Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 24 "À Thérèse" & 29 "Hammerklavier"

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Why this 1968 recording of Sonata No. 24 (Op. 78 in F Sharp) lay dormant until now is a mystery. Gould obviously relishes this little jewel, and plays up the two movement's contrasting qualities with exquisite poise and superb characterization. An unreleased CBC broadcast of the mighty Hammerklavier sonata, on the other hand, is scaled down to drawing-room size. Gould brings out the knotty counterpoint with microscopic clarity, yet ducks from Beethoven's surging dynamism in the outer movements. The Andante Sostenuto is reticent and stark under Gould's introspective hands, touching upon but not yielding to the music's tragic overtones. Not the first choice Hammerklavier for your collection, but Gouldians should hear it. --Jed Distler

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Introduzione (Adagio Molto)
III: Rondo (Allegretto Moderato - Prestissimo)
I: In Tempo D'un Menuetto
II: Allegretto
I: Allegro Assai
II: Andante Con Moto
III: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Presto
I: Adagio Cantabile - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II: Allegro Assai
I: Presto Alla Tedesca
II: Andante Espressivo
III: Vivace

Tracks:

I: Con Vivacita E Sempre Con Sentimento E Espressione
II: Allegretto Ma Non Troppo E Cantabile
I: Vivace Ma Non Troppo - Adagio Expressivo
II: Prestissimo
III: Tema (Andante Molto Cantabile Ed Espressivo) - Variazioni I-VI
I: Moderato Cantabile, Molto Espressivo
II: Allegro Molto
III: Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Fuga (Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
I: Maestoso - Allegro Con Brio Ed Appassionato
II: Arietta (Adagio Molto Semplice E Cantabile)

Customer Reviews:

great compilation, vividly played.......2006-01-02

a great, great compilation. why??
1) sound. yes, it was recorded in 1930s, so not everything is so clear but unless you are too demanding in sound quality the sound is very acceptable (for my taste at least) and, most important, luckily EMI almost completely deleted any trace of "hiss" (which I find unbearable even with better and clearer piano sound).
2) pianist: Schnabel, as far as I read, is a legend, at least in LvB piano sonatas. They are vividly played, with appropiate "elastic" tempi (a similar effect in past conductors, look at my review of Brahms symphonies by Jochum, with a similar "flexible" approach). Also there is a lot of virtuosism. The only problem I find is in Appasionata, specifically in its last mov: too, too, too fast, with no time to "savour" the notes and with very important "forte" notes (they are climaxes indeed) strangely played "piano" so their effect is completely lost. Yes, it sounds like a twister, a storm but misconceived. the rest of the CDs is played with a near perfect approach. Maybe there are techical problems (I am not a pianist, that is what i read) but the conception is always OK (except for 3rd mov op 57, as i said).
3) works. To begin with Beethoven some "early" famous works are always wellcome eg Pathetique and Moonlight. They are absent here, because the aim here is to present the middle and late periods from the piano sonata point of view.
-In the late period, you can in 1 CD include hammerklavier and some other, or the last tryptic, the solution found here (together with sonata 27). To play together the last 3 sonatas makes one see them as a group and to find out relations eg sonata 30 and 32 (the corners of the 3) end with variations. I like them very much, specially the sonata 32.
-In the middle period you have the works in the 1st CD. Favourites are Waldstein and op 57, yes (perhaps the 2 most important sonatas of LvB, at least from the most popular). So are the sonatas 22, 24 & 25 simply fillers ???? Definitely NOT!!! They are quite complemetary to the 2 famous already cited: nº 22 has a minuet, but a middle period minuet, which is far advanced than the "early style" minuets. And has a toccata mov which sometimes makes me remember Schumann. Nº 78 has one of the most lovely movs ever created by the composer, and should be better known. The last mov is quite complementary. And Nº 25? A surprising and charming work. Sounds too Mozartian (the brief K 545 was a model?), but never he goes back in style to his earlier period. It has 3 movs (wonderfull all 3 !!!) and all played, with complete repeats, in less than 9 minutes !!! Clearly an essay on how to compose a full (for the quality and diversity of the ideas) "brief" sonata.
please, try this compilation. you won`t regret.

Dull sound in these reissues.......2005-11-07

I had high hopes for this reissue of the magical recordings by Schnabel of the Beethoven sonatas. The engineers did an admirable job of reducing the surface noise from the 78 rpm disks. But they took out the sparkle from the keys that can be heard on the "Schnabel Plays Beethoven" Pearl editions of these recordings, or the "Beethoven: Piano Works" Naxos editions.

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 5, 9 and 10

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Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 5, 9 and 10

Manufacturer: Classica D'oro
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Son No.5 in F, Op.24 'Spring': Allegro
Son No.5 in F, Op.24 'Spring': Adagio Molto Espressivo
Son No.5 in F, Op.24 'Spring': Scherzo: Allegro Molto
Son No.5 in F, Op.24 'Spring': Rondo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Son No.9 in A, Op.47 'Kreutzer': Adagio Sostenuto-Presto
Son No.9 in A, Op.47 'Kreutzer': Andante Con Var
Son No.9 in A, Op.47 'Kreutzer': Finale: Presto
Son No.10 in G, Op.96: Allegro Moderato
Son No.10 in G, Op.96: Adagio Espressivo
Son No.10 in G, Op.96: Scherzo: Allegro
Son No.10 in G, Op.96: Poco Allegretto

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 5 "Spring" & 9 "Kreutzer"

Average customer rating:

A True Gem! Delightful and Ravishing!!
An excellent bargain!

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 5 "Spring" & 9 "Kreutzer"

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Violin Sonatas, Op. 12, Nos. 1-3

ASIN: B0000013O7
Release Date: 1992-06-30

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No. 5 In F Major, Op. 24 'Spring': Allegro
Violin Sonata No. 5 In F Major, Op. 24 'Spring': Adagio molto espressivo
Violin Sonata No. 5 In F Major, Op. 24 'Spring': Scherzo: Allegro ma non troppo
Violin Sonata No. 5 In F Major, Op. 24 'Spring': Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo
Violin Sonata No. 9 In A Major Op. 47 'Kreutzer': Adagio sostenuto - Presto
Violin Sonata No. 9 In A Major Op. 47 'Kreutzer': Andante con variazioni
Violin Sonata No. 9 In A Major Op. 47 'Kreutzer': Finale: Presto

Customer Reviews:

A True Gem! Delightful and Ravishing!!.......2006-07-01

I agree with the earlier review that this is a sensational rendering by a very underated duo. I have compared this disc to my recordings by Perlman/Ashkenazy & Argerich/Kremer - and I prefer it by far! This performance is heartfelt and jubilant, and Naxos captured it wonderfully! Don't miss this great disc at a bargain price.

An excellent bargain!.......2005-02-04

I've listened to many performances of Beethoven's "famous" violin sonatas and trust me, there is so much beauty and power in these readings it truly did blow the mind. These recordings (like the other three discs) is in simple terms...dipped in magic. The delicious sound that violinist, Takako Nishizaki brings to these sonatas is just poignant. One of the finest (and underrated) violinists of our time, she makes an extraordinary case for her undeniable thoughts about these two named sonatas. Her playing (intelligent, stimulating and spirited) is matched, and inspired by Jeno Jando's dramatic and expressive pianism.
Rather than be relegated into the background, he is her equal. There is never any sense of routine with these recordings and the sound quality is crystal clear and ravishing in its exquisiteness. Logically balanced, the acoustic is spacious without clouding the spotlight. The performances are truly delightful in their fresh spontaneity. For the record, the Penguin guide (a classical reference book) has rated this disc with three stars, which is summarized as an outstanding performance and recording in every way. An excellent bargain!

Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 - 5, Piano Sonatas Nos. 23 & 24 [Germany]

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Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 - 5, Piano Sonatas Nos. 23 & 24 [Germany]
Gulda , Stein , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 23 & 26 'Coronation'
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Bruckner: Symphony No. 6; Weber: Overtures [Australia]

ASIN: B000028DL1
Release Date: 2005-07-08

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Op.15
Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 - Appassionata
Piano Sonata No. 24 In F# Major, Op. 78 - A The
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Major, Op. 19
Piano Concerto No. 3 In C Major, Op. 37
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major, Op. 58
Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat Major, Op. 73

Average customer rating:

The best Beethoven violin sonatas; great performances.
Charming Beethoven "Spring"

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 5, 8 & 9

Manufacturer: EMI Records [All429]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002S4O
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.5 In F, Op.24 'Spring': I: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.5 In F, Op.24 'Spring': II: Adagio molto espresivo
Violin Sonata No.5 In F, Op.24 'Spring': III: Scherzo (Allegro molto ) & Trio
Violin Sonata No.5 In F, Op.24 'Spring': IV: Rondo (Allegro ma non troppo)
Violin Sonata No. 8 In G, Op.30 No.3: I: Allegro assai
Violin Sonata No. 8 In G, Op.30 No.3: II: Tempo di Menuetto, ma molto moderato e grazioso
Violin Sonata No. 8 In G, Op.30 No.3: III: Allegro vivace
Violin Sonata No.9 In A Minor, Op.47 'Kreutzer': I: Adagio sostenuto - Presto
Violin Sonata No.9 In A Minor, Op.47 'Kreutzer': II:
Violin Sonata No.9 In A Minor, Op.47 'Kreutzer': III: Finale (Presto)

Customer Reviews:

The best Beethoven violin sonatas; great performances........2002-08-04

The Kreutzer is probably Beethoven's greatest violin sonata and the Spring Sonata is his most lyrical. Violinist Pinchas Zukerman and pianist Daniel Barenboim -- both outstanding musicians, with considerable experience playing together -- give as fine performances of these masterpieces as I've ever heard. Sonata No. 8 is a welcome bonus on this CD. If you are looking for a CD containg both the Kreutzer and Spring Sonatas you will not find better performances than these. If you are not familiar with these works, please do yourself a favor and get this CD. This is Beethoven at his best.

Charming Beethoven "Spring".......1998-09-10

This is about the most charming and relaxed "Spring" Sonata of Beethoven--especially if we only consider modern recordings. The pairings, particularly the Kreutzer Sonata, make this a highly attractive disc. Excellent sound.

Mozart: Sonata K481; Beethoven: Sonatas Nos. 5 & 10, Opp. 24 & 96

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A Very Good Reference

Mozart: Sonata K481; Beethoven: Sonatas Nos. 5 & 10, Opp. 24 & 96

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000WN0
Release Date: 1993-11-15

Tracks:

Sonata For Violin And Piano No.5 In F, Op.24: Allegro
Sonata For Violin And Piano No.5 In F, Op.24: Adagio molto espressivo
Sonata For Violin and Piano No. 5 in F, Op. 24: Scherzo
Sonata For Violin and Piano No. 5 in F, Op. 24: Rondo
Sonata for Violin and Piano in E Flat, K.481: Allegro molto
Sonata for Violin and Piano in E Flat, K.481: Adagio
Sonata for Violin and Piano in E Flat, K.481: Allegretto (con variazioni)
Sonata For Violin and Piano No. 10 in G, Op. 96: Allegro moderato
Sonata For Violin And Piano No.10 In G, Op.96: Adagio espressivo
Sonata For Violin And Piano No.10 In G, Op.96: Scherzo
Sonata For Violin And Piano No.10 In G, Op.96: Poco Allegretto

Amazon.com

Remastered from the original lacquer aircheck source, this splendid 1948 Frick Collection recital preserves some of the most intense, probing chamber playing captured by a recording device. Joseph Szigeti's sustained phrasing in the slow movements transcends momentary unsteadiness elsewhere, while Artur Schnabel leaves an indelible stamp with his buoyant rhythm, trademark angularity, and pearl-like legato. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

A Very Good Reference.......2004-02-15

Even more enjoyable than Oistrakh: it's more erudite and more refined too. The recording made in '48 is only of marginally poorer quality than the former. The sound is quite accceptable and it sounds as though it was a live performance. And as a whole there is more music here, particularly so when set upon the inspiringly buoyant rhythm and pearl like legatos of Schnabel.

Tracks:

Sonata No. 5 For Piano & Violin In F Major, Op.24 'Spring': I. Allegro
Sonata No.5 For Piano & Violin In F Major,Op.24 'Spring': II. Adagio molto espressivo
Sonata No.5 For Piano & Violin In F Major, Op.24 'Spring': III. Scherzo. Allegro molto
Sonata No.5 For Piano & Violin In F Major, Op.24 ' Spring': IV. Rondo. Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata for piano and violin N 9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': I. Adagio sostenuto ,Presto , Adagio
Sonata No.9 For Piano & Violin In A Major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': II. Andante con variazioni
Sonata No.9 For Piano & Violin In A Major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': III. Finale. Presto
Sonata For Piano and Violin No. 10 in G major, Op.96: I. Allegro moderato
Sonata No.10 For Piano & Violin In G Major, Op.96: II. Adagio espressivo
Sonata No10 For Piano & Violin In G Major , Op.96: III. Scherzo. Allegro
Sonata No.10 For Piano & Violin In G Major, Op96: IV. Poco allegretto - Adagio - Tempo I - Allegro - Poco adagio - Presto

Customer Reviews:

Suave, Elegant Performances.......2004-09-28

Not so long ago, Zino Francescatti's rendition of the Beethoven violin concerto was regarded as absolutely the finest. His performances of the violin sonatas, with the august Robert Casadesus, are a monument to elegance and professionalism. There is consummate respect and balance betwen these exemplary performers: neither predominates. The sonatas absolutely shine with an inward light. I was not the critic who originally used the word "suave" to describe this set, but I adopt it here. Next to the bizarre antics of Gidon Kremer, these stand out as the classical standard - and not in the pejorative sense of quotidian. There is much excitment and richness in these recordings, which, like the best of George Szell, combine emotional satisfaction and classical restraint. I am not unmindful of the rich sound found in newer recordings, notably Ann-Sophie Mutter's set, in which she plays a Stradivarius on DGG discs. These performances sound very fine. More to the point, they feature the highest standard of musicianship. The Spring sonata is light and delicate; the Kreutzer both intellectually and aesthetically delightful. Even number 10 is so deftly rendered that one can understand why some violinists (e.g., Ms. Mutter) regard it as their favorite. I am so partial to Francescatti's version of all ten violin sonatas, which I got on LP years ago, that after considerable comparison, I hunted down the complete set on CD and obtained them from Europe. This CD is a fair representation of the best of the set, and remastered, it is a real bargain.

old fashioned. So what? It's just wonderful!.......2003-05-14

who cares if it is old fashioned? Casadesus and Francescatti gave in this recording the best performance I've ever heard of the Kreutzer Sonata. I am very biased to Francescatti's side, I cannot hide this, but Casadesus does his best to accompany him, and viceversa. It is a performance in which no player particularly overshadows the other one. At last, in case you're wondering, the recording is remastered, but the sound is like it was recorded yesterday.

Old-fashioned? You must be joking!.......2000-10-15

For me and many other people, there's only one reaction to Francescatti's violin playing: DEEP EMOTION! And "his" Beethoven sonatas are particularly intense, lyrical and expressive. Extremely lyrical and expressive, but with no languor or sluggishness. Listen to the Primavera's second movement and you'll see what I mean! His way of playing is a concentrate of emotion. Some people find his way of playing academic: if so, long live Academia. And his unity of intent with Casedesus is nothing short of amazing. In so many instances, either the violin is much better than the piano or, more often, the pianist is a giant and the other guy a dwarf: the balance here is magnificent. Believe me: if you don't know it, listen to it and buy it!

Beethoven: Sonatas for Violin & Piano Nos. 5 & 9

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Beethoven: Sonatas for Violin & Piano Nos. 5 & 9

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Schubert: The Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B0002KVVCY
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Average customer rating:

Bethoveen personally...
First rate CD at a bargain price!
a little more info (if anyone cares)
much too foggy

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 5 & 9

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000025X1G
Release Date: 2000-07-11

Customer Reviews:

Bethoveen personally..........2007-02-13

Two ripe musicians, meet around Beethoven and good performance. Dialogues, reprises, exchange of thoughts, introductions followed by expressive passages in opposed instrument, soft ends, lots of Rubato, Accentuato and many very nice music is in these two sonatas. Immerseel and Schroder make it all.

Original Bethoveen time instruments, give more intimate expression, and particularly fortepiano una corda effect, at least I think it is, makes all slow movements completely adorable. Bravo!

Mirro

First rate CD at a bargain price!.......2003-08-12

This is a bargain CD, and the previous reviewer (who has reviewed this item TWICE) is misguided. These are great, forceful interpretations of Beethoven's best known violin sonatas and certainly compare favorably with period instrument set available from Nimbus. Indeed, the later fortepiano is less bright than one from the 1790s but is reasonably well recorded. The violin sound is captured accurately with the plucked notes in the Kreutzer's first movement well defined.
This CD costs so little you should find out how good it is for yourself.

a little more info (if anyone cares).......2002-05-15

According to Gramophone, the piano is an 1824 Graf and this recording was made in 1989 (or earlier). They didn't like it much, either, and went into far greater detail than I. This duo actually recorded the complete Beethoven violin sonatas but the rest remains to be reissued (though I can't imagine it will be).

much too foggy.......2000-10-22

This is sort of an oddity. First, it isn't clear from the liner notes but it appears to have been recorded in 1995. It may be much older than that. In any event, it is not a good recording. The piano sounds very distant, which hammers the nails in the coffin as far as a fortepiano goes. If you want a reverberating, soupy piano sound just buy a recording performed on a Steinway. Again, the liner notes don't even specify what instrument Immerseel is using. While he tends to prefer Viennese fortepianos I'd almost guess this was an English instrument, but that may just be the poor microphone placement fooling my ears. Jaap Schroder lays the vibrato on pretty thick for a longtime advocate of historical performance. This isn't Heifetz, by any means, but it sort of defeats the purpose of buying this recording. The playing all around is lacking the precision and energy necessary to make this music sound really good.

The Kreutzer sonata is a great piece of music, especially the first movement, and both works are good things to have. If you already own these and are looking for a period instruments alternative, I wouldn't recommend this record. If you're not a fan of period instruments, avoid it at all costs because this will only reaffirm your beliefs (though I'd implore you to listen to William Christie, Anner Bylsma, or Andreas Staier and rethink your opinion). If you are new to this stuff and don't want to spend a lot of money, you wouldn't be poisoning your ears with this, but I'm sure there's much better options. While I've heard great things by both of these performers (Schroder was concertmaster in Hogwood's excellent cycle of Mozart's complete symphonies; Immerseel's recording of Schubert's piano trios with Bylsma and Vera Beths is great) this recording just doesn't stand up.

Complete Violin Sonatas Volume 2, Sonatas Nos. 5, 6, 7
Average customer rating:

Technique by itself is not quite enough!

Complete Violin Sonatas Volume 2, Sonatas Nos. 5, 6, 7

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000E6E1
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Customer Reviews:

Technique by itself is not quite enough!.......2006-03-17

All of us know about the prodigious and immaculate technical command of this distinguished and acclaimed soloist: a true legend, wrought through years of passionate perfection.

This is the major virtue and in the meantime the major default. Because Beethoven demands something more than only sublime perfection. He requires from you an absolute spiritual commitment and absolute synchronization between mind and soul. Beethoven `s music is impregnated of values; that' s what it makes him so different and notorious respect the other composers who only thought in musical terms.

These are admirable recordings loaded with sublime perfection; if you are looking for only these aspects around Beethoven, go for these. If not, then go for Szigetti Arrau set, for instance.

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