment for most listeners. A relatively inexpensive introduction to the abundant pleasures of Haydn's piano pieces can be found through the recordings of Alfred Brendel, such as this album available here on Amazon: Haydn: 3 Piano Sonatas; Fantasia in C; Adagio in F. Brendel's performance is erudite and heartfelt, if somewhat romantic. For pianism that is a bit closer to the sound-world of 18th-century Austria (yet played on modern instruments) both Andras Schiff Haydn: Piano Sonatas and Leif Ove Andsnes ~ Haydn - Piano Sonatas can be recommended.

3 out of 5 stars Where's the fire?.......2007-06-23

Marc-Andre Hamelin's twofer of Haydn piano sonatas details most of the master's later sonatas in stylisitic performances that sometimes get a bit too dramatic and use too much pedal. Hamelin is a world-class player recorded well here who has some affinity for this music. My principal question when listening to these is, "Where's the fire?" Hamelin uses tempo more attuned to the keyboard music of Antonio Vivaldi, had he written any, than the witty and relaxed Josef Haydn. For all his fine quailties, Hamelin simply plays too fast too often, as if he's trying to set some sort of world speed record.

I recommend anyone looking to invest in a two-CD set of Hadyn sonatas to first sample the classic set by Alfred Brendel that's been around more than 20 years. He is more mature and more temperate playing than what's provided by this viruoso. Brendel is expert in this repertoire and always adheres to Haydn's style and temperament. Some other famous players have done well with these sonatas, also. Sviatoslav Richter loved Haydn and recorded many of the sonatas on concert and studio recordings over his career. Virtuoso colorist keyboard virtuoso Mikhail Pletnev recorded a handful of the sonatas including one of the best versions of the "English" sonata ever recorded. Try his recordings on Virgin and compare them to Hamelin, who is a fine player but is intemperate.

3 out of 5 stars The Fastest Haydn Sonatas Ever Recorded in the Guiness Book of Records.......2007-06-19

I've to second AllOverWith's review of Hamelin's Haydn and I have nothing much to add that has not been said.

Four positive, five-star reviews had prompted me to listen again - just to the entire first-movement of the last C major Sonata. I thought I could be wrong - that there could still be something that I could savour from the recording. Maybe something that I've not expected.

At such breakneck speed, I thought I was just treated to a whirlwind of notes, smacked together in a fraction of a second; it made little sense to my mind's ear, even less so to speak of a nuanced interpretation.

If the whole point of this other set of Haydn sonatas in the market is to prove something that prior recordings haven't, Hamelin has certainly done it - purely in terms of speed. If anything else there's probably little that has not been already said.

Initially I gave five out of five stars unintentionally and wanted to leave it as it is, but thought it would be construed as either contrary to my views or an overly deliberate attempt at sarcasm.

So I gave two stars for the interpretation and an additional star for those who value pyrotechnics and how fast these pieces could go.

2 out of 5 stars Evocative of absolutely nothing save Hamelin's fingers........2007-06-18

Okay, time to bring the hyperbole down a notch. It seems that no matter what Hamelin does he's lauded to the skies, which strikes me as a fair assessment of the soullessness of the age. Look at the guy -- he's an accountant! And this is not piano playing, it's note-tabulating. These performances of the Haydn piano sonatas feel like butterflies pinned to a board of cork. Facile technique for the sake of facile technique. Sometimes that can work, like in the Medtner sonatas, where just playing the notes correctly will suffice -- since no one else can do it -- but here, in Haydn, it feels almost contemptuous. Hamelin seems to take on faith that there is no depth, nothing of importance to be found in these pages, that these are antiques that he's only dusting off to show how his nimble sausage-fingers can make ANYTHING interesting. Wrong.

Haydn was well known for having a story in mind for almost every piece he wrote. His sonatas are far from all-purpose baroque filigree like Scarlatti; they are miniature dramas. Though we'll never know those stories, what's important is that the impression be given of Haydn's personality ( a doddering yet youthful-spirited old man, occasionally getting mildly excited by memories, then becoming mildly depressed at his current situation, but remaining generally optimistic. ) I defy you to find anything less personal than the impression Hamelin gives on this CD. He literally sucks the breath out of these pieces, vampirizes them, reduces them to "sewing-machine music," to quote Gould on Bach. The arrogance with which he jumps from Scriabinite tripe to Haydn as if it's all the same to him, as if he doesn't even have to make the effort to immerse himself in an entirely different mindset, is off-putting in the extreme.

You can't take a bullet train if you want to see the countryside, and Ronald Brautigam on BIS gets so much more out of this music that it's ludicrous to even compare the two. This thing puts me to sleep.

5 out of 5 stars Hamelin Does it Again!.......2007-06-18

Marc-Andre Hamelin is, arguably, the finest pianist performing today. His choice of repertoire is unfailingly interesting. This CD, as many other reviewers have indicated, might seem to be a surprise at first - Hamelin and Haydn? - yet this apparent difficulty resolves itself easily. Haydn was one of the giants of music. His influence on Beethoven is profound. He continued to grow as a musician and composer right up until he died. His piano sonatas are unfairly overshadowed by Mozart's essays in the form. Yet, I would agree with the late Glenn Gould that Haydn writes more effectively and interestingly for the instrument. Unlike Mozart, who was considered a virtuoso and had something to lose by learning from a rival, Haydn did not hesitate to learn from the new virtuosity that Clementi was bringing to the instrument and a number of these (especially the later sonatas) are brusing knuckle dusters. It is ironic that nothing I have heard from Hamelin in years displays his exceptional gifts so well as these CDs of Haydn sonatas. The clarity, brio, precision and taste are extraordinary. These are the finest recordings of Haydn sonatas that I have ever heard. And this is a superior value. Hyperion has given you two CDs for the price of one. I hope that Mr. Hamelin records more Haydn. Buy this, you will not be sorry.
Great Recordings Of The Century - Brahms: Violin Sonatas nos 1 - 3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Brahms Violin Sonatas
  • these are really good sonatas
  • Brahms
  • Finest Brahms
  • Perlman and Ashkenazy do it again
 Great Recordings Of The Century - Brahms: Violin Sonatas nos 1 - 3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy
Itzhak Perlman , and Vladimir Ashkenazy
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  4. Mozart: The Violin Sonatas
  5. Dvorák: Cello Concerto; Tchaikovsky / Karajan, Rostropovich,

ASIN: B00000I7VT
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

  1. Violin Sonata No.1 In G, Op.78: I: Vivace ma non troppo
  2. Violin Sonata No.1 In G, Op.78: II: Adagio
  3. Violin Sonata No.1 In G, Op.78: III: Allegro molto moderato
  4. Violin Sonata No.2 In A, Op.100: I: Allegro amibile
  5. Violin Sonata No.2 In A, Op.100: II: Andante tranquillo - Vivace
  6. Violin Sonata No.2 In A, Op.100: II: Allegretto grazioso (quasi andante)
  7. Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: I: Allegro
  8. Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: II: Adagio
  9. Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: III: Un poco presto e con sentimento
  10. Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: IV: Presto agitato

Amazon.com essential recording

Itzhak Perlman is the greatest living exponent of the Romantic, sentimental style of violin playing. As in his reading of the Brahms concerto, he shows sovereign mastery in these accounts, which are characterized by intense emotion and heated expression (Perlman's warm vibrato and carefully placed portamentos quickly give him away), but are also gripping in the quiet, meditative pages. The first two sonatas' relationship to songs could easily be guessed from the way Perlman plays them in a single, seamless line, marked by soaring climaxes and tender, haunting pianissimos. The treatment sometimes does seem a bit premeditated, but it is so compelling as to sweep aside any criticism. In this 1983 recording (sonically superior to Perlman's later remake with pianist Daniel Barenboim, for Sony), the violin sounds slightly forward, though not unpleasantly so. Warm, supportive, lyrical playing from Vladmir Ashkenazy rounds out a marvelous offering. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Brahms Violin Sonatas.......2007-01-11

Good but not top flight. This is an old recording--sounds a little tired.

5 out of 5 stars these are really good sonatas.......2005-10-10

These three sonatas are in my opinion some of the best compositions of Brahms. They are wonderfully tunefull and each sets a distinct mood (although all three are somewhat melancholic). The interaction of the violin and piano is just fantastic and Perlman and Ashkenazy pull it off well. Sound quality is great as well.

5 out of 5 stars Brahms.......2005-10-07

I bought this for my college age daughter's music class and I am enjoying it as well. Violin music, of any sort, is enjoyable to listen to and this one is a wonderful addition to a music library.

5 out of 5 stars Finest Brahms.......2002-05-22

I've always enjoyed Brahms' chamber works more than his symphonies. Somehow his intent comes off more clearly; the desperation and anger and melancholy of the music is more exposed, as if juggling an entire orchestra in the composition could dull the edges of these emotions. Of course the quality of any piece is tied with the quality of the performers (who invariably stamp then with their own personalities), and here we have a brilliant union: Perlman and Ashkenazy play flawlessly. Perlman's tonality is clear and sonorous, but never treacly; it still maintains the edge that these pieces require. From the sweet lilting melodies of the first sonata to simmering violence of the third, it is a commanding performance. The piano part in these works is equally demanding, and Ashkenazy is more than a match for Perlman's virtuosity.

If you're looking for the third sonata specifically, Vengerov and Barenboim turn in a more stirring (but somewhat looser) performance on the Teldec label. I actually prefer that version as it's more intense, more intimate. But if you're looking for a complete collection of these wonderful sonatas, you simply can't go wrong with Perlman and Ashkenazy.

5 out of 5 stars Perlman and Ashkenazy do it again.......2001-07-24

The combination of these two great artists continually results in some of the finest music making ever. The two seem to almost share a mind while performing so perfectly in tune with each other they come across. I don't think Brahms has ever sounded so beautiful and alive as this recording manages to sound.
Mozart: Piano Sonatas
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Yes, perfect
  • Mozart-A prisoner of his own time.
  • Good music and good value
  • Five and a half hours of joy for not much bucks
  • FINALLY
 Mozart: Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00002DEH1
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

  1. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 46d: 1. Allegro
  2. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 46d: 2. Menuetto I - II
  3. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 46e: 1. Allegro
  4. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 46e: 2. Menuetto
  5. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 1. Allegro
  6. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 2. Andante
  7. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 3. Allegro
  8. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 1. Allegro assai
  9. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 2. Adagio
  10. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 3. Presto
  11. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 1. Allegro
  12. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 2. Andante amoroso
  13. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 3. Rondeau. Allegro
  14. Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 1. Adagio
  15. Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 2. Menuetto I - II
  16. Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

  1. Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 1. Allegro
  2. Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 2. Andante
  3. Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 3. Presto
  4. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 1. Allegro
  5. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 2. Rondo en Polonaise. Andante
  6. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 3. Andante - Thema - Variations I-XII
  7. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 1. Allegro con spirito
  8. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 2. Andante un poco adagio
  9. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 3. Rondeau. Allegretto grazioso
  10. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 1. Allegro con spirito
  11. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 2. Andante con espressione
  12. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 3. Rondo. Allegro

Tracks:

  1. Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 1. Allegro maestoso
  2. Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 2. Andante cantabile con espressione
  3. Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 3. Presto
  4. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 1. Allegro moderato
  5. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 2. Andante cantabile
  6. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 3. Allegretto
  7. Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 1. Andante grazioso - Thema - Variations I - VI
  8. Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 2. Menuetto - Trio
  9. Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 3. Alla turca. Allegretto

Tracks:

  1. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 1. Allegro
  2. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 2. Adagio
  3. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 3. Allegro assai
  4. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 1. Allegro
  5. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 2. Andante cantabile
  6. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 3. Allegretto grazioso
  7. Fantasia In C Minor, K. 475: Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu allegro - Primo tempo
  8. Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 1. Molto allegro
  9. Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 2. Adagio
  10. Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 3. Allegro assai

Tracks:

  1. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 1. Allegro (K. 533)
  2. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 2. Andante (K. 533)
  3. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 3. Rondo. Allegretto (K. 494)
  4. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 1. Allegro
  5. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 2. Andante
  6. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 3. Rondo. Allegretto
  7. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 1. Allegro
  8. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 2. Adagio
  9. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 3. Allegretto
  10. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 1. Allegro
  11. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 2. Adagio
  12. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 3. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Yes, perfect.......2007-07-11

Fabulous music. Simple, direct, un-affected peformances that are a delight to listen-to over and over again. At times the playing is utterly sublime. These performances are technically perfect in a smooth sense - and totally absorbing.

4 out of 5 stars Mozart-A prisoner of his own time........2006-09-08

If you were to clump all of the composers of the classical era together, mix them up, and listen to them willy-nilly in a blind hearing test, you'll never be able to tell the difference between them... until you hear Mozart. Mozart's era was not rich in harmony. To me, Haydn wrote the same symphony over and over. Stamitz and Gossec... love 'em, but they were also prisoners of this classical harmony. But Mozart was able to put his fingerprint on all of his music. You can pick his music out blindly with ease because it is unmistakingly Mozart. That's why we have a mostly Mozart festival and not a mostly Kraus (who?) festival.

As this cd shows, Mozart's music was sublime. But even he struggled with using this "harmony of the day". If you were to study the catalogues of Mozart's symphonies, sonatas, and chamber music, let's face it; you would hear a lot of turkies before you made it to the peacocks. We would have to wait until Chopin until the harmonies fattened up a little.

Having said that, you have to completely hail Mozart for taking what was available to him in his day and creating some of the most sublime music with it. It would be like for the next ten years all the world had available to eat was peas, and 200 years from now one man became immortal for the many interesting ways he was able to manipulate peas into a meal.

5 out of 5 stars Good music and good value.......2006-08-28

Bought this for my son who is learning to play piano. Lots of good music, not too expensive.

5 out of 5 stars Five and a half hours of joy for not much bucks.......2005-11-11

This is just about the best money I've ever spent on music. I love Eschenbach's interpretations: tenderness and emotional intimacy in spades---and dazzling effects without self-consciousness or "athletic" display of technique. I would say that he "lets Mozart be Mozart," except that these interpretations have so much personality that Eschenbach's own life-energy must be coming through. I just think that his own personality complements Mozart's perfectly.

5 out of 5 stars FINALLY.......2004-08-05

I've searched the world over for a box set of all of Mozart's piano sonatas that I liked. The first one I heard was the Glenn Gould version, which in retrospect was not so smart. I like his playing but he hums into the mic during the recording. Real smart.

Anyways, Eschenbach plays these with all the virtuosity and feeling they demand. My favorite piano sonata is Mozart's 12th and he plays it flawlessly; the only thing remotely lacking is that he doesn't quite dig in as much as Alicia de la Roccha does when she plays it on the Allegro movement, but he more than makes up for it with his playing on the Adagio movement.

If it's not your cup of tea it might be worthwhile getting the de la Roccha box set, but personally I think the Eschenbach recording is the best out of all of them.
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The best...simply!
  • This is not Arrau, this is Beethoven himself
  • A very passionate and serious-minded Beethoven.
  • Must-have if you like Beethoven
  • Exquisite, elegant, measured, and great.
 Beethoven: Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 1-4; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

ASIN: B00000411Z
Release Date: 1990-03-29

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. Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 (Appassionata): 1. Allegro assai
  5. Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 (Appassionata): 2. Andante con moto -
  6. Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 (Appassionata): 3. Allegro ma non troppo
  7. Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 (Moonlight): 1. Adagio sostenuto -
  8. Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 (Moonlight): 2. Allegretto
  9. Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 (Moonlight): 3. Presto agitato

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The best...simply!.......2007-06-09

What more can I say....
I dont really know much about classical, and I wont pretend that I do, but to me, this is perfection!
Excellent service to as item arrived in good time!

5 out of 5 stars This is not Arrau, this is Beethoven himself.......2006-07-19

First of all I would like to say, I have to disagree with a reviewer that says Arrau plays "too slow" this I can handle although I consider his speed is fine... but mostly when he says something like "he gives a romantic touch to these sonatas that were dedicated to men".

That is a huge blasphemy and here's why: Beethoven was a passionate man, I guess every Beethoven fan and student knows that, and if you still don't believe it just listen to his piano, violin and cello trios to see how much passion and romance there is involved. So it doesn't matter if he dedicated these sonatar (or any of his works) to a woman, a man or an alien, it is quite clear that whoever it was intended to, Beethoven would have probably execute it with passion and romance.

The execution of the Appassionata sonata is the ultimate execution. I need more words from other universe to describe how you can easly breeze into the composer's mind and actually feel what he felt and thought when he composed this piece. The 3rd movement is to me the best around and the best I've heard (from dozens of dozens), especially the last two minutes when it's clear the composer went drive mad. With other performers you will see that in these two minutes (when the piece reachis its climax) they will normally slow down which obviously a clear mistake and not what Beethoven intended). The last two minutes are to be played with madness, more madness, anger, more anger and all the passion you can put into those 88 keys. You can't slow down the climax of the piece ! That's why it is called Appassionata ! Such a beautiful piece.

The moonlight execution is the best I've heard too (with the exception of the 1st movement). Each one of the three movements take you to a mind state where you can feel how and what Beethoven felt about countess Giuletta Giucardi: love, joy and then hate, respectively. Just like the appasionata, the 3rd movement's performance is stunning. By the time you reach half of it, your mind will think you're listening to Beethoven.

Patetique is a good execution. I haven't really heard a notable performance, probably due to the fact of being one of Beethoven's earlier -more Mozartian/classisist- works. Still it is very good, and the movement that impresses me the most is the second.

Do your self a favor and get this CD. You will trash any other Beethoven Piano sonatas CD, and you will eventually look forward to buy the 32 piano sonata box set by Claudio Arrau -to listen to the man himself playing all his works-, which I proudly own and just like this disc, it is worth every single penny.

5 out of 5 stars A very passionate and serious-minded Beethoven........2004-01-01

Claudio Arrau is not always an easy pianist to listen to. His playing is sometimes very irritating and at times can seem boring. Not everyone will agree with his Beethoven playing, and his playing in general, but many will be fascinated by his complex intellectuality. His Beethoven playing, particularly the sonatas, are some of his best and most interesting work. If anyone was to own one recording of Arrau's playing, I would surely suggest a Beethoven recording. His interpretations of these three popular sonatas are unorthodox but are given very passionate and interesting performances. Anyone studying or interested in these sonatas should listen to Arrau, the Appassionata especially is given an excellent performance.

This CD is highly recommended, it's an excellent lesson in Arrau's Beethoven playing.

5 out of 5 stars Must-have if you like Beethoven.......2003-12-09

This is a disc you should buy immediately if you don't have Arrau's complete Beethoven sonatas set already. Arrau gives truly superb renditions of these three sonatas: the Pathetique is stormy and dramatic in its outer movements and intensely peaceful at the center, his Moonlight sheds a new light on this too often played sonata, but the real prize of the disc is the Appassionata, where Arrau plays with more angriness and drama than anyone I've yet heard. Hear how he assaults the chords of the third movement! These three sonatas, especially the last, are Arrau's territory and it shows in all aspects. You'd best get the whole set but for a good introduction this single disc is indispensable.

5 out of 5 stars Exquisite, elegant, measured, and great........2003-11-18

It's wonderful to return to these works after an absence of 30 years. Familiar, but ... consider the andante con moto of No 23 in F Minor, Op 57... it begins quietly, measured pace, the low notes of the keyboard,
certain in its course, building slowly, then it moves into the middle range, so beautiful, so much beauty, bell like tone of the notes, exquisite touch of the pianist, as if reasoning with us, listen to me, listen to me, a sense of urgency, sensual urgency builds, playfulness, but the inexorable drive to climax, back to the beginning for the resolution, a pause, then ....
If there is anything more beautiful in the piano repertoire, show it to me.
Played by a musicians artist. A bargain.
Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy
  • All the essentials on two discs
  • Pure genius, in composition and in performance
  • Impeccable - scholarly yet perfected performances
  • Excellent Double CD
Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Chopin: Favorite Piano Works
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  5. Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2

ASIN: B0000041LE
Release Date: 1997-08-26

Tracks:

  1. Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 'Moonlight': I. Adagio sostenuto
  2. Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 'Moonlight': II. Allegretto & Trio
  3. Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 'Moonlight': III. Presto agitato
  4. Piano Sonata No. 26 In E Flat Major, Op. 81a 'Les Adieux': I Adagio - Allegro
  5. Piano Sonata No. 26 In E Flat Major, Op. 81a 'Les Adieux': II Andante espressivo
  6. Piano Sonata No. 26 In E Flat Major, Op. 81a 'Les Adieux': III Vivacissimamente
  7. Piano Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest': I Largo - Allegro
  8. Piano Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest': II Adagio
  9. Piano Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest': III Allegretto
  10. Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': I Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
  11. Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': II Adagio cantabile
  12. Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': III Rondo: Allegro

Tracks:

  1. Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 'Appassionata': I Allegro assai
  2. Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 'Appassionata': II Andante con moto
  3. Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 'Appassionata': III Allegro ma non troppo
  4. Piano Sonata No. 15 In D Major, Op. 28 'Pastoral': I Allegro
  5. Piano Sonata No. 15 In D Major, Op. 28 'Pastoral': II Andante
  6. Piano Sonata No. 15 In D Major, Op. 28 'Pastoral': III Scherzo & Trio: Allegro vivace
  7. Piano Sonata No. 15 In D Major, Op. 28 'Pastoral': IV Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo
  8. Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 'Waldstein': I Allegro con brio
  9. Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 'Waldstein': II Introduzione: Molto adagio
  10. Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 'Waldstein': III Rondo: Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy.......2007-07-09

Good technique and good sound. The CD contains the most known sonatas and it was a hard task to deliver them in a fresh yet traditional form.

4 out of 5 stars All the essentials on two discs.......2007-05-29

Other reviewers have written sufficiently on the quality of this purchase; I don't need to add to it, only concur with them that this is a fabulous and inexpensive package. My only criticism is of the sound quality...and maybe the performance of the 14th. It's a minor issue though. No other package that I know of gives the buyer all the essential sonatas on two discs of such high quality. A great buy.

5 out of 5 stars Pure genius, in composition and in performance.......2007-05-20

Disclaimer: I'm not an expert on classical music, much less on classical music performances, so my reviews represent a newcomer's take on classical CDs. Take that for what it's worth.

This recording of Beethoven's sonatas was the first classical CD I ever bought, and it remains my favorite. The compositions are heart-rending. The performance is excellent. This is an album equally great both for classically-uninitiated and for longtime veterans.

Ashkenazy's performance makes heavy use of dynamics, from near-inaudible pianissimos to shattering fortissimos. Some people may dislike this--it's not an album to pop into your walkman and ignore--but I found that it gave the sonatas a richer emotional resonance. As the piano goes from a quiet, singing tone to harsh clanging, so one's heart follows. This CD (or rather, CDs) is a must-buy.

5 out of 5 stars Impeccable - scholarly yet perfected performances.......2006-08-08

I've listened to Ashkenazy's renditions of these pieces for quite some time of this disk, and I was extremely impressed with his force. He does not skimp on volume when volume is needed (the brutal chords in the third movement of Moonlight is what I was really looking for). I've also used his rendition of the Pathetique as a guide for my own learning of the piece. The man's technique is absolutely beyond belief, his clarity, his voicing, his touch, it fits so perfectly with these fine works by Beethoven. The Hammerklavier is sadly missing, but that is to be expected because of its length. Overall, these are powerful recordings and I highly recommend them. I hope to reach such a pinnacle of artistry some day in my own playing.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Double CD .......2006-04-25

This double CD is exquisite. Vladimir Ashkenazy plays Beethoven with sensitivity and dynamic intensity. The quality of the CD is excellent, the playing sublime, and the value outstanding.

This double CD has quickly become one of my favorites. I originally heard it on the local NPR classical stations, bought the CD here, and love it!

I just can't think of a single deficiency in the CD. I think this is just an excellent CD at any price; at the price here, it is a real bargain.
Mozart: The Violin Sonatas
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • High praise for Perlman and Barinboim
  • Mozart at its best
  • Wonderful to re-listen to these works.
  • Simply Amazing!
  • Perlman and Barenboim
 Mozart: The Violin Sonatas

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004SA87
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

  1. Sonata In G Major K. 301
  2. Sonata In E Flat Major K. 302
  3. Sonata In C Major K. 303
  4. Sonata In A Major K. 305
  5. Sonata In C Major K. 296
  6. Sonata In E Minor K. 304
  7. Sonata In D Major K. 306
  8. Sonata In B Flat Major K. 378
  9. Sonata In G Major K.379
  10. Sonata In F Major K. 376
  11. Sonata In E Flat Major K. 380
  12. Sonata In B Flat Major K. 454
  13. Sonata In E Flat Major K. 481
  14. Sonata In A Major K. 526
  15. Sonata In F Major K. 547

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars High praise for Perlman and Barinboim.......2007-01-12

Best four CD's in my collection. Great material and wonderful performanc.!

5 out of 5 stars Mozart at its best.......2006-08-28

This CD is an excellent introduction to Mozart's violin sonata's. Both artists are superb and play so very well together. I would highly recommend it.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful to re-listen to these works. .......2006-01-17

Many years ago, I owned, on vinyl, Mozart's Violin Sonatas. I don't remember the artists; however, I DO remember enjoying them immensely. Therefore, when the opportunity came with this recording to restore the complete Violin Sonatas by Mozart to my CD collection, I "jumped" at the chance. After all, this is Mozart's two-hundredth fifieth birthday; plus the recording is at a ridiculously low price, and MOST OF ALL, the recording features the esteemed musical team of Perlman and Barenboim--WHAT could be better than that? Please be advised, that my expectations have been fully realized and in actuality, they have been surpassed-the music is far more beautiful than I remember with Perlman and Barenboim making an exquisite musical team playing Mozart's gorgeous Violin Sonatas beautifully and sensitively!

If you love Mozart and want to hear some beautiful works played by masters of their respective instruments(at an unbelievable price) buy this CD collection. You will love it! The sound is great too belying the age of the recordings. They sound, to me, as if they were recorded very recently. In other words, great transfers to the CD format!

5 out of 5 stars Simply Amazing!.......2005-04-10

This is a simply amazing recording. I was actually first introduced to some of these pieces that had been transcribed into clarinet duets. They are excellent for that medium, but they are absolutely brilliant in their original form as violin sonatas!

Perlman's playing is wonderful. At times it seems (to my untrained ear) that he may use a bit too much vibrato (or perhaps it's just too fast), though I'm not familiar with classical violin playing conventions, so this may be the proper way. Nonetheless, his tone is still rich and full and his technique is flawless. The pianist's playing is clear and accurate, and the two musicians make a perfect team (both technically and stylistically).

I'm not quite sure how these pieces fit into Mozarts body of work (stylistically, chronologically), but to me, they seem to have a youthful energy and vibrance that I've not heard in his later clarinet works. You will really enjoy them!

5 out of 5 stars Perlman and Barenboim.......2005-03-17

...are incredible. I'm sure there is no one that would oppose this statement about Itzhak Perlman, but some say that Barenboim Beethovenizes Mozart. As a pianist myself, I strongly disagree. These recordings are very good. Sound quality is very nice. Highly recommended.
Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Barenboim's Beethvoen
  • One of the very best ever
  • dead in the water
  • Sublime expression nourished by a colossal vision!
  • Performed with great enthusiasm
 Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000C2KP
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Allegro molto e con brio
  2. Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Adagio molto
  3. Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Finale: Prestissimo
  4. Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Allegro
  5. Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Allegretto
  6. Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Presto
  7. Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Presto
  8. Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Largo e mesto
  9. Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Menuetto: Allegro
  10. Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Rondo: Allegro
  11. Sonata No.22 In F Major, Op.54: In tempo di Menuetto
  12. Sonata No.22 In F Major, Op.54: Allegretto - Piu allegro

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Allegro molto e con brio
  2. Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Largo con gran espressione
  3. Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Allegro
  4. Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso
  5. Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Allegro
  6. Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Allegretto
  7. Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Rondo: Allegro comodo
  8. Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Allegro
  9. Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Andante
  10. Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Scherzo: Allegro assai

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Allegro con brio
  2. Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Adagio con molta espressione
  3. Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Menuetto
  4. Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Rondo: Allegretto
  5. Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Andante von variazioni
  6. Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Scherzo: Allegro molto
  7. Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe: Maestoso andante
  8. Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Allegro
  9. Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Andante - Allegro
  10. Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Allegro molto e vivace
  11. Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Adagio con espressione - Allegro vivace

Tracks:

  1. SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Grave - Allegro molto e con brio
  2. SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Adagio cantabile
  3. SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Rondo: Allegro
  4. Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Adagio sostenuto
  5. Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Allegretto
  6. Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Presto agitato - Adagio - Presto agitato
  7. SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Allegro assai - Piu allegro
  8. SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Andante con moto
  9. SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Allegro ma non troppo - Presto

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Allegro
  2. Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Andante
  3. Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Scherzo: Allegro vivace
  4. Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo
  5. Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': Allegro con brio
  6. Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': Introduzione (Adagio molto) - Rondo (Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo)
  7. Sonata No.19 In G Minor, Op.49 No.1: Andante
  8. Sonata No.19 In G Minor, Op.49 No.1: Rondo: Allegro
  9. Sonata No.20 In G Major, Op.49 No.2: Allegro ma non troppo
  10. Sonata No.20 In G Major, Op.49 No.2: Tempo di menuetto

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Allegro vivace
  2. Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Adagio grazioso
  3. Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Rondo: Allegretto - Adagio - Presto
  4. Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Largo - Allegro
  5. Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Adagio
  6. Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Allegretto
  7. Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Allegro
  8. Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Scherzo: Allegretto vivace
  9. Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Menuetto: Moderato grazioso
  10. Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Presto con fuoco

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No.24 In F Sharp Major, Op.78: Adagio cantabile - Allegro ma non troppo
  2. Sonata No.24 In F Sharp Major, Op.78: Allegro vivace
  3. Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Presto alla tedesca
  4. Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Andante
  5. Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Vivace
  6. Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Das Lebewohl (Les Adieux): Adagio - Allegro
  7. Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Abwesenheit (L'Absence): Andante espressivo
  8. Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Wiedersehn (Le Retour): Vivacissimamente - Poco andante - Tempo 1
  9. Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
  10. Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragen

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Allegretto ma non troppo
  2. Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Vivace alla Marcia
  3. Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto - Tempo del primo pezzo - Allegro
  4. Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Allegro
  5. Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Scherzo: Assai vivace - Presto - Tempo 1
  6. Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Adagio sostenuto
  7. Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Largo - Allegro - Prestissimo - Allegro risoluto (Fuga a tre voci, con alcune licenze)

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Vivace, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo - Tempo 1
  2. Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Prestissimo
  3. Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Tema: Andante molto cantabile e espressivo - Variazioni 1-6
  4. Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Moderato cantabile, molto espressivo
  5. Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Allegro molto
  6. Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Adagio ma non troppo
  7. Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Fuga: Allegro ma non troppo - L'istesso tempo di arioso - L'istesso tempo della Fuga - Meno allegro
  8. Sonata No.32 in C minor, op.111: Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato
  9. Sonata No.32 in C minor, op.111: Arietta: Adagio molto semplice e cantabile - Variazioni

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Barenboim's Beethvoen.......2007-06-27

I heard Bachaus play all Beethoven recitals at Carnegie Hall, in NYC. At that time he was the acknowledged master of the Beethvoen Sonata. With Barenboim, the old order changeth, yielding place to new. These recordings have fire, tempestuousness and passion, all emotions that belong in Beethoven.

5 out of 5 stars One of the very best ever.......2007-02-15

This set has to be experienced. The clarity of these performances is beyond belief. If it's not the best set of Beethoven Sonatas, it is certainly among the very best. Take for example the first movement of Sonata number 21. It is so easy to have a performer play all the notes just as Beethoven wrote them and yet leave the listener in a morass of confusion without the slightest idea of what he had in mind. Not here. The ideas pour forth in a white light that has to be experienced. It really has to be experienced!! I love these performances. I will play them until I die. Oh...and the recordings are technically excellent. At least when played through Levinson electronics and Maggies....superb!

2 out of 5 stars dead in the water.......2007-01-12

Sorry, I just don't like Barenboim's renditions. Beethoven is my favourite composer, depending on my mood that is, and nothing moves me as his music can. But I just don't get Barenboim's renditions... doesn't do a thing for me. Something of Beethoven's depth and richness gets totally "lost in translation".

Better off finding a better performance of these if you really want to be "blown away". My favorite "Beethoven" conductor would have to be Herbert von Karajan; and as for individual pianists my all time favorite is Maurizio Pollini, whose performances are exquisite, in both technique and expression! If you are a music lover you should really check his work out if you haven't already. My favorite Beethoven CD by him is "Die Spaten Klaviersonaten" (Beethoven) by Deutsche Grammophon in their "legendary recordings" series. It is a real gem! (the sound quality is excellent also)

5 out of 5 stars Sublime expression nourished by a colossal vision!.......2006-03-23

Thanks to this immense and untiring activity in the field of the orchestral direction, his vision as pianist has enriched himself quite a lot: Barenboim performs these well known Sonatas with a splendid architectural construction; according Schnabel `s tradition.

And that is a very remarkable good point in this musical moment where the pianist technique is eclipsing and even annulling the personal approach in the most of pianists all over the world. Honesty, conviction, vision and commitment dress those interpretations loaded of expression and personality.

In the great tradition of the great Beethovenian keyboard giants of the past, Daniel explores and plays every little bar with that well felt intensity of someone who in Beethoven `s there is much more than simple music. In Beethoven the music is not a goal by itself; but a revelation superior to any philosophy; all his musical legacy possess values that are placed of the standards. There is not art without second intention and that is precisely what Barenboim has made with this fabulous cycle of Beethoven Sonatas.

If you really want to listen remarkable performances far beyond of the trivial conventionalisms, go for this record.


5 out of 5 stars Performed with great enthusiasm.......2004-05-16

This is classic early Barenboim (he was just 24 when he started recording this set in 1966). He is very enthusiastic and expressive (if you don't like him, he "takes liberties" and "shows off"). The slow movements are veerrry slow, and the fast ones really rip. Pianissimo is extremely soft, and fortissimo rattles the windows! [My wife insists that I wear headphones for late-night listening.]

Personally, I think his style is just right for Beethoven (but perhaps just a bit much when he plays Mozart). I'm very glad that I bought this set, but some might prefer Brendell's (Phillips) or Kempff's (DG) more sedate versions.
Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • like sparkling mineral water
  • Soulless Rendition
  • Lovely
  • Top notch performances
  • Very good, but a bit misleading?
 Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim
  2. Mozart: The Complete Piano Concertos
  3. Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos
  4. Mozart: The Violin Sonatas
  5. Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet

ASIN: B00004YA0U
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

  1. I: Allegro
  2. II: Andante
  3. III: Allegro
  4. I: Allegro Assai
  5. II: Adagio
  6. III: Presto
  7. I: Allegro Moderato
  8. II: Andante Amoroso
  9. III: Rondeau: Allegro
  10. I: Adagio
  11. II: Menuetto I - Menuetto II
  12. III: Allegro
  13. I: Allegro
  14. II: Andante
  15. III: Presto

Tracks:

  1. I: Allegro
  2. II: Rondeau En Polonaise: Andante
  3. III: Tema (Andante) Con Variazioni (I-XII)
  4. I: Allegro Con Spirito
  5. II: Andante Un Poco Adagio
  6. III: Rondeau: Allegretto Grazioso
  7. I: Allegro Maestoso
  8. II: Andante Cantabile Con Espressione
  9. III: Presto

Tracks:

  1. I: Allegro Con Spirito
  2. II: Andantino Con Espressione
  3. III: Rondeau: Allegro
  4. I: Allegro Moderato
  5. II: Andante Cantabile
  6. III: Allegretto
  7. I: Tema (Andante Grazioso) Con Variazioni (I-VI)
  8. II: Menuetto - Trio
  9. III: Alla Turca: Allegretto
  10. I: Allegro
  11. II: Adagio
  12. III: Allegro Assai

Tracks:

  1. I: Allegro
  2. II: Andante Cantabile
  3. III: Allegretto Grazioso
  4. Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu Allegro - Tempo I
  5. I: Molto Allegro
  6. II: Adagio
  7. III: Allegro Assai

Tracks:

  1. I: Allegro
  2. II: Andante Cantabile
  3. III: Allegretto
  4. I: Allegro
  5. II: Andante
  6. III: Rondo
  7. I: Allegro
  8. II: Adagio
  9. III: Allegretto
  10. I: Allegro
  11. II: Adagio
  12. III: Allegretto

Tracks:

  1. Tema ('Laat Ons Juichen'): Allegretto
  2. Variation 1
  3. Variation 2
  4. Variation 3
  5. Variation 4
  6. Variation 5
  7. Variation 6
  8. Variation 7: Adagio
  9. Variation 8: Tempo I
  10. Tema (Air): Allegro
  11. Variation 1
  12. Variation 2
  13. Variation 3
  14. Variation 4
  15. Variation 5: Adagio
  16. Variation 6: Tempo I
  17. Variation 7
  18. Tema (Menuetto): Andante
  19. Variation 1
  20. Variation 2
  21. Variation 3
  22. Variation 4
  23. Variation 5: Adagio
  24. Variation 6: Allegretto
  25. Tema (Menuet)
  26. Variation 1
  27. Variation 2
  28. Variation 3
  29. Variation 4
  30. Variation 5
  31. Variation 6
  32. Variation 7
  33. Variation 8
  34. Variation 9
  35. Variation 10
  36. Variation 11: Adagio
  37. Variation 12: Allegro
  38. Tema (Air): Allegretto
  39. Variation 1
  40. Variation 2
  41. Variation 3
  42. Variation 4
  43. Variation 5
  44. Variation 6
  45. Variation 7
  46. Variation 8: Tempo Di Menuetto
  47. Variation 9
  48. Variation 10: Allegretto
  49. Variation 11
  50. Variation 12: Molto Adagio
  51. Allegretto

Tracks:

  1. Tema
  2. Variation 1
  3. Variation 2
  4. Variation 3
  5. Variation 4
  6. Variation 5
  7. Variation 6
  8. Variation 7
  9. Variation 8
  10. Variation 9
  11. Variation 10
  12. Variation 11: Adagio
  13. Variation 12: Allegro
  14. Tema
  15. Variation 1
  16. Variation 2
  17. Variation 3
  18. Variation 4
  19. Variation 5
  20. Variation 6
  21. Variation 7
  22. Variation 8
  23. Variation 9
  24. Variation 10
  25. Variation 11: Adagio
  26. Variation 12: Presto
  27. Tema: Andante
  28. Variation 1
  29. Variation 2
  30. Variation 3
  31. Variation 4
  32. Variation 5
  33. Variation 6
  34. Variation 7
  35. Variation 8: Adagio
  36. Variation 9: Allegro
  37. Tempo Di Tema
  38. Tema
  39. Variation 1
  40. Variation 2
  41. Variation 3
  42. Variation 4
  43. Variation 5
  44. Variation 6
  45. Variation 7: Adagio
  46. Variation 8: Allegro
  47. Tema
  48. Variation 1
  49. Variation 2
  50. Variation 3
  51. Variation 4
  52. Variation 5
  53. Variation 6

Tracks:

  1. Tema: Allegretto
  2. Variation 1
  3. Variation 2
  4. Variation 3
  5. Variation 4
  6. Variation 5
  7. Variation 6
  8. Variation 7
  9. Variation 8
  10. Variation 9: Adagio
  11. Variation 10: Allegro
  12. (Tempo I)
  13. Tema: Allegretto
  14. Variation 1
  15. Variation 2
  16. Variation 3
  17. Variation 4
  18. Variation 5
  19. Variation 6
  20. Variation 7
  21. Variation 8
  22. Variation 9
  23. Variation 10
  24. Variation 11: Adagio
  25. Variation 12: Allegro
  26. (Tempo I)
  27. Tema: Allegretto
  28. Variation 1
  29. Variation 2
  30. Variation 3
  31. Variation 4
  32. Variation 5
  33. Variation 6
  34. Tema
  35. Variation 1
  36. Variation 2
  37. Variation 3
  38. Variation 4
  39. Variation 5
  40. Variation 6
  41. Variation 7
  42. Variation 8: Adagio
  43. Variation 9: Allegro
  44. (Tempo I)
  45. Tema
  46. Variation 1
  47. Variation 2
  48. Variation 3
  49. Variation 4
  50. Variation 5
  51. Variation 6
  52. Variation 7: Adagio
  53. Variation 8: Allegro
  54. (Tempo I)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars like sparkling mineral water.......2006-12-22

It is something near to a cleansing experience to listen through the Mozart piano repertoire as performed by Daniel Barenboim.

For starters, Mozart achieves his sparest, cleanest, most limpid lines when writing for solo piano. Then comes Daniel Barenboim, whose reading of Mozart is crisply and unemotionally classical. Not for him the drawn-out keyboard soliloquy. On the contrary, Barenboim gives us Mozart, only Mozart, and nothing but Mozart, clean and shimmering as sparkling mineral water.

This is not to say that Barenboim as pianist is unfeeling. On the contrary, the Fantasia in C Minor - to choose just one example with almost random lack of care - is quite moving. But not with a flourish. Rather, with almost sinewy restraint. The presentation represents a fine grasp of the master composer, nurtured with discipline across the length and breadth of the voluminous sonatas.

Indeed, the sheer volume of the Mozart piano sonatas is intimidating. It is astonishing to imagine one man having mastered it as Barenboim has. EMI Classics has done us the favor of collecting these two gentlemen's asynchronic collaboration in one set, affordable at that.

If Mozart is a musician for the ages and Barenboim a performer who left a formidable imprint on the twentieth century, their collaboration as represented in these recordings is a watershed that will need to be referenced by students of classical piano for at least another hundred years, or until people can only remember as far back as the Dixie Chicks.

Buy Barenboim on Mozart before that happens, and so stick your thumb in the dike against the evil day.

1 out of 5 stars Soulless Rendition.......2005-10-16

I have several artists' renditions of Mozart's piano sonatas in my library. Daniel Barenboim's is the worst. His technique is timid. His rendition is soulless and perfunctory. I regret purchasing this collection. The best rendition I have is the collection of Glenn Gould. If you like Mozart's piano sonatas played the way Mozart intended, give Barenboim a pass and listen to Gould.

5 out of 5 stars Lovely.......2005-03-17

As a pianist myself, I love Barenboim's playing. He does not play Mozart too Beethoven like. His performances are usually VERY good, and this is one example. Also includes the complete variations, which are very nice. The sound quality is excellent. Very highly recommended.

"The sonatas of Mozart are unique: too easy for children, too difficult for adults. Children are given Mozart to play because of the quantity of notes; grown ups avoid him because of the quality of notes." - Artur Schnabel

5 out of 5 stars Top notch performances.......2004-06-17

Daniel Barenboim played this whole set with an interesting approach to WAM . The notations about classical , beethovenian style are always hazardous.
When you are a musician you must avoid in the cliche , and you should feel the music as a whole and the playing must be the consequence of a overlong process that begins in your soul , then your inner mood , your intellect and finally your fingers. I remark the aspect when you are in front of Mozart, Beethoven Wagner, Bruckner, Bach , Schubert and Bartok , because these composers are in a highest level than the others and the music itself is merely a device for expressing deeper issues.
That's why this set is superb. Barenboim plays a Mozart rich in expresiveness , he gives to Mozart presence .
Barenboim plays music as Vegh or Furtwangler did it , always seeking the landscape far beyond the score . That's why they are so original in their performances . The rapture is not a device for exhibite his skills , it''s the final product of a long process.
Acquire this set. It's an unvaluable treasure.

4 out of 5 stars Very good, but a bit misleading?.......2004-05-15

Barenboim playing Mozart has his critics, who say he's "too Beethovian" when performing Mozart's piano sonatas and piano concertos. I disagree; I love his style. Others might not.

My only complaint with this 8 CD set is that the advertised piano sonatas occupy the first 5 CDs; the last three are piano variations -- interesting, but not of the quality of the sonatas themselves. Surely a less-expensive 5-CD set, providing just the sonatas advertised in the title, would offer better value for money. On the other hand, 5 great CDs for $48 isn't a bad deal.
Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The final testament of a great classicist
  • Wilhelm Kempff Plays the Beethoven Piano Sonatas
  • full of artistry, very nice.
  • Which One To Get, That Is The Question
  • essential
 Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
  2. Mozart: Piano Sonatas
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  4. Chopin: The Piano Works
  5. Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet

ASIN: B000001GCC
Release Date: 1991-07-12

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No. 5, Op. 10 In C Minor: 1. Allegro molto e con brio - Beethoven
  2. Sonata No. 5, Op. 10 In C Minor: 2. Adagio molto - Beethoven
  3. Sonata No. 5, Op. 10 In C Minor: 3. Finale. Prestissimo - Beethoven
  4. Sonata No. 6, Op. 10 In F Major: 1. Allegro - Beethoven
  5. Sonata No. 6, Op. 10 In F Major: 2. Allegretto - Beethoven
  6. Sonata No. 6, Op. 10 In F Major: 3. Presto - Beethoven
  7. Sonata No. 7, Op. 10 In D Major: 1. Presto - Beethoven
  8. Sonata No. 7, Op. 10 In D Major: 2. Largo e mesto - Beethoven
  9. Sonata No. 7, Op. 10 In D Major: 3. Menuetto. Allegro - Beethoven
  10. Sonata No. 7, Op. 10 In D Major: 4. Rondo. Allegro - Beethoven

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No. 4, Op. 7 In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro molto e con brio
  2. Sonata No. 4, Op. 7 In E Flat Major: 2. Largo, con gran espressione
  3. Sonata No. 4, Op. 7 In E Flat Major: 3. Allegro
  4. Sonata No. 4, Op. 7 In E Flat Major: 4. Rondo. Poco allegretto e grazioso
  5. Sonata No. 8, Op. 13 'Pathetique' In C Minor: 1. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
  6. Sonata No. 8, Op. 13 'Pathetique' In C Minor: 2. Adagio cantabile
  7. Sonata No. 8, Op. 13 'Pathetique' In C Minor: 3. Rondo. Allegro
  8. Sonata No. 9, Op. 14 In E Major: 1. Allegro
  9. Sonata No. 9, Op. 14 In E Major: 2. Allegretto
  10. Sonata No. 9, Op. 14 In E Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro comodo
  11. Sonata No. 10, Op. 14 In G Major: 1. Allegro
  12. Sonata No. 10, Op. 14 In G Major: 2. Andante
  13. Sonata No. 10, Op. 14 In G Major: 3. Scherzo. Allegro assai

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No. 11, Op. 22 In B Flat Major: 1. Allegro con brio
  2. Sonata No. 11, Op. 22 In B Flat Major: 2. Adagio con molta espressione
  3. Sonata No. 11, Op. 22 In B Flat Major: 3. Menuetto
  4. Sonata No. 11, Op. 22 In B Flat Major: 4. Rondo. Allegretto
  5. Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 In A Flat Major: 1. Andante con Variazioni
  6. Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 In A Flat Major: 2. Scherzo. Allegro molto
  7. Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 In A Flat Major: 3. Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe
  8. Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 In A Flat Major: 4. Allegro
  9. Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 In E Flat Major: 1. Andante - Allegro - Tempo I - attaca:
  10. Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 In E Flat Major: 2. Allegro molto e vivace - attaca:
  11. Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 In E Flat Major: 3. Adagio con espressione - attaca:
  12. Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 In E Flat Major: 4. Allegro vivace
  13. Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 'Mondschein-Sonate' In C Sharp Minor: 1. Adagio sostenuto - attaca:
  14. Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 'Mondschein-Sonate' In C Sharp Minor: 2. Allegretto - attaca:
  15. Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 'Mondschein-Sonate' In C Sharp Minor: 3. Presto agitato

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No. 16, Op. 31 In G Major: 1. Allegro vivace - L.V. Beethoven
  2. Sonata No. 16, Op. 31 In G Major: 2. Adagio grazioso - L.V. Beethoven
  3. Sonata No. 16, Op. 31 In G Major: 3. Rondo. Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
  4. Sonata No. 17, Op. 31 'Sturm-Sonate' In D Minor: 1. Largo - Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
  5. Sonata No. 17, Op. 31 'Sturm-Sonate' In D Minor: 2. Adagio - L.V. Beethoven
  6. Sonata No. 17, Op. 31 'Sturm-Sonate' In D Minor: 3. Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
  7. Sonata No. 18, Op. 31 In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
  8. Sonata No. 18, Op. 31 In E Flat Major: 2. Scherzo. Allegretto vivace - L.V. Beethoven
  9. Sonata No. 18, Op. 31 In E Flat Major: 3. Menuetto. Moderato e grazioso - L.V. Beethoven
  10. Sonata No. 18, Op. 31 In E Flat Major: 4. Presto con fuoco - L.V. Beethoven

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No.15, Op. 28 'Pastorale' In D Major: 1. Allegro
  2. Sonata No.15, Op. 28 'Pastorale' In D Major: 2. Andante
  3. Sonata No.15, Op. 28 'Pastorale' In D Major: 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
  4. Sonata No.15, Op. 28 'Pastorale' In D Major: 4. Rondo. Allegro, ma non troppo
  5. Sonata No. 19, Op. 49 In G Minor: 1. Andante
  6. Sonata No. 19, Op. 49 In G Minor: 2. Rondo. Allegro
  7. Sonata No. 20, Op. 49 In G Major: 1. Allegro, ma non troppo
  8. Sonata No. 20, Op. 49 In G Major: 2. Tempo di Menuetto
  9. Sonata No.21, Op. 53 'Waldstein-Sonate' In C Major: 1. Allegro con brio
  10. Sonata No.21, Op. 53 'Waldstein-Sonate' In C Major: 2. Introduzione. Adagio molto - attaca:
  11. Sonata No.21, Op. 53 'Waldstein-Sonate' In C Major: 3. Rondo. Allegretto moderato
  12. Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Apassionata' In F Minor: 1. In tempo d'un Menuetto
  13. Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Apassionata' In F Minor: 2. Allegretto

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Appasionata' In F Minor: 1. Allegro assai
  2. Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Appasionata' In F Minor: 2. Andante con moto - attaca:
  3. Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Appasionata' In F Minor: 3. Allegro, ma non troppo - Presto
  4. Sonata No. 24, Op. 78 In F Sharp Major: 1. Adagio cantabile - Allegro, ma non troppo
  5. Sonata No. 24, Op. 78 In F Sharp Major: 2. Allegro vivace
  6. Sonata No. 25, Op. 79 In G Major: 1. Presto alla tedesca
  7. Sonata No. 25, Op. 79 In G Major: 2. Andante
  8. Sonata No. 25, Op. 79 In G Major: 3. Vivace
  9. Sonata No. 26, Op. 81a 'Les Adieux' In E Flat Major: 1. Das Lebewohl (Les Adieux): Adagio - Allegro
  10. Sonata No. 26, Op. 81a 'Les Adieux' In E Flat Major: 2. Abwesenheit (L'Absence): Andante espressivo
  11. Sonata No. 26, Op. 81a 'Les Adieux' In E Flat Major: 3. Das Wiedersehn (Le Retour): Vivacissimamente
  12. Sonata No. 27, Op. 90 In E Minor: 1. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
  13. Sonata No. 27, Op. 90 In E Minor: 2. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragen

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No. 28, Op. 101 In A Major: 1. Etwas lebhaft und mit der innigsten Empfindung: Allegretto, ma non troppo
  2. Sonata No. 28, Op. 101 In A Major: 2. Lebhaft, marschmassig: Vivace alla Marcia
  3. Sonata No. 28, Op. 101 In A Major: 3. Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll: Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto - attaca:
  4. Sonata No. 28, Op. 101 In A Major: 4. Geschwinde, doch nicht zu sehr und mit Entschlossenheit: Allegro
  5. Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 In B Flat Major: 1. Allegro
  6. Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 In B Flat Major: 2. Scherzo. Assai vivace
  7. Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 In B Flat Major: 3. Adagio sostenuto. Appasionato e con molto sentimento
  8. Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 In B Flat Major: 4. Largo - Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

  1. Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 In E Major: 1. Vivace, ma non troppo - L.V. Beethoven
  2. Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 In E Major: 2. Prestissimo - L.V. Beethoven
  3. Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 In E Major: 3. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung (Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo) - L.V. Beethoven
  4. Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 In A Flat Major: 1. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo - L.V. Beethoven
  5. Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 In A Flat Major: 2. Allegro molto - L.V. Beethoven
  6. Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 In A Flat Major: 3. Adagio, ma non troppo - Fuga. Allegro, ma non troppo - L.V. Beethoven
  7. Sonata No. 32, Op. 111 In C Minor: 1. Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato - L.V. Beethoven
  8. Sonata No. 32, Op. 111 In C Minor: 2. Arietta. Adagio molto semplice e cantabile - L.V. Beethoven

Amazon.com

Wilhelm Kempff was the premier German pianist of the postwar period, so it's no surprise that he was considered one of the supreme interpreters of Beethoven. He recorded complete sets of the sonatas and concertos twice, and just about all the rest of the chamber music with piano as well. Kempff was a classicist by nature, and his approach to Beethoven was clear and poised rather than impulsive, but it was never lacking in sheer power or virtuosity when necessary. His last cycle of Beethoven sonatas is rightly regarded as his musical testament. Even if the mono recordings offered a few more exciting moments in a couple of works, you can't go wrong here--there isn't a dud in the lot. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The final testament of a great classicist.......2005-11-10

I waited a long time before finally buying this. I already had Gilels, Barenboim, Schnabel, Richter(for almost all),Annie fischer(a damn fine set also!) Brendel, and Arrau. I have always held gilels monumental set in the highest regard for its mixture of respect and power, beauty and ferocity. I knew that the Kempff box had ggod things, but after all these former sets, what knew could be said(similar to what i thought about michelangeli before i heard his op 2\3 and debussy preludes) But this set kept popping up in my life. Over and over respectable musicians kept hinting that this was the set to go for, a modern answer to schnabel's initial recording. Finally I bought it and my only regret is that i didnt succumb to it sooner. Kempff is, in my mind, not the most exciting of pianist's, but he everything that our modern school is not, in the best sense of the word. His sound and touch is crystalline, his authority over the notes unequalled. There isnt any of these sonata's i dont turn to when i want to investigate them for myself with score at hand, which in a word, can be described as revelatory. Dont hesitate like I did. Who knows maybe, in this age of classical deprecation, it may disappear before you had the chance. It is the end all of Beethoven interpretation. It lacks the machismo of Gilels, and Richter for that matter, but what it lacks in the thunder it makes up for in the calm of the storm.

5 out of 5 stars Wilhelm Kempff Plays the Beethoven Piano Sonatas.......2005-08-17

Beethoven's "Tagebuch" includes the following famous entry: "The starry heavens above, the moral law within -- Kant!" Beethoven was alluding to Kant's statement in the "Critique of Practical Reason" of the two things that filled him with awe. But, in a simple way, Beethoven's statement could be read to show two related ways of understanding his music: the first as heroic, heaven-storming, and outwardly directed, and the second as inward, reflective, and meditative. Some of Beethoven's music can be seen as occupying on or the other end of the polarity. Much of the music somehow occupies both ends.

The same holds true as a rough approach to the performance of Beethoven's music -- including the 32 piano sonatas. Some artists emphasize the dramatic, rugged and virtuosic characteristics of the sonatas while others focus upon the music's inward and introspective qualities. The great German pianist Wilhelm Kempff's classic recording of the complete piano sonatas is clearly within the latter approach. Kempff (1895 -- 1991) recorded the complete Beethoven sonata-cycle twice, the first time in the 1950s and the second time in the 1960s. I had the original version on LP and purchased the CD set when LPs became obsolete. I recently had the opportunity to relisten to Kempff's renditions of the sonatas in their entirety.

Kempff's readings of the sonatas are highly personal and introspective. His tempos tend to be slow and fluid, the pedal is used a great deal, phrasing is highly legato, and volume is, for the most part, subdued and restrained. He offers a metaphysical, thoughtful reading of Beethoven which probes within. It is a moving and convincing way of rendering the sonatas, and I came away from my experience with the set over the past several days with a renewed devotion to this music. I have attempted about half of the sonatas myself over the years on the piano.

Beethoven's sonatas date from his youthful years in Bonn before his 1792 move to Vienna (the two sonatas of opus 49) to about 1822 (opus 111), five years before the composer's death. Thus, they occupied Beethoven for almost the entirety of his creative life. In listening to this complete set, the listener can follow Beethoven's development essentially chronologically and learn more first-hand about the sonatas and about the changes in Beethoven's styles of composition than can be gained from reading many studies.

Listeners interested in a complete set of the Beethoven sonatas will probably have some familiarity with some of the better-known
named sonatas, such as the "Pathetique", opus 13, the "Moonlight" opus 27 no. 2, the "Waldstein", opus 53, or the "Appassionata", opus 57. After falling in love with some of these works, it will be time for the listener to explore the entire series.

Kempff brings his own personal and introspective readings to each of these familar works. I think he does best with the rondo finale of the "Waldstein," with the "Moonlight" sonata, and with the two final movements of the "Tempest", opus 31 no. 2. His readings of these familiar works on the whole will offer fresh insight into these great sonatas.

But the greatest attraction of this set is the opportunity it provides to explore some of Beethoven's less frequently performed works. Again, Kempff is at his best in works of an introspective character. Thus, those coming to the sonata-cycle for the first time will enjoy his performances of the opus 26 sonata, with the opening variations and the celebrated funeral march, of opus 78, 79, and 81a ("Les Adieux"), of opus 90, and of opus 101, 109, 110, and the great end to the series, opus 111. Opus 90, 101, and 109 are particular favorites of mine, and Kempff plays them beautifully.

There is yet another group of sonatas that also receive excellent readings on the set. This group includes two excellent ambitious early works, opus 2 no. 3 and opus 7 (another favorite), the three sonatas of opus 10, the under-appreciated opus 22, the companion to the more famous "Moonlight" sonata, opus 27 no. 1, opus 31 no. 3 and the enigmatic opus 54, sandwiched between the "Waldstein" and the "Appassionata". The magisterial and heroic "Hammerklavier" sonata, opus 106, is in a class by itself. Each listeners's choices and fovorites among the 32 will vary and change with time and repeated hearings. This collection is an excellent introduction to all of them.

There are many recordings of the set of 32 sonatas and many approaches to the interpretation of Beethoven. His music is broader and deeper than any single reading. I have lived with my set of Kempff for a long time and am still moved and inspired by his playing of this inexhaustible music. Listeners wanting to get to know this great body of work will find much to cherish in these performances by Wilhelm Kempff.

Robin Friedman

5 out of 5 stars full of artistry, very nice........2005-06-06

Among the great pianists who played Beethoven's sonatas, I love Kempff and Gilels most. Kempff's play is colorful(also with cleaness), while Gilels's play is clean. Of course,if you only prefer highly keyboard technique, Pollini is a better choice.

I think, Kempff was born not only as a great pianist, but also as a musical artist. listen to Kempff just like listen to a small orchestra(among instruments, only piano can do this). His left hand accompanied very well and his right hand song nicely. Some one may say Kempff lacks energetics, but I prefer his style---just like a stream flows naturally, accompanied with birds and flowers.

unlike some energetically played pianists, I never get tired in listening to Kempff. Though those CDs was recorded in 60s, the sonic quality is good enough. highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Which One To Get, That Is The Question.......2005-02-10


For those who are not too familiar with Kempff, he is generally regarded as one of the most reputed Beethoven interpreter after Schnabel. Gulda was supposed to succeed them and was somehow stopped short. In Kempff, just like most pianists of the older generation, there is a strong element of improvisation, an element in the making of music which make him sound so fresh and spontaneous which left even Brendel way behind. Furthermore, his playing is so inspired that it never fails to remind us of some transcending church music.

Having said that, Kempff even in the 50s, was never quite as dynamic as Gulda; whereas some may instead find Schnabel's Beethoven even more instructive and not at all less inspired. But Schnabel's are all historic recordings. My no.1 choice for these sonatas is always Backhaus (Decca, in wonderful stereo sound), for some may find Arrau's early Beethoven sonatas boring and Gilel's (which is not exactly a whole cycle in any event) not soulful enough, however much conviction he had for them. And to be honest, I have never finished Brendel's and I have never even tried Ashkenazy's Beethoven except his piano trio with Perlman and Harell and somehow I just stopped there...

Roughly speaking, Kempff's 50s cycle is more energetic, fiery and forceful, wheras his 60s is more colourful, more sublime, and with more subtleties. But that doesn't mean he was off his peak or insufficiently fiery (unlike Schnabel whose first cycle is more preferable than his second cycle recorded in the 50s). Being a complete musician as well as a remarkable composer, there was still some obvious development in his music making even between these two cycles which makes him fairly and squarely an authoritative alternative even to Backhaus: another reason that we should try to listen to both.

And as far as the recorded sound is concerned, there is the difference of more than one whole generation, so that the ordinary music lovers may not find the 50s recording delightful or acceptable at all; whereas few could really complain against the sound of the 60s.

So, if you are a pianist, or if you are a fan of Kempff, you probably will get both his 50s and 60s recordings: for like most great pianists or indeed most great musicians, every time they play, it is going to be different and they are all instructive and inspiring in their own way. I myself grapped both. But if your emphasis is on the early sonatas or just for general enjoyment or even for the last sonatas, it is better to get the 60s.

5 out of 5 stars essential.......2004-06-02

what else can you say about kempff that isn't said before? this is the best beethoven ever record, he has a magic touch and this sets clearly shows it off. i have both recordings of his beethoven sonatas (1951 & 1964) as well as his schumann, brahms, schubert, bach, mozart, liszt etc and would recomand them all... enjoy the piano master
Brahms: Violin Sonatas
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • JOHANNES, ANNE-SOPHIE AND ALEXIS --WHAT A TEAM!
  • Trio of great violin sonatas
 Brahms: Violin Sonatas

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Brahms, JohannesBrahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Mutter, Anne-SophieMutter, Anne-Sophie | ( M ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Bach: Violin Concertos
  2. Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1-3; Rondo, K. 373
  3. Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77
  4. D. Scarlatti: 18 Sonatas
  5. Lalo: Symphonie espagnole; Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen: Massenet: Thaïs - Meditation

ASIN: B00005NPJ2
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Tracks:

  1. I. Vivace Ma Non Troppo
  2. II. Adagio
  3. III. Allegro Molto Moderato
  4. I. Allegro Amabile
  5. II. Andante Tranquillo - Vivace
  6. III. Allegretto Grazioso
  7. I. Allegro
  8. II. Adagio
  9. III. Un Poco Presto E Con Sentimento
  10. IV. Presto Agitato

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars JOHANNES, ANNE-SOPHIE AND ALEXIS --WHAT A TEAM!.......2007-06-19

In this recording we have three of Brahms' greatest chamber works (the violin sonatas) played by, in my humble opinion, two of classical music's greatest performers--Anne-Sophie Mutter, on violin and Alexis Weissenberg, on piano. The "wow factor" is very much in evidence in this recording--great music (some of the finest chamber music that ever has been penned) fabulous violin playing and marvelous piano playing coming together in such a way that I just sat back listening in total awe feeling that life really ain't too bad when one can hear music and performances like those contained on this recording at such a reasonable (cheap!) price! (Anne-Sophie and Alexis have a wonderful "go at it" in the fourth movement of the 3rd Sonata--wow!)
Although this disc is at the "bargain basement" price of four dollars and ninety-seven cents ($4.97), the sound is superb. EMI is really to be commended for offering these superb performances at such a "rock bottom" price. I truly loved this recording as you will too if you purchase it!

5 out of 5 stars Trio of great violin sonatas.......2005-09-08

While Brahms wrote only three sonatas, they are a great trio of works. The first is the most intense, the second the most lyrical and the last one the most inspired with a slow movement that is arguably Brahms most beautiful melody. The two famous musicians here give us radiant performances. At almost 10 bucks less than a full-priced version of this music, this CD represents great value.

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