Beethoven: Moonlight, Waldstein, Appassionata / Ashkenazy (Penguin Music Classics Series)

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This troika of piano sonatas shows off some of Beethoven's most crystalline writing: from the impressionistic, sensual Moonlight to the somewhat mournful Appassionata to the wonderful, intricate aural shoving match of Waldstein. On the grounds of their sheer power, these three took novelist and erstwhile liner notician John Fowles by quiet storm. He writes in his notes to the CD that he's easily brought to tears, and that Beethoven "knew how to move people quasi-divinely." What happens in Ashkenazy's performance may--or may not--be divine. But what happens is certainly disruptive of calm, even while issuing forth a level of meditative quality that does ultimately serve to excite. There is no shortage of music in the classical annals that will astonish listeners with virtuosity and technical panache. These piano pieces will instead amaze the ears with their emotive powers, so much so that the technical brilliance of them--or Beethoven's entire late canon--might even escape the listening mind. And then you may be left, like John Fowles, crying. For more. --Andrew Bartlett

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Average customer rating:

The Best Beethoven Piano Sonata Cycle
Incredible
Underrated !
Ashkenazy's Beethoven Piano Sonatas
Just an introduction, nothing more

Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mozart: The Piano Concertos
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Works for Solo Piano
Haydn: The Complete Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B0000041K7
Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2, No.1: I. Allegro
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2, No.1: II. Adagio
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2, No.1: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2, No.1: IV. Prestissimo
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2, No.2: I. Allegro vivace
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2, No.2: II. Largo appassionato
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2, No.2: III. Schezo & Trio: Allegretto
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2, No.2: IV. Rondo: Grazioso
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2, No.3: I. Allegro con brio
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2, No.3: II. Adagio
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2, No.3: III. Schezo & Trio: Allegro
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2, No.3: IV. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata No.4 In E-Flat Major, Op.7: I. Allegro molto e con brio
Sonata No.4 In E-Flat Major, Op.7: II. Largo, con gran espressione
Sonata No.4 In E-Flat Major, Op.7: III. Allegro
Sonata No.4 In E-Flat Major, Op.7: IV. Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso
Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10, No.1: I. Molto allegro e con brio
Sonata #5 In C Minor, Op.10 No. 1: II. Adagio molto
Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10, No.1: III. Finale: Prestissimo
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10, No.2: I. Allegro
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10, No.2: II. Allegretto
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10, No.2: III. Presto

Tracks:

Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10, No.3: I. Presto
Sonata #7 In D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: II. Largo e mesto
Sonata #7 In D Major, Op. 10 No. 3: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegro
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10, No.3: IV. Rondo: Allegro
Sonata No.8 In C Minor 'Pathetique': I. Grave --Allegro di molto
Sonata No.8 In C Minor 'Pathetique': II. Adagio cantabile
Sonata No.8 In C Minor 'Pathetique': III. Rondo: Allegro
Sonata No. 9 In A Major, Op. 14 No. 1: I. Allegro
Sonata No. 9 In A Major, Op. 14 No. 1: II. Allegretto
Sonata No. 9 In A Major, Op. 14 No. 1: III. Rondo: Allegro commodo
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14, No.2: I. Allegro
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14, No.2: II. Andante
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14, No.2: III. Scherzo: Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata No.11 In B-Flat Major, Op.22: I. Allegro con brio
Sonata No.11 In B-Flat Major, Op.22: II. Adagio con molta espressione
Sonata No.11 In B-Flat Major, Op.22: III. Menuetto
Sonata No.11 In B-Flat Major, Op.22: IV. Rondo: Allegretto
Sonata No.12 In A-Flat Major, Op.26: I. Adnante con variazioni
Sonata No.12 In A-Flat Major, Op.26: II. Scherzo & Trio: Allegro molto
Sonata No.12 In A-Flat Major, Op.26: III. Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un eroe
Sonata No.12 In A-Flat Major, Op.26: IV. Allegro
Sonata No.13 In E-Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: I. Andante--Allegro--
Sonata #13 In E Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1: II. Allegro molto e vivace--
Sonata #13 In E Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1: III. Adagio con espressione--
Sonata #13 In E Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 1: IV. Allegro vivace--Presto--

Tracks:

Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor 'Moonlight': I. Adagio sostenuto
Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor 'Moonlight': II. Allegretto & Trio
Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor 'Moonlight': III. Presto agitato
Sonata No.15 In D Major: I. Allegro
Sonata No.15 In D Major: Andante
Sonata No.15 In D Major: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro vivace
Sonata No.15 In D Major: Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No.16 In G Major: Allegro vivace
Sonata No.16 In G Major: Adagio grazioso
Sonata No.16 In G Major: Rondo: Allegretto

Tracks:

Sonata #17 In D Minor,Op. 31 No. 2: Largo--Allegro
Sonata #17 In D Minor,Op. 31 No. 2: Adagio
Sonata #17 In D Minor,Op. 31 No. 2: Allegretto
Sonata #18 In E Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3: Allegro
Sonata #18 In E Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3: Scherzo: Allegretto vivace
Sonata #18 In E Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3: Menuetto & Trio: Moderato e grazioso
Sonata #18 In E Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3: Presto con fuoco
Sonata #19 In G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: Andante
Sonata #19 In G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: Rondo: Allegro
Sonata #20 In G Major, Op 49 No. 2: Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata #20 In G Major, Op 49 No. 2: Tempo di menuetto

Tracks:

Sonata #21 In C Major, Op. 53 'Waldstein': Allegro con brio
Sonata #21 In C Major, Op. 53 'Waldstein': Introduzione: Molto Adagio
Sonata #21 In C Major, Op. 53 'Waldstein': Rondo: Allegretto moderato--Prestissimo
Sonata # 22 In F Major , Op. 54: In tempo d'un menuetto
Sonata # 22 In F Major , Op. 54: Allegretto
Sonata #23 In F minor , Op 57 'Appassionata': Allegro assai
Sonata #23 In F minor , Op 57 'Appassionata': Andante con moto
Sonata #23 In F minor , Op 57 'Appassionata': Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata #24 in F sharp Major: Adagio cantabile--Allegro ma n
Sonata #24 In F sharp Major Op. 78: Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

Sonata #25 in G Major: Presto alla tedesca
Sonata #25 in G Major: Andante
Sonata #25 in G Major: Vivace
Sonata #26 in Eb Major - (Les Adieux): Adagio--Allegro
Sonata #26 in Eb Major - (Les Adieux): Andante espressivo
Sonata #26 in Eb Major - (Les Adieux): Vivacissimamente
Sonata #27 in E minor: Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus
Sonata #27 in E minor: Nicht Zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragen
Sonata #28 in A Major: Etwas lebhaft und Empfindung
Sonata #28 in A Major: Lebhaft. Marschmassig
Sonata #28 in A Major: Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll--Geschwind

Tracks:

Andante Favori in F Major, WoO 57
Sonata #29 in B flat Major (Hammerklavier): Allegro
Sonata #29 in B flat Major (Hammerklavier): Scherzo: Assai vivace
Sonata #29 in B flat Major (Hammerklavier): Adagio sostenuto, appassionato e con molto sentimento
Sonata #29 in B flat Major (Hammerklavier): Largo--Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

Sonata No 30 In E Major, Op. 109: Adagio espressivo
Sonata No 30 In E Major, Op. 109: Prestissimo
Sonata No 30 In E Major, Op. 109: Andante, molto cantabile ed espressivo
Sonata No 31 In A Flat Major, Op. 110: Moderato cantabile
Sonata No 31 In A Flat Major, Op. 110: Allegro molto
Sonata No 31 In A Flat Major, Op. 110: Adagio, ma non troppo
Sonata No 31 In A Flat Major, Op. 110: Fuga: Allegro, ma non troppa
Sonata No 31 In C Minor, Op. 111: Sonata No 31, Maestoso
Sonata No 31 In C Minor, Op. 111: Arietta: Adagio molto

Customer Reviews:

The Best Beethoven Piano Sonata Cycle.......2007-07-07

Somewhat to my surprise, the Ashkenazy cycle is the best recording of the complete Beethoven sonatas. I bought every Beethoven recording by every major Beethoven pianist and spent over 1,000 hours comparing all those recordings to each other. The only cycles close to the Ashkenazy are the little-known Claude Frank, Seymour Lipkin and Paul Badura-Skoda cycles (the Badura-Skoda cycle of 1970 on the grand piano, not the fortepiano version). After those come the better-known cycles by Richard Goode, Barenboim (2nd cycle, for DGG), and Kempff (2nd cycle, in stereo), and the little-known cycle by Annie Fischer. I leave aside the Schnabel set which continues to define the standard for interpretations despite inadequate sound, and many high-quality recordings by Richter who never did a complete cycle.

I say "somewhat to my surprise," because Ashkenazy is not known as a Beethoven pianist. He is regarded as a great interpreter of romantic music, with the big technique and beautiful tone needed for that repertoire. Well, he has the big technique and beautiful tone, which is good. However, what is most noticeable to me is the scrupulous attention paid to Beethoven's text. In that regard, Ashkenazy is the equal of Claude Frank and Rudolf Serkin, which is high praise indeed.

The purpose of buying a complete cycle is usually to form a base for a collection. One can quibble with some of Ashkenazy's interpretative details or with Decca's recording techniques. However, the question then becomes: what is the alternative? The competing cycles are either a little worse or a lot worse. After buying one complete cycle, the lover of Beethoven can then add a number of other sonata recordings -- the Horowitz recordings for RCA Victor, the Rubinstein recordings, the Gieseking disk of the Pathetique and other works, the Pollini late sonatas, many of the Richter recordings. If I am asked to recommend one Beethoven sonata cycle as the basis for a collection, I would unhesitatingly recommend the Ashkenazy Decca cycle.

Incredible.......2006-12-20

Beethoven, like Bach, should be played as though one was capable of fathering 22 children. It is not to be played in a passionless, mathematical manner. (This is not to say that only men can play these composers as they were meant to be played, as Clara Haskill, Marie Claire Alain, Zuzana Ruzikova, and Wanda Landowska can prove otherwise.) I am basing this review on the Hammerklavier and Tempest sonati, two of my favorites. Mr. Ashkenazy brings a passion into the playing (as well as a technical mastery) that brings them alive in a sense that Helmut Walcha and Karl Richter made Bach keyboard music an emotional,almost cathartic, experience. I will always think that Robert Casadesus was the ultimate pianist for Romantic keyboard, but Ashkenazy makes all thirty-two of the sonati live and stand alone as wonderful musical experiences for the listener. Too many great pianists, and the Twentieth Century had many, only recorded the 'warhorses', but there is not a movement on this recording that is not superlative and stand alone. The allegretto from op.31, no 2 (Tem[est) is as close to perfection as my limited musical knowledge can imagine. Not being a pianist personally, I cannot speak as a virtuosi, but as one who has listened for almost fifty years, this is a recording that would bring pleasure to to anyone who loves music.

Underrated !.......2006-08-02

This set has never been a critical favorite. I doubt anyone would claim that Ashkenazy is one of the great Beethoven interpreters. And yet it makes for quite pleasurable listening. For starters, we have Ashkenazy's high technical prowess, his beautiful tone and general finesse. We seem to have accepted as great Beethoven pianism, playing that ranges from the painfully plain (Brendel) to the downright ugly (Kuerti). But Kempff has shown us that a non-aggressive beauty can reveal another side of this great composer. Ashkenazy is not in Kempff's league as a Beethoven interpreter, but nearly every performance is effective here and evinces a real musical fluency. More ambitious Beethoven players (e.g. Kovacevich) have often made recordings that totally miss the mark.

So, this set would be a perfect for listeners coming to this music for the first time. And seasoned Beethoven sonata listeners might enjoy it as well. Just don't expect poetical profundity.

Ashkenazy's Beethoven Piano Sonatas.......2006-02-24

These are the complete piano sonatas. My primary concern was what would be the quality of the recordings. I am happy to say that these are excellent. These and the complete sonata recordings by Gulda are both first rate. A pleasure to listen to.

Just an introduction, nothing more.......2005-06-15

At first glance this set definetly catches the eye, but as soon as you start listening, one realizes that Mr. Ashkenazy doesn't live up to the challenge.

Not only is the sound qaulity below high grade standards for Decca (ie: dim levels), his playing doesn't capture the spiritual, emotional, and dramatic elements of this music. The only thing he does well are the slow movements, which are gorgeous.

However, after listening to so many exemplary Sonata sets like Artur Schnabel's, Annie Fischer's and Wilhelm Kempff's, I am left to wonder about Ashkenazy's. He seems to only concentrate on the quality and sound of the TONE...but nothing else (however beautiful it is). But there is no meaning behind his playing, no seriousness! And for me this is the most important in Beethoven.

For anyone serious about Beethoven, I cannot recommend this set to do full justice to these profound works. Sorry to be so harsh, but this is my personal opinion.

Beethoven: Moonlight, Waldstein, Appassionata / Ashkenazy (Penguin Music Classics Series)

Average customer rating:

Un-Beethoven like
One of the very best Moonlights
outstanding playing of Beethoven's greatest solo works

Beethoven: Moonlight, Waldstein, Appassionata / Ashkenazy (Penguin Music Classics Series)
John Fowles
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos no 3 and 4 / Ashkenazy, Previn (Penguin Music Classics Series)

ASIN: B00000AFQJ
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.14, In C Sharp Minor, Op.27, No.2 'Moonlight': I Adagio sostenuto
Piano Sonata No.14, In C Sharp Minor, Op.27, No.2 'Moonlight': II Allegreto
Piano Sonata No.14, In C Sharp Minor, Op.27, No.2 'Moonlight': III Presto agitato
Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 'Appassionata': I Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 'Appassionata': II Andante con moto
Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 'Appassionata': III Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': I Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': Introduzione: Adagio molto
Piano Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': III Rondo: Allegro moderato - Prestissimo

Amazon.com

This troika of piano sonatas shows off some of Beethoven's most crystalline writing: from the impressionistic, sensual Moonlight to the somewhat mournful Appassionata to the wonderful, intricate aural shoving match of Waldstein. On the grounds of their sheer power, these three took novelist and erstwhile liner notician John Fowles by quiet storm. He writes in his notes to the CD that he's easily brought to tears, and that Beethoven "knew how to move people quasi-divinely." What happens in Ashkenazy's performance may--or may not--be divine. But what happens is certainly disruptive of calm, even while issuing forth a level of meditative quality that does ultimately serve to excite. There is no shortage of music in the classical annals that will astonish listeners with virtuosity and technical panache. These piano pieces will instead amaze the ears with their emotive powers, so much so that the technical brilliance of them--or Beethoven's entire late canon--might even escape the listening mind. And then you may be left, like John Fowles, crying. For more. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Un-Beethoven like.......2000-02-27

Ashkenazy's Beethoven playing is rather loud and brash, and it is more suited to the late romantic repertoire. I would more highly recommend the playing of the Beethoven specialists, such as Goode, Schnabel, and Brendel.

One of the very best Moonlights.......2000-01-01

Ashkenazys recording of the Moonlight is one of the best on the market. It's my personal favorite recording of that work. Ashkenazys tecnique is brilliant and his musical insight is perfect. The other works are also on a the normal high standard that Ashkenazy is well known by. For this price it's not a question, this is the recording your'e looking for of the Moonlight.

outstanding playing of Beethoven's greatest solo works.......1999-09-19

Ashkenazy certainly has outdone even himself. The content of this album is timelessly unbelievable. I do believe it may be the greatest recording so far of the three "giant" Beethoven sonatas. Without spoiling the surprise amd wonder for those of you who have not yet experienced the magic, I can only promise that the 'Moonlight', the 'Appassionata' and the 'Waldstein' each hold delicious, hidden secrets as interpreted by the performer, and whisk you away into the mind of their composer each time you listen. A Great Escape, indeed! Give your ears a treat!

Average customer rating:

Underrated !
Just an introduction, nothing more
Listening to His Voice

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000E43Y
Release Date: 1989-09-26

Customer Reviews:

Underrated !.......2006-07-31

This set has never been a critical favorite. I doubt anyone would claim Ashkenazy as one of the great Beethoven interpreters. And yet it makes for quite pleasurable listening. For one thing, we have Ashkenazy's beautiful tone and general finesse. Somehow we have accepted as great Beethoven pianism, playing that ranges from the painfully plain (Brendel) to the downright ugly (Kuerti). But Kempff has shown us that a non-aggressive beauty can reveal another side of this great composer. Ashkenazy is not in Kempff's league as a Beethoven interpreter, but nearly every performance is effective here and shows a real musical fluency. More ambitious Beethoven players (e.g. Kovacevich) often make recordings that totally miss the mark.

So, this set would be a perfect for listeners coming to this music for the first time. And seasoned Beethoven sonata listeners might enjoy it as well. Just don't expect poetical profundity.

Just an introduction, nothing more.......2005-06-15

Listening to His Voice.......2005-03-18

Seeing as how entire university courses are devoted to Beethoven's 32 sonatas, I feel I can come nowhere near writing a revelatory analysis of these works. But then, this should be a review of the recording of these sonatas. The two are entwined, however. To understand Ashkenazy's interpretations requires one's own faithful interpretation of the piece being played. I recommend any listener to purchase the published sonatas --the two-volume Dover edition is my choice -- and follow along to their favorite sonatas.

If you are here looking for the 10-disc collection of piano sonatas, you will find they are now distributed in a slimmer less expensive package, still released by PolyGram/London records. To view this order, search for the following title: "Beethoven: The Piano Concertos" which is slightly different from this page (which leaves out the word "the").

Any releases with Ashkenazy's recordings of the sonatas stem from his 1974 - 1982 sessions, all of which are compiled right here, sounding as if they were recorded all in the same week. The piano's texture is not too smooth, which is good. The levels are mixed well: the loud parts don't blow your speakers apart, and the quiet sections don't make you strain or turn the volume up, only to have the loud parts blow your speakers apart again. There is no info specifying where these pieces were recorded, on what type of piano, etc. I am sure, though, this can be found on separate recordings.

The tracks are in order of publication/opus number, which is standard for Beethoven's sonatas. There is some doubt as to when, exactly, Sonatas 19 and 20 (found on Disc 6) were written, and they supposedly have a similar style to the first couple of sonatas.

Vladimir Ashkenazy's renditions of the sonatas are well done. The first movement of the Moonlight sonata (track 1, Disc 5) has set the standard for what I deem as the proper interpretation. It's neither lethargic nor too quickly played.

And while many listeners will be acquainted with the "nicknamed" sonatas, e.g. the Tempest, Appassionata, and Pathétique, the compilation is a fantastic way to acquaint or re-acquaint one's self with sonatas in the same league...or better! While I would admit that several sonatas seem "ordinary" by today's standards, many of them have little gems hidden within the movements. One that particularly stands out in my mind is in the third movement of Sonata No. 3 (track 11, disc 1). The Scherzo is a pretty tune that is interrupted by the roller coaster, and somewhat exhilarating, Trio that Ashkenazy flies through brilliantly.

I could speak of the many sonatas and my favorites and how they are performed. However, I wish to keep the review short and conclude with the most touching sonatas written by LVB: the last three, simply referred to by their opus nos. 109, 110, and 111. These are by far the most profound and mature of his sonatas. And if you've listened to, and read about, his 32 sonatas in order, you will have heard his sonatas closely resemble the composer's spoken voice. It is in these last sonatas that you will hear Beethoven breathing.

And in the second, and last, movement of Op. 111 -- Arietta: Adagio molto, semplice e cantabile -- you will behold the very tears of Beethoven himself. It is as close to ascension as he has ever achieved with all his compositions.

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas 14 'Moonlight', 23 'Appassionata', 21 'Waldstein'

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas 14 'Moonlight', 23 'Appassionata', 21 'Waldstein'
Beethoven , and Vladimir Ashkenazy
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B00000E3C0
Release Date: 1990-10-25