Beethoven: Cello Sonatas

On this CD:

1. Sonata for cello & piano No. 1 in F major, Op. 5/1
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck

2. Sonata for cello & piano No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5/2
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck

3. Sonata for cello & piano No. 3 in A major, Op. 69
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck

4. Sonata for cello & piano No. 4 in C major, Op. 102/1
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck

5. Sonata for cello & piano No. 5 in D major, Op. 102/2
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck

6. Variations for cello & piano in G major on Handel's "See, the Conqu'ring Hero comes," WoO 45
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck

7. Variations for cello & piano in E flat major on Mozart's "Bei Männern," WoO 46
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck

8. Variations for cello & piano in F major on Mozart's "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen," Op. 66
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Paul Tortelier, Eric Heidsieck

Tracks:

Cello Sonata No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: I. Adagio sostenuto-
Cello Sonata No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: Allegro
Cello Sonata No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: II. Rondo: Allegro vivace
Cello Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: I. Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo-
Cello Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: Allegro molto, piu tosto presto
Cello Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: II. Rondo: Allegro

Tracks:

Cello Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69: I. Allegro ma non tanto
Cello Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69: II. Scherzo: Allegro molto
Cello Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69: III. Adagio cantabile-
Cello Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69: Allegro vivace
Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: I. Andante-
Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: Allegro vivace
Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: II. Adagio-
Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: Tempo d'andante-
Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: Allegro vivace
Cello Sonata No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: I. Allegro con brio
Cello Sonata No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: II. Adagio con molto sentimento d'affetto
Cello Sonata No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: III. Allegro - Allegro fugato
Horn Sonata In F Major, Op. 17: I. Allegro moderato - Barry Tuckwell
II. Poco adagio, quasi andante- - Barry Tuckwell
Rondo: Allegro moderato - Barry Tuckwell

Customer Reviews:

Consistently and superbly musical.......2004-05-17

There is little more one could ask for in these buoyant, dramatic, glowing and felicitous performances by cellist Lynn Harrell and pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy. They simply take off because of their marvelously unforced style of play, which at various moments can be commanding, poetic and even aristocratic. Both soloists also manifest an extremely satisfying instrumental tone, especially Harrell, whose cello sounds absolutely golden, and who frequently demonstrates the ability to truly sing and soar. And with Ashkenazy's wonderfully fluid approach, the two offer readings that, for me, outdo Rostropovich/Richter and Tortelier/Heidsieck, who both present fine offerings. Though Rostropovich possesses that wonderful, big sounding tone, in these sonatas he tends to pass over phrases too quickly for me. I prefer a bit of lingering here. At times, Richter also plays too fast. With regard to the Tortelier/Heidsieck duo, they tend to render marginally more extended pauses, deliberate accents and a slower, more deliberate pace. Also, while an excellent cellist, Tortelier lacks Harrell's opulent tone that I so revel in. There are so many satisfying moments in this Harrell/Ashkenazy set that it would take me longer than I would like to point them out, but listen, in particular, to the splendid opus 69 Third Sonata. Perhaps, this represents the two players at their finest in terms of both quality of expressiveness and instrumental interplay. Some real magic unfolds here. Overall, you will find it difficult to do better than these uplifting and extremely pleasurable accounts of these musical gems from Beethoven. Incidentally, the recorded sound on these discs is very fine, and exceeds that which is afforded the others in their presentations.

Lovely Cello Sonatas with a Wonderful Surprise at the end.........2004-02-19

This was the first time I met these Sonatas.
Actually, when I bought this disc, Because of the Title:
Cello Sonatas
I thought I was going to hear Sonatas for Cello Solo,
Like the Suites By Bach...
I Quickly fell in love with the Cello Sonatas, esspecially
the last three...
And what a Beautiful surprise it was to hear the Magnificent
and Charming Horn Sonata Op. 17 !
The Three Musicians Play extremly well!
esspecially Ashkenazy with his light touch
and Tuckwell with his inthusiastic (I hope I spelled it right)
Playing!

Absolutely superb!!!.......2003-12-19

A truly wonderful recording,with the right combination of technical perfection coupled with emotion. And the addition of the Opus 17 Horn sonata was a good choice. Ashkenazy and Harrell are in top form (as is Tuckwell). This collection is an absolute must.

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas & Concertos

Average customer rating:

The one collection I cannot imagine being without
MASTERY
Magisterial... mystical
Beethoven + Arrau = Divinity
Beethoven himself would be proud.

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas & Concertos
Claudio Arrau , Janos Starker , Ludwig van Beethoven , Bernard Haitink , Eliahu Inbal , Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam , New Philharmonia Orchestra , and Henryk Szeryng
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Liszt: Piano Works
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Chopin: The Piano Works
Brahms: Works for Solo Piano
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier

ASIN: B00000C2F7
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 1 Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 3. Menuetto. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 4. Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 1. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 2. Largo appassionato
Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 3. Scherzo. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 4. Rondo. Grazioso
Piano Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: 1. Allegro molto e con brio
Piano Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: 2. Adagio molto
Piano Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: 3. Finale. Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No. 19 In G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: 1. Andante
Piano Sonata No. 19 In G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: 2. Rondo. Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 3. Scherzo. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 4. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 1. Allegro molto e con brio
Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 2. Largo, con gran espressione
Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 3. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 4. Rondo. Poco allegretto e grazioso
6 Piano Veriations In F On An Original Theme, Op.34

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 2. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 3. Presto
Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 1. Presto
Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 2. Largo e mesto
Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 3. Menuetto. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 4. Rondo. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': 1. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': 2. Adagio cantabile
Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': 3. Rondo. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 2. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 3. Rondo. Allegro comodo

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.10 In G, Op.14 No.2: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.10 In G, Op.14 No.2: 2. Andante
Piano Sonata No.10 In G, Op.14 No.2: 3. Scherzo. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 2. Adagio con molta espressione
Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 3. Minuetto
Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 4. Rondo. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 1. Andante con Variazioni
Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 2. Scherzo. Allegro molto
Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 3. Marcia Funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe
Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 4. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.25 In G, Op.79: 1. Presto alla tedesca
Piano Sonata No.25 In G, Op.79: 2. Andante
Piano Sonata No.25 In G, Op.79: 3. Vivace

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 1. Andante - Allegro - Tempo I
Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 2. Allegro molto e vivace
Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 3. Adagio con espressione
Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 4. Allegro vivace - Tempo I - Presto
Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': 1. Adagio sostenuto
Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': 2. Allegrettro
Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': 3. Presto agitato
Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 2. Andante
Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 4. Rondo. Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No. 22 In F, Op.54: 1. In Tempo d'un Menuetto
Piano Sonata No. 22 In F, Op.54: 2. Allegretto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.16 In G, Op.31 No.1: 1. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No.16 In G, Op.31 No.1: 2. Adagio grazioso
Piano Sonata No.16 In G, Op.31 No.1: 3. Rondo. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.17 In D Minor, Op.31 No.2 'Tempest': 1. Largo - Allegro
Piano Sonata No.17 In D Minor, Op.31 No.2 'Tempest': 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata No.17 In D Minor, Op.31 No.2 'Tempest': 3. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 2. Scherzo. Alllegretto vivace
Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 3. Menuetto. Moderato e grazioso
Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 4. Presto con fuoco

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.21 In C, Op.53 'Waldstein': 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No.21 In C, Op.53 'Waldstein': 2. Introduzione. Adagio molto - Rondo. Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo
15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Inroduzione col Basso del Tema. Allegretto vivace
15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Variazioni I-XV
15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Finale. Alla Fuga. Allegro con brio - Andante con moto
32 Piano Variations In C Minor On An Original Theme, WoO 80
Rondo In G, Op.51 No.2

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 'Appassionata': 1. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 'Appassionata': 2. Andante con moto
Piano Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 'Appassionata': 3. Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.24 In F Sharp, Op.78 'For Therese': 1. Adagio cantabile - Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.24 In F Sharp, Op.78 'For Therese': 2. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 1. Das Lebewohl. Adagio - Allegro
Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 2. Abwesenheit. Andante espressivo
Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 3. Das Wiedersehn. Vivacissimamente
Piano Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: 1. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
Piano Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: 2. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen
Piano Sonata No.20 In G, Op.49 No.2: 1. Allegro, ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.20 In G, Op.49 No.2: 2. Tempo di Menuetto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 1. Etwas lebhaft und mit der innigsten Empfindung. Allegretto, ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 2. Lebhaft. Marschmassig. Vivace alla Marcia
Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 3. Langsam, und sehnsuchtsvoll. Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto
Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 4. Geschwind, doch nicht zu sehr und mit Entschlossenheit. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 2 Scherzo. Assai vivace - Presto - Prestissimo - Tempo I
Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 3. Adagio sostenuto. Appassionato e con molto sentimento
Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 4. Largo - Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.30 In E, Op.109: 1. Vivave, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo - Tempo I -2. Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No.30 In E, Op.109: 3. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung. Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo
Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 1. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo
Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 2. Allegro molto
Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 3. Adagio ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 4. Fuga. Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.32 In C Minor, Op111: 1. Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato
Piano Sonata No.32 In C Minor, Op111: 2. Arietta. Adagio molto semplice e cantabile

Tracks:

33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Tema : Vivace - Variation I. Alla marcia maestoso
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation II Poco allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation III L'istesso tempo
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation IV Un poco piu vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation V Allegro vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VI Allegro ma non troppo e serioso
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VII Un poco piu allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VIII Poco vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation IX Allegro pesante e risoluto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation X Presto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XI Allegretto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XII Un poco piu moto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIII Vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIV Grave e maestoso
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XV Presto scherzando
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVI Allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVII
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVIII Poco moderato
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIX Presto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XX Andante
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXI Allegro con brio - Meno allegro - Tempo I - Meno allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXII Allegro molto alla 'Notte giorno faricar' di Mozart
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIII Allegro assai
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIV Fughetta. Andante
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXV Allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVI
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVII Vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVIII Allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIX Adagio ma non troppo
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXX Andante sempre cantabile
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXI Largo, molto espressivo
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXII Fuga. Allegro - Poco adagio
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXIII Tempo di minuetto moderato

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.1 In C, Op. 15: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No.1 In C, Op. 15: 2. Largo
Piano Concerto No.1 In C, Op. 15: 3. Rondo. Allegro scherzando
Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat, Op.19: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat, Op.19: 2. Adagio
Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat, Op.19: 3. Rondo. Molto allegro

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37: 2. Largo
Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37: 3. Rondo. Allegro
Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 1. Allegro moderato
Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 2. Andante con moto
Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 3. Rondo. Vivace

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 2. Adagio un poco mosso
Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 3. Rondo. Allegro
Triple Concerto For Piano, Violin And Cello In C, Op.56: 1. Allegro
Triple Concerto For Piano, Violin And Cello In C, Op.56: 2. Largo
Triple Concerto For Piano, Violin And Cello In C, Op.56: 3. Rondo alla Polacca

Amazon.com

Claudio Arrau played with seriousness of purpose that could make other pianists seem like dilettantes and with respect for the composer's score that bordered on veneration. He had nothing but scorn for pianists who played the opening of Beethoven's Opus 111 with two hands instead of one because there were fewer risks. If something was technically difficult, Arrau assumed that the composer had written it that way because the difficulties had an expressive value that it was the interpreter's duty to find.

Arrau's devotion to Beethoven is memorialized by this budget-priced, 14-CD collection of his recordings, mostly from the 1960s, of the composer's 32 sonatas, five concertos (with Bernard Haitink conducting the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam), and most important sets of variations. His Beethoven is not always successful. His sometimes ponderous seriousness keeps early works, such as the Sonata No. 3 and the Concerto No. 2, from smiling, and his lack of spontaneity makes the whimsy in Sonata No. 26 and the "Diabelli Variations" sound labored. But in the composer's weightiest works, Arrau can produce revelations. Certainly, no one plays Sonata No. 32 better. The first movement sounds like thunder that comes ever closer and the finale's chains of trills, played with exquisite finish and expressive perfection, transport the listener to a higher realm. If Arrau could be single-minded in his devotion to the composer's score, he also believed that music could encompass everything. When Arrau was at his best--as he frequently is in this set--it does. --Stephen Wigler

Customer Reviews:

The one collection I cannot imagine being without.......2007-01-30

It would be absurd to recommend recommending one Beethoven cycle to the exclusion of all others, yet it is Arrau's cycle to which I repeatedly return, despite some flaws mentioned by other reviewers.

They are flaws which can be forgiven. Scherzi which would be brimming with mirth & vitality in the hands of others may come up short, but it is more than compensated for by the revelations to be found as Arrau explores every aspect of Beethoven at his most profound. There always seems to be something new to be discovered. Flabby? It is hard to imagine how someone could come to this conclusion.

Even the sound quality for recordings dating back into the 1960's has been remastered so as to be acceptable to all but the most spoiled of listeners, who apparently are satisfied only with the most seamless homogenized studio sound. Those who can't get past the slightly imperfect sound quality are focusing on the wrong details.

If the greatness of the performance were not enough, the price should be enough to convince any serious music lover to add these to a CD collection. One cannot overstate how rewarding this collection will be to anyone who does not yet know the artistry of Arrau.

MASTERY.......2007-01-26

One man's viewpoint: Arrau amazes me as he sets the notes down with such clean deliberation! Total command. No matter how fast Beethoven is charging along. And as Arrau gets every note, we find the real Beethoven genius shining through - after all, as raw material, this is some of the finest piano music anywhere. Of course, this playing delivers passion and heart-and-soul communication too. And a sense of commitment and strength.
I suggest this set - with about nine stars! Mastery in art. *** For a lighter, more joyful touch - and great tone - ALSO get hold of O'Conor's set of the 32. I suggest this set - with about nine stars!

Magisterial... mystical.......2006-11-03

I've been listening to Beethoven's sonatas for fifty years and have heard all of them by some, and some of them by all the available recorded performers. Overall, Claudio Arrau is my favorite interpreter of the sonatas. To me he has an inner affinity with Beethoven that is uncanny. Beethoven was a man of great character. And that greatness, detached from his person in the form of musical ideas, enters the listener through intermediaries such as Arrau. When it is done right, it works a sort of righteous therapy, and makes the listener a better person for the hearing.

Arrau describes Beethoven's greatness in his essay "Thoughts on Beethoven" in the 33 1/3 Philips LP edition. "Beethoven has always stood for the spirit of man victorious. His message of endless stuggle concluding in the victory of renewal and spiritual rebirth...his life was an existential fight for survival...In the sense that he mastered both his life and his art to reach the ultimate heights of creation and transfiguration, he will last as long as man's spirit to prevail lasts on this earth." Part of the greatness of Beethoven's character came from his ability to be intimately close and at the same time at an infinite distance above his listener. Arrau possesses this same character, and his qualities as a man and artist are why he is able to so aptly render the greatness of Beethoven.

A book titled "Conversations with Arrau" was written by Joseph Horowitz to celebrate the artists's 80th birthday in 1982. I've only read the extracts published with the Philips edition, but there is enough information to get a feel for Arrau's character. He guarded the purity of his environment. He shunned parties and avoided small talk. He never drank or smoked, never learned to drive a car, boil an egg, or even operate a phonograph. His only hobby was gardening. Horowitz describes him as the embodiment of the nineteenth-century model of the artist as solitary, suffering hero. He was small (5'6") and frail, but in 1982 at age 80 he was still playing more that 70 concerts a season.

Rather than launch a discussion of his individual works (this has been done admirably by many of the reviewers) I will remark on just a few. I never properly appreciated the Fourth and the Seventh Sonatas until I heard Arrau's reading of these works. His Fourth takes 31 minutes, 30 seconds. Annie Fischer, another great interpreter of Beethoven, plays it in 27 minutes, 30 seconds. And Ms. Fischer does not play at a hurried tempo.

Yes, Arrau plays the sonatas at a slower tempo than any other interpreter. He also achieves a mystical quality in his interpretations that is unmatched. The second movement of the Seventh comes in at 10 min, 30 seconds. It is the greatest 10 1/2 minutes of piano music ever conceived. When interpreted by Arrau it becomes a microcosm of Beethoven's life and work. The second movement of the Appassionata is a sacred hymn.

Arrau's five piano concertos are splendid. I've heard no other renditions of the concertos with slow movements that equal Arrau's. No one plays the middle movements with his expressiveness and sense of the numinous. And his rendition of the "Eroica Variations" is on a par with the top few recordings of this piece.

If you have any interest in Beethoven, at whatever level, this bargain is outstanding.

Beethoven + Arrau = Divinity.......2006-10-29

If you love Beethoven, Arrau's interpretation will certainly be a joyful addition to your classical music collection. For me, his is the definitive Beethoven.

Though some will likely disagree, I have listened to many other great pianists' recordings of Beethoven sonatas, and they are great (don't get me wrong). Yet Arrau is unique in his ability to bring to light subtleties in the melodies that no one else can, and these often turn out to be the most enlightening and resonant of passages. His Op. 111 is indeed unparalleled, and his recording of the 2nd movement is one of my favorite pieces in the world. On top of that, his rendition of the Moonlight Sonata, his Waldstein, his Concertos, every recording on this boxed set is a testament to the depth Arrau worked diligently and consciously to achieve; depth that transcends technical showmanship and for the intuitive listener can certainly elicit fleeting glimpses of divine ecstasy.

At any price, it's a steal - beauty of this magnitude is all too rare.

Beethoven himself would be proud........2006-06-19

This is a masterpiece. Don't listen to the one negative review, as this guy is tone deaf. This compilation of Beethoven's music is a treasure to behold. A bargain at twice the price, this is well worth the money. Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!

Casals Edition - Beethoven: Complete Cello Sonatas

Average customer rating:

Spectacular recording of spectacular music
Disappointing Sound Quality
Very touching performance.
Casals and Serkin play Beethoven for the Gods
Deeply-probing classic interpretations (but not *quite* complete)

Casals Edition - Beethoven: Complete Cello Sonatas

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

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Johannes Brahms: Sextet No. 1/Piano Trio No. 1

ASIN: B0000029L7
Release Date: 1994-02-22

Tracks:

I. Adagio Sostenuto - Allegro-Adagio-Presto
II. Rondo. Allegro Vivace
I. Adagio Sostenuto E Espressivo/Allegro Molto Piu Tosto Presto
II. Rondo. Allegro
I. Andante - Allegro Vivace
II. Adagio - Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II. Scherzo. Allegro Molto
III. Adagio Cantabile - Allegro Vivace
I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Adagio Con Molto Sentimento D'affetto
III. Allegro - Allegro Fugato
7 Variations On/Uber/Sur 'Bei Mannern, Welche Liebe Fuhlen' From/Aus/De Mozart's 'Die Zauberflote'/ < > WoO.46
12 Variations On/Uber/Sur 'Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen' From/Aus/De Mozart's 'Die Zauberflote'/ < > WoO.66

Customer Reviews:

Spectacular recording of spectacular music.......2007-06-08

I didn't even know that Beethoven wrote sonatas for cello and piano until I came across this recording; both the music and the musicians are spectacularly good. Get it today!

Disappointing Sound Quality.......2007-01-09

I have heard of these sonatas for years, but had never heard them. I chose the Casals/Serkin set because of my familiarity with other performances by him. Although Casals and Serkin are unassailable as interpreters and performers, I found this set disappointing because of what I can only describe as ugly sounds - there is a harshness to the sound quality, at least in places, which I think is probably to be ascribed to the age of the recording rather than the performance. Still, I found it jarring, and it marred my enjoyment.

Very touching performance. .......2007-01-03

This album is one of the most beautiful music experiences I had in many years; I'm amateur listener but I can say that both interpreters are playing these compositions with such a passion and love that is probably not too common these days anymore. Originally I felt that the technical quality of this mono recording is bit distracting, but after a few weeks of listening this album over and over I don't mind the sound at all - the quality of music makes up for it, and I actually like the recording as it is presented to us, wouldn't want any change. I very much recommend this album. I'm planning to buy another copy as a gift for someone close.

Casals and Serkin play Beethoven for the Gods .......2006-03-29

This set is desert island gorgeous. Playing with passion, elegance, at times abandon, the performers are completely in tune with each other. This is elevated chamber music playing of an aristocratic order.

You can hear Casals grunting and moaning with pleasure through the performances - it sounds as though he's making love to his cello. Serkin's playing is simply beautiful - lucid and warm with some of the best trills I've heard - his playing in opus 60 is thrilling. Good clear sound allows you to listen unencumbered by distraction to this spectacular music-making.

The Schnabel - Fournier set of these pieces is quite wonderful, too - spunky and sparkling with Schnabel's great paced and joyous playing. The Schnabel virile luminosity is all there, partnered by Fournier's richly expressive and dignified cello. While it sounds like the historic performance it is, I rarely mind or notice. Art is what counts and the beauty of these performances shines through with radiant surrender. Who cares about a little interference - it adds to the wonder of the experience, knowing that this was recorded almost 60 years ago and we are priviliged to hear it today....

The dvd with Rostropovich and Richter playing Beethoven's cello sonatas is also splendid - Rostropovich is a marvelous musician to watch - he's in an altered state and quite uninhibited about his relationship with his instrument. Yes there are some incorrect notes played, but who cares? Rostropovich is demonically possessed at times and it's fascinating to watch his transformations and responses as he literally attacks his cello, especially in the rondo of opus 5 no. 2. Richter is a large man nearly bursting out of his tails. With his enormous hands he looks more like he could be unloading freight down at the docks, yet he plays these sonatas with such refined manners and sensitivity that it's heart rending to see this big, uncomfortable man playing such magnificent music.

Deeply-probing classic interpretations (but not *quite* complete).......2005-10-25

I was recently listening to this set and the new Schiff-Perenyi recordings on ECM for the purpose of comparing them and writing a review about my impressions. "Compare and contrast the sets, class, and write a review for Monday. Minimum of five pages, single-spaced, typed. --And don't ask your parents for help, because I can always tell."

Well, I was weird as a school kid, because I always loved assignments like that and never was inclined to ask my parents or anyone else. Not that we ever got to write about Beethoven cello sonatas--usually it was on something boring like Beowulf. So I've been comparing Serkin and Casals to Schiff-Perenyi, and, in the interest of efficiency, was going to write a review dealing with both sets and paste two copies on Amazon, one under this recording and one under the Schiff-Perenyi disc, thereby scoring two reviews with one effort. Then I discovered that apparently the ECM isn't available in America--or at least not through Amazon's American website. (It is on their UK page.) So much for my attempt at efficiency. At any rate, you can consider this a review of both recordings, and maybe I'll even mosey on over to the UK side and post this review with them.

Anyway, after listening to the two sets, it's clear the Serkin-Casals stands head and shoulders above Schiff-Perenyi. What's frustrating is trying to explain why the latter, despite immacualte playing (or maybe because of it?) is devoid of meaning, while the former, despite finger-slips and lapses of intonation (as well as more cautious tempi and less free abandon) displays a deep understanding of the works' structures and nuances. Take, for just one small example, the second movement of Op.5, No. 2: in the hands of less skilled interpreters, the waltz seems to be repetitious and too long, distended from the rest of the work. I always thought it was that way, and figured Beethoven just hadn't really mastered proportion yet.

Well, perhaps he hadn't, but Casals and Serkin make us believe he has. They find infinite variety in the theme, so that it doesn't sound redundant as it keeps returning. And I don't just mean they vary the dynamics or insert a pause here or there; they find just the proper weight for the pieces as it morphs from section to section. No one else has convinced me so much in this music, not even Heidsieck-Tortelier (a set I am very enthusiastic about nonetheless).

Some other moments are just unforgettable. Listen to the opening of Op. 102, No. 1: does anyone play music this way anymore? Pay attention to the way Serkin answers Casals in the introduction's main phrase. Then listen to the low tremolos in Serkin's left hand, with Casals the background, just before the main theme begins. It's positively heartbreaking! After a plaintive introduction like that, it seems logical to me that the main theme should have to *fight* for its very existence when it appears, and this is just how Casals and Serkin take it. (Listen to the dynamic interplay!) By contrast, Schiff-Perenyi play it relatively straight-laced, without much dynamics, and don't convince me they have anything to say; their mission seems to be just to play prettily. ("For extra credit class, contrast their handling of the last murmuring bars of the introduction with Serkin-Casals. Which one makes your hair stand up on your back?") When the latter two get to the first movement's second theme, that struggle from the terse introduction is absent, and the whole dramatic "point" of the piece is lost, to my ears. These musicians are more convincing in the facile works, such as the Op. 66 Magic Flute Variations--they're pretty, sweet-sounding, and not as deep as the triple-digit opus works.

I think the best way to put it is to say that I feel that Schiff-Perenyi have thought about the notes, and play them perfectly. They can play rings around Casals and Serkin, and generally do. But Casals and Serkin spent their study time thinking about the music, what it meant, why Beethoven started this one with a brooding introduction but not that one; how the absense of such an introduction changes the qualities of the movement's secondary theme, when the works get "dark" and when they get "light," and so on. So many of today's musicians, unfortunately, see the little squiggles on paper as technical obstacles to be hurdled; Casals and Serkin saw them as clues to divine what was inside the composer's head. And if they didn't always clear the hurdle--and sometimes they don't--so what? You understood what they meant.

I guess in the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that while the Schiff-Perenyi are in immaculate sound, the Serkin-Casals recordings were made in the early 50s and are mono. This shouldn't stop anyone from buying them, but if you must have everything in your collection writ in large DDD letters, you should look elsewhere. And it will be your loss.

My only slight complaint is the titling of the Casals and Serkin set "The Complete Edition." Not quite. Missing is the little-known sonata in F Major, Op. 17, a transcription, as well as a theme and variations on Handel's Judas Maccabaus, WoO 45. These aren't major omissions that should dissuade you from buying the set, but it's not "complete," either. But even my beloved Heidsieck-Tortelier lacks the Op 17 sonata. Only the ECM has every last scraping of Beethoven's cello music.

Okay, that's my comparative essay. Hope you give me an A.

Average customer rating:

Mostly good
Look at the List of Performers First
this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France
You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks!
Buy my box Set!

Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00062FLHE
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Mostly good.......2007-05-26

A bit of a mixed bag. The symphonies are superb. This is one of the great symphony cycles. The piano sonatas are good, very good (analog) sound. The quartets are well recorded indeed, but there are better cycles out there. The rest is OK, and the sound is genrally good.

Look at the List of Performers First.......2006-11-17

If you want most of Beethoven sitting on one bookshelf, this is a great bargain (especially if you shop for it on amazon.de). But few if any of the performances represent the pinnacles of interpretation that most listeners demand when Beethoven is the composer. The symphonies for instance: can Blomstedt be compared to Furtwangler or (if you lean toward historically informed instrumentation) Gardiner? Most amazingly, the artists who perform the quartets -- the heart of Beethoven's music -- are not even named in the listing.
On the other hand: Vivaldi: The Masterworks is a collection including the very best interpreters, such as Fabio Biondi! Bach Edition (complete Bach) is a fabulous selection of recordings made over 20 years, and almost the same praise can be given the Complete Mozart.

this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France.......2006-05-28

there are several sets in this series and it's much cheaper to buy these from Amazon France.

included are bach, beethoven, vivaldi, brahms, dvorak, schubert, handel, hayden, and mendelssohn.

they're even cheaper than the list price once u go through the checkout (VAT is removed for overseas (out-of-france) purchases).

**also, the 'complete works of mozart' set is much cheaper there (or at Amazon Germany), too. the 'complete works of bach' is due out later this year.

You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks! .......2006-04-07

There is quality beyond the Austrian green cardboard (which is lovely to look at, to say the least). In fact, the performance of the symphonies (Dresden Staatskapelle and Herbert Blomstedt) is alone worth the price. The Staatskapelle is a solid group, and Blomstedt, although less wellknown, holds his own. It should be mentioned that Blomstedt recorded many of the most celebrated 20th composition CDs on the market, and definitely knows his stuff. Peter Wohlert recorded mostly for compiliation lables, but to be selected by the Berlin Phil shows that he is a formdiable conductor in rank as well.

Should you buy this collection then? Given the fact that each CD cost $1.75, there is definitely the bargin factor. However, Beethoven's music desveres the top interpreters and musicians of our time - and this applies for all of his music, not just the symphonic. If you are into bargins, then proceed to buy this collection. However, if you save up a bit more, you can buy Karajan's 1963 Beethovens symphonies along with Kempff's 1956 sonata cycles for just a bit more than 70 bucks. Shop around for the string quartets, and the complete overtures should range anywhere from 15 to 30 bucks depending on the conductor/ensemble.

Overall, this is certainly an exceptional bargin. However, quality matter more than money. Besides, chicks dig people with sophisticated tastes.

Buy my box Set!.......2006-03-21

Awesome deal, 40 CD box set of me, Beethoven! There are 3 principle reasons you should buy this box set:

This box is QUALITY my friend, made of the finest, Austrian cardboard with a lovely green finish, it is made to last! You can just set it on your dresser and whenever you need a Beethoven fix you can just pull a CD out. But don't you hate getting your CDs out of order so you can't find what the hell you're looking for?! Not with this set! They are well organized into symphonies, concerti, sonatas and such, so you can find EXACTLY what your looking for, and they have big numbers on them so you can put them right back where they belong.

And the music! Need we go into this, composed through the inspiration of God himself and penned by the greatest composer who ever walked the streets of Vienna, me, Beethoven! Top notch, all done by top performers and recorded at high, clear, digital quality, stick one in your stereo and rock out man! All of my great and mighty works are here, absolutely sublime!

Lastly, you'll be supporting me, I need those royalty checks to keep rolling in!

Buy it if you love me or just buy it if you want people to think that you're sophisticated (the chicks also dig it, I should know: Antonie Brentano, giggity!), you can't go wrong!

Beethoven: Complete Sonatas for Piano & Cello

Average customer rating:

Good Alternative Beethoven Cello Set...
Great Stuff
Ma and Ax do it again!

Beethoven: Complete Sonatas for Piano & Cello

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | 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
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ASIN: B0000026GN
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Sonata No. 1 For Piano & Cello, Op. 5, No. 1 (F Major): I - Adagio sostenuto; Allegro
Sonata No. 1 For Piano & Cello, Op. 5, No. 1 (F Major): II - Rondo: Allegro vivace
Sonata No. 2 For Piano & Cello, Op. 5, No. 2 (G Minor): I - Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo; Allegro molto piu tosto presto
Sonata No. 2 For Piano & Cello, Op. 5, No. 2 (G Minor): II - Rondo: Allegro
Sonata No. 4 For Piano & Cello, Op. 102, No. 1 (C Major): I - Andante; Allegro vivace
Sonata No. 4 For Piano & Cello, Op. 102, No. 1 (C Major): II - Adagio; Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Sonata No. 3 For Piano & Cello, Op. 69 (A Major): I - Allegro ma non tanto
Sonata No. 3 For Piano & Cello, Op. 69 (A Major): II - Scherzo: Allegro molto
Sonata No. 3 For Piano & Cello, Op. 69 (A Major): III - Adagio cantabile; Allegro vivace
Sonata No. 5 For Piano & Cello, Op. 102, No. 2 (D Major): I - Allegro con brio
Sonata No. 5 For Piano & Cello, Op. 102, No. 2 (D Major): II - Adagio con molto sentimento d'affetto
Sonata No. 5 For Piano & Cello, Op. 102, No. 2 (D Major): III - Allegro fugato
Seven Variations On The Theme 'In Men, Who Know The Feeling Of Love' From Mozart's (From Mozart's 'The Magic Flute, For Cello And Piano, WoO 46)
Twelve Variations On The Theme 'A Maiden Or A Wife' (From Mozart's 'The Magic Flute, For Cello And Piano, Op. 66)

Amazon.com essential recording

These are among the finest modern recordings of Beethoven's Cello Sonatas. The two players are well matched, as they should be in this music, which is just as demanding for the pianist as for the cellist, if not more so. They don't try to differentiate stylistically among early, middle, and late sonatas. They play them all in a large scale, concert-hall manner, which actually suits all of them very well. Unfortunately, in reducing this recording to two CDs, the producers have dropped one set of Variations, which was recorded. What is present, though, is choice. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Good Alternative Beethoven Cello Set..........2005-11-16

Seems to be a lot of disagreement on this set. I have both this one and the Fournier & Kempff set. I like them both. I can say that Ma & Ax take all repeats, thusly extending the playing time of each movement anywhere from 3-5mins over the Fournier & Kempff set. I've always thought Ma a fine cellist. I rate his Bach solo cello second only to Casals, and tied with Fournier. Ax is a solid pianist, if not brilliant. Kempff is preferred with Beethoven, however.

Anyway, this is a solid set: can't go wrong. The Fournier & Kempff set, likewise.

Great Stuff.......2003-06-23

I have listened to many recordings of these sonatas and I have to admit that these are amazing!
Although I agree that Yo-Yo Ma is not the best cellist to have ever walked the earth (anyone who knows anythign about cello playing would admit this) he is certainly without doubt the best around at the moment!!! Who knows who he rates better than Ma. Du Pre?? I hope not!
People often forget that a sonata is a piece of chamber music! Ma and Ax, certainly not forgeting this play so beautifully together in this that this is a piece of chamber music that cannot be missed!
BUY IT!!!!!!!! (Whilst throwing away any recordings of du pre!)

Ma and Ax do it again!.......2000-06-13

At first I was hesitant to buy this set because of the price. But later I found out that it was well worth it. Their ability to basically control the instruments that they are playing is incredible. Most importantly is the feeling that they have put in to the Beethoven cello sonatas. I have noticed that of all the classical duos and trios that i have heard, Ma and Ax are the best. They seem to communicate well together while playing. This selection definitely receives five stars.

Average customer rating:

The Art of Ruggiero Ricci

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0001NPTX4
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Beethoven: Complete Sonatas & Variations [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Wispelwey's newest disc
Great Artistry - Fantastic Sound

Beethoven: Complete Sonatas & Variations [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Channel Classics Nl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: Flute Concertos; Rondo; Andante [Includes the Bis 2005 Catalog] [Hybrid SACD]
Beethoven Symphonies 4 & 5

ASIN: B0007Z47YI
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Adagio Sostenuto-
Allegro
Rondo: Allegro Vivace
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Twelve Variations In F Major Op.66/Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
Adagio Sostenuto Ed Espressivo-
Allegro Molto Piu Tosto Presto
Rondo: Allegro
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes
Twelve Variations In G Major Woo 45 (1796)/See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes

Tracks:

Allegro Man Non Tanto
Scherzo: Allegro Molto
Adagio Cantabile-
Allegro Vivace
Andante-
Vivace
Adagio-
Allegro Vivace
Allegro Con Brio
Adagio Con Molto Sentimento D'Affetto
Allegro Fugato
Seven Variations In E Flat Major Woo 46 (1801)/Bei Mannern Welche Liebe Fuhlen
Seven Variations In E Flat Major Woo 46 (1801)/Bei Mannern Welche Liebe Fuhlen
Seven Variations In E Flat Major Woo 46 (1801)/Bei Mannern Welche Liebe Fuhlen
Seven Variations In E Flat Major Woo 46 (1801)/Bei Mannern Welche Liebe Fuhlen
Seven Variations In E Flat Major Woo 46 (1801)/Bei Mannern Welche Liebe Fuhlen
Seven Variations In E Flat Major Woo 46 (1801)/Bei Mannern Welche Liebe Fuhlen
Seven Variations In E Flat Major Woo 46 (1801)/Bei Mannern Welche Liebe Fuhlen
Seven Variations In E Flat Major Woo 46 (1801)/Bei Mannern Welche Liebe Fuhlen

Customer Reviews:

Wispelwey's newest disc.......2006-03-22

I've really enjoyed Wispelwey's recording of the Six Suites, and consider his phrasing and musicality unparalleled. This disc breaks new ground in subtlety and sensitivity, and the quality is superb.

Great Artistry - Fantastic Sound.......2006-01-04

In the interest of continuing my SACD collection, I spend some time on Amazon buying well reviewed discs. These Beethoven Sonatas and Variations perf by Wispelwey and Lazie had no reviews, but since this was the only SACD with this repertoire, I did the blind buy. Boy, I'm glad I did.

First of all the sound!
The engineering on this one is just as good as it gets. This replaces "The Marriage of Figarro" by Jacobs as the most amazing sounding SACD in my collection, which speaks volumes. Incredible dynamics, richness, spaciousness (even though I only have a 2 channel setup - would love to hear multichannel), all audiophile accolades apply. Even the CD Redbook version sounded fantastic through my iPod. The richness and sparkle made the Pod sound strikingly deeper and richer, and just more real than any other material I have.

If you're looking for a reference SACD to amaze friends and family - look no further.

Second the Performance
The was where I had my biggest concern, given artists I wasn't familiar with and no reviews on Amazon. The performance flirts with greatness. Extremely nuanced and expressive yet driven and energetic. I can't recall ever hearing two artists mesh so perfectly together and speak so much with one voice over so much complex fare - this really amazed me. They went from driven and extroverted to hushed and soulful on a dime - and the playing in general had more of the passion and soulfulness I associate with the eras of the 50's and 60's. The technique and recording brilliance however was definitely state of the art.

The only possible negative on the performance (and not for me) is the absolutely sublime phrasing. The usual Beethoven angst isn't on display here, it's more leave you on a clould sublime ala Mozart. Of the various pieces I have other recordings of though, like with Mutter, Kahn etc, there wasn't a tremdous amount of pathos either. Probably just the nature of these more parlour like Sonatas - in which case criticism doesn't apply. And in any case I find these performances so much more compelling than those of Sophie-Ann or Kahn that I also own.

Sorry for gushing on so much, but getting such a shockingly good performance and recording on a blind buy was something I had to sound off about - especially with no other reviews on this yet. Just buy this, from my POV I can't even imagine better.

Average customer rating:

Picture helps understanding music better...
Also on DVD
To me, THE BEST

Beethoven: Cello and Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Doremi Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Rostropovich, Master Cellist

ASIN: B00000DG47
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

Son No.1 in F, Op.5 No.1: I. Adagio Sostenuto/Allegro
Son No.1 in F, Op.5 No.1: II. Rondo (Allegro Vivace)
Son No.2 in g, Op.5 No.2: I. Adagio Sostenuto Ed Espressivo/Allegro Molto Piu Tosto Presto
Son No.2 in g, Op.5 No.2: II. Rondo (Allegro)

Tracks:

Son No.3 in A, Op.69: I. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
Son No.3 in A, Op.69: II. Scherzo (Allegro Molto)
Son No.3 in A, Op.69: III. Adagio Cantabile/Allegro Vivace
Son No.4 in C, Op.102 No.1: I. Andante/Allegro Vivace
Son No.4 in C, Op.102 No.1: II. Adagio/Tempo D'Andante/Allegro Vivace
Son No.5 in D, Op.102 No.2: I. Allegro Con Brio
Son No.5 in D, Op.102 No.2: II. Adagio Con Molto Sentimento D'affetto
Son No.5 in D, Op.102 No.2: III. Allegro/Allegro Fugato

Customer Reviews:

Picture helps understanding music better..........2004-10-10

Until receiving the DVD,I was not very keen on Beethoven's music for Cello and Piano.Until then I had bought the studio recordings of those works some thirty years ago.The LPS were in the lower place of my music shelves...seldom listened to...
But since the day I received the DVD...I really enjoyed the live recordings.Seeing both artists deeply penetrate the music made me appreciate it more than on the first hearing.Knowing that this recording took place overnight adds admiring the artists. Now I really love the work!!!
From now on I will search all filmed recordings of Richter.
G

Also on DVD.......2002-12-17

I have actually seen the DVD version of them playing, which I think is taken also at Edinburge, so I think it is the same recording. Excellent playing, though of course in mono sound. But not bad for that. The DVD is of course much better value, cheaper than 2 CDs here. And what an experience to be able to see the 2 giants playing together, with Richter producing exquisite pianissimo and light-weight sound from his huge hands! Rostropovich is characteristically intense and stylistically of course more romantic than today's period-awareness styles. Hey, but this is real great music making, speaking from their hearts! But get the DVD if you have a machine. There's also a studio version on Philips by the same artists which I have not heard.

To me, THE BEST.......2002-01-25

I know Richter and Rostropovich very well. I own recordings of both. I also know (and own) recordings of Beethoven's Cello Sonatas by other duos.
I must say, Richter and Rostropovich are superior. Nobody so far can match Rostropovich's soaring and glorious cello-playing, also in Brahms.

Average customer rating:

Easily Five Stars - (but audience coughing).
Dear Jacqueline ...

Beethoven: Cello Sonatas & Variations

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Jacqueline du Pré - Chopin: Cello Sonata in G minor, Franck: Sonata in A / Barenboim
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The Early BBC Recordings 1961-1965
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Daniel Barenboim, Pinchas Zukerman & Jacqueline du Pré - Beethoven: Piano Trios

ASIN: B0002XV30G
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

1: Adagio Sostenuto
1: Allegro
2: Rondo (Allegro Vivace)
1: Adagio Sostenuto Ed Espressivo
1: Allegro Molto Piu Tosto Presto
2: Rondo (Allegro)
1: Allegro, Ma Non Tanto
2: Scherzo (Allegro Molto)
3: Adagio Cantabile/Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

1: Andante/Allegro Vivace
2: Adagio/Tempo D'Andante/Allegro Vivace
1: Allegro Con Brio
2: Adagio Con Molto Sentimento D'Affetto
3: Allegro/Allegro Fugato
Twelve Variations On 'See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes'
Seven Variations On 'Bei Mannern Welche Liebe Fuhlen'
Twelve Variations On 'Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen'

Customer Reviews:

Easily Five Stars - (but audience coughing). .......2006-04-28

This is an outstanding performance, and the recording is crystal clear. Unfortunately, there is coughing in the back ground (sometimes pretty loud) which is really distracting to me. It might not bother you. Regardless - I am still really glad I have this very high quality 2 CD set, and it was well worth the price - to me.

Dear Jacqueline ..........2005-12-19

Dieu vous bénisse Jacqueline. Vous méritez un million d'étoiles ...

Average customer rating:

Masters of the Bow: Cello

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Masters of the Bow
Masters of the Keyboard
Masters of the Guitar
Masters of the Voice: Tenor
Masters of the Voice: Soprano

ASIN: B000095J86
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

The Swan - Maurice Gendron
Sarabande - Janos Starker
Pezzo - Maurice Gendron
Vocalise - Nina Kotova
Gigue - Pierre Fournier
Allegro Con Brio - Pablo Casals
III. Rondo (Allegro) - Christine Walevska
III. Largo - Ton Koopman
Intermezzo - Bruno Canino
Silent Woods - Mischa Maisky
Introduction & Polonaise Brillante For Cello And Piano In C Major, Op. 3 - Maurice Gendron
The Flight Of Bumble Bee - Julian Lloyd Webber
II. Andante - Scherzo - Lynn Harrell