Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The first thing to know is that Pathétique; does not mean "pathetic," but rather "moody" or "dramatic." That's exactly what Beethoven's music is, and if you don't recognize the slow movement as a pop standard, then you haven't been conscious for the last 20 years or so. The second important fact is that this particular trio of sonatas has become the Beethoven pianist's calling card. Everyone plays them, and there are millions of versions to choose from. The third and final thing you should know is that even if this disc were not available at a budget price, the performances would all be strongly recommended. Jando is an excellent Beethoven pianist, and his sonata cycle stands among the best. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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.

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.

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.
- - -

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.

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:

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

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Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven, Vol. 4
Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2
Alfred Brendel plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
Beethoven: Variations & Vignettes
Beethoven: The Late Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B000001K34
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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.

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

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:

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

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Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2

Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. III

Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven, Vol. 4

Beethoven: Variations & Vignettes

Beethoven: The Late Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B000001K2I
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Scherzo
III. Adagio Sostenuto
IV. Largo; Allegro Risoluto
I. Maestoso; Allegro Con Brio E Appassionato
II. Arietta: Adagio Molto, Semplice E Cantabile

Tracks:

I. Allegretto Ma Non Troppo
II. Vivace Alla Marcia
III. Adagio Ma Non Troppo Con Affetto; Presto
I. Vivace Ma Non Troppo; Adagio Espressivo
II. Prestissimo
III. Tema Con Variazioni
I. Moderato Cantabile, Molto Espressivo
II. Allegro Molto - III. Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Fuga: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
I. Mit Lebhaftigkeit Und Durchaus Mit Empfindung Und Ausdruck
Nicht Zu Geschwind Und Sehr Singbar Vorzutragen

Customer Reviews:

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!).

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.

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.

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.

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!

Beethoven: Die Verliebte - Sonatas Op 7; Op 10 Nos 1-3 (Complete Works for Solo Piano Vol 3) /Brautigam

Average customer rating:

Another winner from Brautigam's Beethoven sonata series

Beethoven: Die Verliebte - Sonatas Op 7; Op 10 Nos 1-3 (Complete Works for Solo Piano Vol 3) /Brautigam

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Beethoven: Early Vienna Sonatas - Sonatas Op. 2, Nos. 1-3; Op. 29, Nos. 1-2 (Complete Works for Solo Piano Vol 2) /Brautigam
Beethoven: Mondschein & Pastorale - Sonatas Op 26, 27 & 28 (Complete Works for Solo Piano Vol 4) /Brautigam
Beethoven: Sonatas Op 13 'Pathetique', Op 14 Nos 1 & 2, Op 22 (Complete Works for Solo Piano Vol 1) /Brautigam
Masterworks for Flute and Piano [Hybrid SACD]
Mozart: The Complete Piano Sonatas / Ronald Brautigam

ASIN: B000H4VVPM
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Customer Reviews:

Another winner from Brautigam's Beethoven sonata series.......2006-10-12

Just a superb collection of early Beethoven sonatas by Brautigam on fortepiano. I don't think I have ever heard Op.7 played better. I can almost visualize Beethoven banging away on a fortepiano when listening to this mezmerizing performance. I can't wait for the Op.31 sonatas, hopefully next in the series.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic Fournier

Les Introuvables de Pierre Fournier

Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Pierre Fournier: Aristocrat of the Cello [United Kingdom]
Bach: 6 Suiten für Violoncello solo
Beethoven: Complete Works for Cello & Piano
Shafran: Russian Archives
Lazar Berman Edition (Box Set)

ASIN: B0000241DO
Release Date: 2002-08-05

Tracks:

Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, H. 7b Op. 101
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129
Phantasiestke (3 Fantasy Pieces) For Clarinet (Or Cello Or Violin) & Piano, Op
Variations On A Rococo Theme, For Cello & Orchestra (Or Cello & Piano) In A Majo
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5/1
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5/2
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102/1
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102/2
Sonata For Arpeggione & Piano In A Minor, D.821
Pieces For Children Big And Small For Piano, 4 Hands Op. 85
Feldeinsamkeit ("Ich Ruhe Still Im Hohen Gren Gras"), Song For Voice & Piano,
Romance For Cello & Piano, Op. 69
Shylock, Incidental Music And Suite For Tenor & Orch., Op. 57
Mavra, Opera Buffa In One Act
Nocturne For Violin (Or Flute) & Piano
Melody In F, Various Arrangements, Op. 3/1
Introduction & Polonaise Brilliante For Cello & Piano In C Major, Op. 3
Song Without Words For Cello & Piano In D Major, Op. 109
Le Coq D'or (The Golden Cockerel; Zolotoy Petushok), Concert Suite For Orchestra
The Tale Of Tsar Saltan, Op. 57
Carnival Of The Animals, Zoological Fantasy For 2 Pianos & Ensemble
Berceuse, For Violin & Piano (Or Orchestra) In D Major, Op. 16
Tonadillas Al Estilo Antiguo, Songs (10) For Voice & Piano, H. 136
Goyescas (Serenata Goyesca; Dusk), For Piano, H. 63
La Gitana For Violin & Piano (After An 18th Century Arabo-Spanish Gypsy Song)
Papillon, For Cello & Piano, Op. 77
L' Enfant Prodigue, Sce Lyrique For Voices & Orchestra, L. 57
Pie En Forme De Habanera, For Solo Instrument & Keyboard (Arr.)
Kaddisch, Song For Voice & Piano (Modie Hraue No. 1)
O Mensch, Bewein' Dein' Sde Gross, Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein N
Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen, Chorale Prelude For Organ, Bwv 727 (Bc K109)
Ich Ruf Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ (I), Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein
Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland (I), Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein No. 1
Sonata For Cello & Continuo In C Major, G. 6 (Six Sonatas No. 2)

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Fournier.......2004-02-16

On this 4CD EMI Import, the great cellist Pierre Fournier performs a variety of orchestral and chamber recordings, recorded primarily in mono from the 1940s and early 50s. There are three orchestral works -- Haydn's 2nd Concerto (Kubelik/Philharmonia, 1951), Schumann's Concerto (Sargent/Philharmonia, 1956 in stereo), and Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations (Bigot/Lamoureux, 1941). Disc two, and half of disc three, contain Beethoven Cello Sonatas with the great Artur Schnabel, while the fourth disc features a variety of pieces, from Bach and Boccherini to Debussy and Ravel, with pianist Gerald Moore. I'm withholding a fifth star because the collection contains mostly historical recordings, though it certainly captures one of history's greatest cellists in his prime. With that being said, "Les Introuvables de Pierre Fournier" is a must buy for cello entusiasts.

Average customer rating:

Richter plays Beethoven!
Richter is King of Beethoven
Brilliant performances
Phenomenal
incredible

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Melodiya
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier
The Sofia Recital 1958

ASIN: B000001HCQ
Release Date: 1997-03-11

Tracks:

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
8 Bagatelles: in F Major,Op.33 No.3 (Allegretto)
8 Bagatelles: in C Major,Op.33 No.5 (Allegro ma non troppo)
8 Bagatelles: in C Major,Op.119 No.2 (Andante con moto)
8 Bagatelles: in C Major,Op.119 No.7(Allegro,ma non troppo)
8 Bagatelles: in A Minor,Op.119 No.9 (Vivace moderato)
8 Bagatelles: in G Major,Op.126 No.1 (Andante con moto catabile e compiacevole)
8 Bagatelles: in B Minor,Op.126 No.4 (Presto)
8 Bagatelles: in E-flat Major,Op.126 No.6 (Presto - Andante amabile e con moto)
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 - presto
Fantasy For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra In C Minor, Op. 80: Adagio
Fantasy For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra In C Minor, Op. 80: Finale.Allgro
Fantasy For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra In C Minor, Op. 80: Allegretto ma non troppo,quasi Andante con moto

Amazon.com

This live Appassionata, from a Moscow recital of 1960, is one of the most thrilling piano performances ever recorded. Sviatoslav Richter fills every moment of the first movement with intense drama, creates the illusion of total repose in the central variations, and then takes off in the finale with an exhibition of musical virtuosity and ever-increasing tension that becomes almost unbearably intense (and unbelievably fast and accurate). The studio Pathétique is quite fine, and the Fantasy (sung in Russian!) well performed by all but still rather quaint in its effect. But don't miss that Appassionata! --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Richter plays Beethoven!.......2005-10-11

The original treatment given by Richter to the "Pathetique" is worthy to remark. It is absolutely interesting. The opening bars sound marked Beethovenian but in Russian mood; dry and authoritative; that is a good signal because must never sound romantic, but rough. The harmonies must be dissonant. The Adagio is noble and sublime but the last movement is a pleasant surprise: Richter, before the coda makes a fabulous retard, that brief decrease of intensity prepares us for the following arpeggios with magnificent results.
The 8 Bagatelles know best interpreters: I dislike this approach. The tempos are too fast and inexpressive. I rather choose Glenn Gould or Wilhelm Kempff, just to name two Greats.
Through the years I have realized that "Appassionata" Sonata is measure by measure the most complete and heroic piano work ever written in the keyboard' s history. This Op. 57 gives us a very close idea about the player 's temperament and personality of the performer. Richter makes a superb reading about it, and in my personal ist of the great performances about this piece, I would name just five: The First choice is the legendary and unexplainable not released yet on CD of Paul Badura Skoda in 1978 in vinyl, recording that fortunately I converted digitally; this work maintains its own feature that seems to be improving through the years. The second choice goes for a superb version of Rudolf Serkin in a live recording (available in CD) Lugano 1957; my third choice would incline by a recital given in a Castle room by Daniel Barenboim in 1984; fierceness and wildness. My fourth pronouncement goes to this version and the Fifth is William Murdoch a not so well known Australian pianist in the late twenties (available in CD).
The Fantasy is terrific. Richter was inflamed by a Dionysian rage and this work needs it. Far from being a contemplative work; this work deserves to be played with more frequency by the most of pianists. Emotive, expressive, energetic and mercurial.
A glorious choice in case you decide to acquire it as I did it in 1995.

Richter is King of Beethoven.......2002-01-13

I must say that in my opinion Sviatoslav Richter is the finest interpreter of Beethoven this century. This disc is a perfect example with which to support my case. It couples two of Beethoven's greatest piano sonatas, the Pathetique and Appassionata, with some charming bagatelles, and the underrated Choral Fantasy. The Pathetique is a studio version from the 50s in mono sound (if you need a reference the whole disc is mono but sounds slightly clearer than Gould's famous 1955 Goldberg Variations), and it is simply the best performance of this famous sonata that I've ever heard. Unlike so many other pianists, Richter actually plays the first movement at a correct tempo, with it's slow opening turning into a rather fast burst of pianistic energy. Too often you hear a recording of this sonata that starts of Grave and moves to an allegretto. Thankfully, Richter actually plays the movement allegro as specified. The famous second movemtent is without a doubt the most perfect and moving I've ever heard. The rondo is also simply amazing. Richter has the incredible ability to play a rondo as light, yet emotional music at the same time. It seems like a paradox, but this amazing one of a kind pianist is able to pull it off. The Appassionata is hands down the best piano performance available on disk. It's a live recording and showcases Richter in his prime. It's simply the most emotionally stirring piano performance I've ever heard. Words fail to describe the power that Richter conjures from Beethoven's keyboard masterpiece. It's is a must hear. The fillers are the bagatelles and the choral fantasy, and even though they may just be there to fill the rest of the disk, they are quite simply stunning. The bagatelles, small dance works that were greatly popularized by Beethoven, come off sounding like the masterpieces they are. Too often they're thrown off as light music, perhaps given to a piano student as a learning tool. Basically they're not taken as seriously as they should. Luckily, Richter believed them to be miniature masterpieces, and it shows in his playing. The Choral Fantasy is in russian, translated from the original german, and may sound odd if you've heard other versions, but sanderling and his orchestra and chorus along with Richter's amazing talents make another one of Beethoven's neglected masterpieces shine as bright as it should. This disc is full of absolutely amazing performances and at an incredible price. It showcases Richter's amazing talent, and supports the belief of many, including myself, that he is THE Beethoven interpreter. Even though the sound is mono, the quality is still relatively good. Excellent performances and better than average mono sound at a bargain price make this CD an essential.

Brilliant performances.......2001-06-02

This is a fantastic CD for lovers of Beethoven's piano works and Richter both. In particular, Richter's version of the "appassionata" is without parallel in fiery virtuosity. He approaches many of these pieces in a much different way than many modern performers. This is not a CD to play in the background, this is a CD that commands your full attention, both intellectually and emotionally.

Phenomenal.......2001-04-08

I agree with the other reviewer. This disk is incredible. Simply incredible. Take any person off the street and sit then down with this disk, and play them the Appassionata. If they are not breathtaken, the only explanation is they are deaf. This is one of the most powerful performances of anything I have ever heard in my life. Beethoven himself would have had an climax if he heard this. The rest of the disk is first rate as well. If you aren't familiar with the Bagatelles, or the Choral fantasy, this is a good pace to get hooked.

incredible.......2001-01-01

I don't write a lot of amazon.com reviews, but this CD needs more exposure.. This was one of the first Richter disks I bought (I now have ~40), and is still my favorite. The 'Appassionata' is the best among all existing recordings (even if you have Richter's Praga or RCA performances, you have to hear this one). Every little bit of this sonata makes perfect sense in the context of the whole piece; it is always pushing forward toward the finale, which is more exciting than anything else ever put on tape. You shouldn't be able to listen to anything else for a few hours after it's over. So, this alone should be enough... But the other works on this CD--the bagatelles, the 'Pathetique' sonata, and especially the choral fantasy--are just as worthy of praise. I like the 'Pathetique' more than Gilels', and the Fantasy is beautiful.

Finally -- this disk is part of the 10-CD Richter Edition. The whole set is great, but if you cannot afford it right now -- this is what you ought to buy. And then you should buy a copy for your friends, especially those who don't listen to classical music yet.

Customer Reviews:

Very Poor Transfer.......2003-03-18

But Schnabel is very inspiring in that he shows you how to approach and how we can interprete music. Usually we have to hear a whole variety of interpretations in order to get a better idea of the pieces. Listening to Schnabel and you can save about 50% of your efforts and the result is twice as good, because he helps you to see music in a new light. Andras Schiff, for example, often listens to and benefitted much from Schnabel.

But the transfer here is very poor indeed despite the fact that I have been listening to quite a lot of historic recordings like Busoni on the piano, the Liszt's Pupils, Schnabel/Szegeti, Busch/Serkin, Bartok, Rachmaninoff on the piano... etc but none is more unacceptable than this one even in view of it's low price. Go for other versions.

Piano Sonatas No.19 Op.49 No.1, No.20 Op.40 No.2, No.21 "Waldstein" Op.53, No.23 "Appassionata" Op.57 and No.25 Op.79 - Emil Gilels Vol. 7
Average customer rating:
Piano Sonatas No.19 Op.49 No.1, No.20 Op.40 No.2, No.21 "Waldstein" Op.53, No.23 "Appassionata" Op.57 and No.25 Op.79 - Emil Gilels Vol. 7

Manufacturer: MKM (Mezhdunarodnaya Kniga Muzyka), Olympia Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000TAWZCW

Product Description

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