Alfred Brendel plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1

Editorial Reviews
Andrew Porter, The New Yorker
"The early Vox recordings show Brendel at his most unaffectedly strong and poetic. This is a young man's Beethoven -- buoyant, fiery and generous."

Alfred Brendel plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1, Music, Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Keyboard, Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard
Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Five stars for the performance, 2 stars for the product
  • Bought on referral - everything promised and more!
  • HE HAS THE TOUCH!
  • remarkable playing
  • This is Beethoven as Beethoven would have played it.
 Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2

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

All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Alfred Brendel plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
  2. Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. III
  3. Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven, Vol. 4
  4. Beethoven: The Late Piano Sonatas
  5. Beethoven: Variations & Vignettes

ASIN: B000001K2S
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Five stars for the performance, 2 stars for the product.......2007-05-18

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

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

5 out of 5 stars Bought on referral - everything promised and more!.......2007-04-11

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

5 out of 5 stars HE HAS THE TOUCH!.......2005-02-07

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

5 out of 5 stars remarkable playing.......2004-04-25

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

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

5 out of 5 stars This is Beethoven as Beethoven would have played it........2003-04-12

These Brendel recordings of Beethoven are powerful, sensitive, poignant, subtle, clear, clean, and transparent. The phrasing, tempo, volume, peddling, and legato are perfect. The sound quality leaves nothing to be desired. I find myself comparing all other performances of Beethoven sonatas to the Brendel recordings, and have heard none better. In my mind, this is the standard. I'm buying the entire set.
Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. III
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • AMONG THE BEST!
  • Brendel plays Bethoven in his own way
  • early Beethoven played sweetly
 Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. III

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

All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven, Vol. 4
  2. Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2
  3. Alfred Brendel plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
  4. Beethoven: Variations & Vignettes
  5. Beethoven: The Late Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B000001K34
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars AMONG THE BEST!.......2006-05-08

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

5 out of 5 stars Brendel plays Bethoven in his own way.......2006-02-24

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

4 out of 5 stars early Beethoven played sweetly.......2004-04-25

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

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

All the dynamic and phrasing markings are observed diligently. He's very true to the intentions of the composer even in the little pieces such as these. And as always, he puts the composer before himself when playing.
Alfred Brendel plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A huge dissapointment
  • Underrated Early Brendel
  • lukewarm
  • Best Bang for the Buck
  • Great Value, Great Performances
 Alfred Brendel plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1

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

All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2
  2. Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. III
  3. Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven, Vol. 4
  4. Beethoven: Variations & Vignettes
  5. Beethoven: The Late Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B000001K2I
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro
  2. II. Scherzo
  3. III. Adagio Sostenuto
  4. IV. Largo; Allegro Risoluto
  5. I. Maestoso; Allegro Con Brio E Appassionato
  6. II. Arietta: Adagio Molto, Semplice E Cantabile

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegretto Ma Non Troppo
  2. II. Vivace Alla Marcia
  3. III. Adagio Ma Non Troppo Con Affetto; Presto
  4. I. Vivace Ma Non Troppo; Adagio Espressivo
  5. II. Prestissimo
  6. III. Tema Con Variazioni
  7. I. Moderato Cantabile, Molto Espressivo
  8. II. Allegro Molto - III. Adagio Ma Non Troppo
  9. Fuga: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
  10. I. Mit Lebhaftigkeit Und Durchaus Mit Empfindung Und Ausdruck
  11. Nicht Zu Geschwind Und Sehr Singbar Vorzutragen

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars A huge dissapointment.......2006-11-10

I am big fan of Brendel. However, these CDs are a huge dissapointment. The sounds is very metallic and high pitched, whether it is due to the recording or the piano, I do not know. Brendel's interpretation is nowhere near the the subtlety, perfection and beauty I am used to. This is probably due to the fact that the recording was made in the early 60' when Brendel was still young and his play not as mature and experienced as it became later. i deeply regret purchasing these CDs (and Vol 2 too!).

5 out of 5 stars Underrated Early Brendel.......2006-10-30

I think that Brendel's early Beethoven recordings are underrated and have not been given the credit they deserve. Some of the bad reviews here at Amazon are unwarranted. Brendel's playing here is excellent. I compared these recordings with Goode's "Late Sonatas" CD and found Goode to be lacking in every respect. Brendel has a wonderful understanding of all the nuances of the score, and contrary to what Brendel's detractors say, his playing is not cold and aloof. To the contrary, I found his playing lively and great attention to detail is seen throughout this entire cycle. The numerous shifts in tone and feel that Beethoven put into each peice are picked up by Brendel. The sound is very good also. The mic is close to the piano and there is hardly any echoing, which means the sound is clear and direct. Everyone may not like this set, but I am very happy with it and I believe it is one of the best Beethoven cycles around.

3 out of 5 stars lukewarm.......2005-01-14

For late Beethoven piano sonatas, Pollini and Solomon far excel Brendel, although Solomon's recordings are often of terrible sound quality. But Brendel's playing of Beethoven verges on urbane. Perhaps his predisposition to Mozart slightly infected his interpretation of other composers. Indeed, Brendel is best for Mozart and Schubert, not for Beethoven.

4 out of 5 stars Best Bang for the Buck.......2000-12-10

The question is what you are after. If it's bang for the buck you are after, look no further. If it's the bang that you are after, read on. These 1962 recordings of Beethoven's late sonatas are Brendel's first. He was already a great pianist but what he learned since then is immeasurable! Since then he recorded Beethoven's late sonatas 2 more times; in the seventies (which I have not listen to) and then in December of 1995 (by Philips). His 1995 recording is the closest to perfection you would ever get. A great pianist is one who never stops learning. Brendel is exactly that.

5 out of 5 stars Great Value, Great Performances.......2000-07-03

I have all 3 volumes in this cycle of Beethoven Sonatas recorded in the early 60's by Brendel. They are truly an exceptional value as each package contains 2 discs worth of music. The sound is very good overall and the performances are masterful. This particular volume offers Beethoven's late Sonata's along with the tour-de-force Hammerklavier. The riches unfold with each hearing and the performances of all these great works is at a very high level. A great purchase!

Music Review:

  1. American Journey - Winter Olympics 2002
  2. Andrea Bocelli: Verdi
  3. Antonin Dvorak: Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello, Op. 81/Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello,Op.
  4. Bach Arrangements
  5. Bach - Christmas Oratorio / Gardiner
  6. Bach: Harpsichord Concertos 1
  7. Bach: Keyboard Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 4
  8. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1
  9. Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music
  10. Beethoven, Brahms: Violin Concertos

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Reason (CD Two) [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]

Schubert: Piano Sonatas, D664 & D960

Sally Beamish: River

Me & Bobby McGee

Travellers Beyond

The Margin + [Import]

Thank You Satan [Import]

The Photo Album

Sustained Interest [EP]

Taking You Home [CD-single] [Import]

The People's Music

Sawani

The Undaground Emperor [Explicit Lyrics]

If I Had a Song

Rockabilly Jazz