Chopin: Piano Sonatas Nos. 2 & 3; Scherzo No. 3 in C sharp minor

Track Listings

1. Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35 - I- Grave - Doppio Movimento

2. Ii- Scherzo

3. Iii- Marche Funebre. Lento

4. Iv- Finale. Presto

5. Scherzo In C Sharp Minor Op.39 - Presto Con Fuoco

6. Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58 - I- Allegro Maestoso

7. Ii- Molto Vivace

8. Iii- Largo

9. Iv- Presto Ma Non Tanto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35 - I- Grave - Doppio Movimento
Ii- Scherzo
Iii- Marche Funebre. Lento
Iv- Finale. Presto
Scherzo In C Sharp Minor Op.39 - Presto Con Fuoco
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58 - I- Allegro Maestoso
Ii- Molto Vivace
Iii- Largo
Iv- Presto Ma Non Tanto

Customer Reviews:

MUSICAL MAENAD.......2005-09-08

Considering how many performances of the Chopin sonatas the musical great and good keep offering us I might have expected to find a set that approaches some theoretical ideal by now. The nearest I have yet come to that is from Cziffra in his 2-disc all-Chopin issue. I don't for one instant suppose that this evaluation will be universally shared, but it's the standard I go by although I'm open to other possibilities. The first thing I look for is clear individuality, and I doubt that any player shows more of that than Argerich does. She starts well (better than Cziffra does) and finishes badly, but the overall standard is 5-star material all the same. Music-lovers who have been around for a while know what to expect from her by now, and she gives it to us without compromise in the B flat minor. The opening phrase is bold and declamatory, the first two movements are torrential, and I am completely convinced by them. There are other ways of doing them, but as Serkin used to say to his pupils `It has to be one thing or the other'. There's no way of getting the best of every world. In particular she even outdoes Cziffra in one respect - the handling of the big repeated chords at the end of the exposition without strain - where up to now he had seemed to me to lead the field. It says a lot for her performance that I actually welcomed the first movement repeat, I think for the first time in my life. In the strange last movement only three performances seem to me outstanding - Michelangeli, Cziffra and now Argerich, each as different from the others as can be. Michelangeli is deep-toned, gliding and hardly human. Cziffra is cold and cheerless beyond words, with a sudden eruption near the end, the authority for which I would like to know. Argerich increases the volume at the same point, although not in the hair-raising way Cziffra does. Her reading is ghostly, and I was spellbound by it. The funeral march is a piece that I have never liked, and that is really where Cziffra scores. Neither of them, thank goodness, makes the repeats - Michelangeli makes every last one and the thing is interminable, even played by him. Argerich's tempo is distinctly fast, not so far as I recall quite as fast as Rachmaninov's but fast enough to make it tolerable. What Cziffra achieves is the miracle of making it interesting, with the melody-monotone sharply distinguished from the trudging chords, and that alone delivers him a narrow win on points when I'm the referee.

In the B minor the issue is a lot more clear-cut to me. Argerich delivers a lively and strong account of the opening movement, with the repeat once again observed. I'm not sure to this day that anyone has ever done this movement in general better than Rubinstein. There is a passage quite near the start where the left hand comes swarming up menacingly from deep bass until the music flowers out in euphony that is better done than I ever heard. There is another sequence near the end of both exposition and recapitulation where a short theme is given first quietly and then in a full-toned ornamented variation, and Rubinstein draws from the latter one of the loveliest sounds I ever heard from the instrument. Against this there is the problem of what to do with the first half of the development section. With Rubinstein there is almost a sense of relief when he gets that passage over and done with, and I feel something similar about Lipatti's treatment of it. Argerich seems determined to `do something' with it, and I sense she may have an uneasy feeling that something needs to be done, that it can't just be left to speak for itself. Now just listen to Cziffra -- he sails through it with a sublime naturalness, and for once the entire development section coheres as a unity. It's much the same story with the trio of the scherzo. Here Argerich may have felt that there was nothing that could be done, and the passage is dry and uninteresting, as it often turns out. The possibility of that never even seems to have occurred to Cziffra. Argerich takes the main sections of the movement at a rocketing speed, much as Pollini does. Cziffra's tempo is only a minuscule fraction slower, but the difference in sheer quality from either of them is enormous and the dazzling glitter of it is simply wonderful, out of their class. In the slow movement I would say Argerich is far too emphatic in the opening phrase, but much more importantly she plays the berceuse theme exquisitely. The problem here again is with the self-repeating phrases that follow, which don't fully hold my attention from her, as they don't from most players. When one sees Cziffra discussed it's generally a matter of his virtuosity, but here more than in the other two passages I've instanced there is something else that seems to me almost more significant about him - a sublime innocence and simplicity, thoroughly characteristic of him if people were only noticing, that marks a true child of the gods.

But oh dear me the last movement! It is a `galop', and the `presto' is qualified by an important `ma non tanto'. Is Argerich in for some speed-record? We know what wonderful fingers you have dear lady, but Lipatti and Cziffra and Pollini have those too, and they have more sense than to play the movement like this. The scripture tells us that there is a creature that can outpace a galloping horse, and it is the ostrich. However God hath deprived her of wisdom neither hath He imparted to her understanding, and she makes a bad role-model.

As a makeweight there is the C# minor scherzo. This is played with despatch as one would expect, but for me in this piece there is Horowitz and there is everyone else, even Argerich. Criticisms or none, I still have no problem with giving a qualified 5 stars to another welcome recital from a truly great and truly individual artist who will not, she tells us, be giving us any more solo work now. I am all the more grateful for what's available.

Average customer rating:

Perfect!
brilliant, youthful, poetic Chopin from one of the best

Frederic Chopin: Sonatas Nos. 2 & 3

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000252E
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

I. Grave
II. Scherzo
III. Marche Funebre
IV. Finale: Presto
I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Scherzo: Molto Vivace
III. Largo
IV. Finale: Presto, Ma Non Tanto

Amazon.com

Chopin's Second Piano Sonata is one of the most powerful and terrifying pieces of music written in the 19th century. Its funeral march is already famous (you know the tune, even if you don't know that you know it), but what makes the piece so extraordinary is its finale--a 90-second ride through hell that has been described as "the sound of the wind sweeping over a graveyard." Next to this expressionist masterpiece, the Third Sonata sounds rather more conventional, but in Murray Perahia's capable hands, it's no less compelling. A true keyboard poet, Perahia has turned in performances of both sonatas that have long stood as among the finest available. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Perfect!.......2005-03-18

This is one of those few "absolutely perfect" works of art or nature one comes across in one's liftime. It's like Michelangelo's "David" or the best moonrise you've ever seen over a desert mountain. It's shocking, it's so good. It will leave you overwhelmed. I've never heard any other recording of Chopin come anywhere close to being as magic as this. Anyone who can do this kind of sorcery, if only once, should be showered with garlands and their name should be praised for centuries. I always thrill when I discover a friend has never heard this and I can play it for them. Just thinking about the preformance/the recording, actually hurts in a wonderful way--the piano playing is so sublime. I'm filled with longing. That does it! I'm going to finish typing this sentence, get up, turn on my CD player and play this perfect angel of a recording right now!

brilliant, youthful, poetic Chopin from one of the best.......2001-06-10

Perahia has long been one of my favorite pianists, so there is a certain bias to my review. I was somewhat disappointed in his recent Chopin disc (ballades, etc) but nevertheless, I have 4 different recordings of these sonatas (rubinstein, pollini, Ax, and this one), have listened to them all dozens of times, as well as many others, and this is one of the best. Any pianist will tell you that these are among the most technically and musically demanding pieces in the romantic repertoire, and Perahia gets all the power and poetry these pieces require. At the same time, he loses none of the introspection and thoughtfulness. I don't think any pianist has ever played the slow movement of the 3rd sonata with greater tenderness. And in the phenomenal rondo that closes out this piece he just builds momentum like few pianists can do, most peak way too soon, and then have to crash through to the end. The familiar 2nd sonata is also thoughtfully played but lacks nothing in drama, especially the opening movement and the finale. The second movement is full of rhythmic energy and has plenty of brilliante. This is Perahia 20 years younger, but he was great then, as he is now.

Average customer rating:

Solid Chopin without schmaltz

Chopin: Piano Sonatas Nos. 2 & 3

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Italy
Olivier Messiaen: Turangalîla Symphony

ASIN: B0002IS002
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

I. Grave - Doppio Movimento
II. Scherzo
III. Marche Funebre Lento
IV. Finale: Presto
I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Scherzo: Molto Vivace
III. Largo
IV. Finale: Presto Non Tanto

Customer Reviews:

Solid Chopin without schmaltz.......2007-05-13

I owned this when it was first issued as a twofer of all three Chopin sonatas and a bunch of other shorter pieces that filled out the second CD. This was when Lief Ove Andsnes (rhymes with life over and jazz) was a new artist and Europeans were agog over him.

Virgin here repackages the Second and Third sonatas in a single disk for a dirt cheap price. Anyone coming to this music for the first time, or seeking to expand their library and/or get acquainted with this player, can hardly go wrong. Andsnes' is a great player, the recording is wonderfully truthful, and the price is right.

However, Leif's dextrous and dreamy playing will not satisfy Americans raised on Rubinstein that think romance is the main subject. Andsnes is a fine technician but not especially romantic. His rubato is not that of the great Chopin players of the past century. No one will mistake him as a pupil of Cortot.

Still, this is outstanding value in a recording now returned to currency that the Penguin Guide recommended with its highest rating when it first appeared, saying collectors need not shy away from Andsnes as a Chopin player. That advice is sound today, too.

Pnina Salzman, Vol. 5: Chopin - Piano Sonatas Nos. 2 & 3, Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante, etc.

Average customer rating:

Pnina Salzman, Vol. 5: Chopin - Piano Sonatas Nos. 2 & 3, Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante, etc.

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Binding: Audio CD

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Chopin: Piano Sonatas Nos. 2 & 3; Fantasie; Barcarolle

Average customer rating:

very good at a bargain price

Chopin: Piano Sonatas Nos. 2 & 3; Fantasie; Barcarolle

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ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00018HTXM
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

I. Grave - Doppio Movimento
II. Scherzo
III. Marche Funebre: Lento
IV. Finale: Presto
I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Scherzo: Molto Vivace
III. Largo
IV. Finale: Presto Non Tanto
Fantasie In F Minor Op.49
Barcarolle In F Sharp Op.60

Customer Reviews:

very good at a bargain price.......2006-11-23

daniel barenboim is not as well known a chopin interpreter as, say, Arthur Rubinstein, but as this CD reveals, he knows his way around this epitome of romantic piano. the sonata no. 2 "funeral march" is one of the most familiar pieces of music played, especially the third movement, the march. mr. barenboim avoids the cliches that come with tackling a war horse and breathes wonderful warmth and fluidity into the music. the first movement is taken quickly but nicely. the second movement builds with stunning regal tones. the final movement is kept from becoming maudlin, but proceeds with somber elegance. the third sonata is handled quite admirably. the CD closes with two short pieces, making an apt conclusion to a nice recital of some chopin's finest works. great buy!

Average customer rating:

Chopin: Piano Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Virgin Classics
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Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2007-02-20

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I Allegro Maestoso
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IV Finale Presto

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the greatest pianist plays the greatest music

The Catalan Piano Tradition

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Customer Reviews:

the greatest pianist plays the greatest music.......2007-05-12

No one can approach this wonderful diva of the piano

Chopin: Sonatas Nos. 1-3; Mazurkas; Etudes

Average customer rating:

The greatest pianist in the world today!
A Distinct Sound

Chopin: Sonatas Nos. 1-3; Mazurkas; Etudes

Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000002SSK
Release Date: 1996-07-16

Tracks:

Sonata No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 4: Allegro maestoso
Sonata No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 4: Minuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Sonata No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 4: Larghetto
Sonata No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 4: Finale: Presto
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: Allegro Maestoso
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: Scherzo: Molto vVvace
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: Largo
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: Finale: Presto Non Tanto

Tracks:

Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35: Grave - Doppio Movimento
Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35: Scherzo
Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35: Marche Funebre: Lento
Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35: Finale: Presto
4 Mazurkas, Op. 17: Vivo E Risoluto
4 Mazurkas, Op. 17: Lento, Ma Non Troppo
4 Mazurkas, Op. 17: Legato Assai
4 Mazurkas, Op. 17: Lento, Ma Non Troppo
Etudes: Op. 25 No. 3 Allegro
Etudes: Op. 25 No. 4 Agitato
Etudes: Op. 10 No. 6 Andante
Etudes: Op. 25 No. 10 Allegro Con Fuoco--Lento--Tempo
Etudes: Op. 25 No. 11- Allegro Con Brio

Amazon.com

Chopin's First Sonata is an early work that's almost never performed (let alone recorded), and there must be many music lovers fond of the famous Second and Third Sonatas who have wondered what the First sounds like. The problem with performances of such rarities is that, because the music isn't well-known and because major artists don't often play them, the exposure they do receive is often substandard in music that needs passionate advocacy. That's exactly what all three sonatas get at the hands of Leif Ove Andsnes, a superb young Norwegian pianist with the ability to make everything on these two discs sound like a masterpiece, even if, in the case of the First Sonata, the jury's still out. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

The greatest pianist in the world today!.......2000-05-16

We have listen to these recordings time and time again ... each time with amazement. Leif Ove Andsnes is unsurpassable. He truly expresses the soul of Chopin.

A Distinct Sound.......1999-12-29

I agree fully with the Editorial Review. In addition, the music is imbued with Andsnes' very distinct key stroking; the light staccato that builds over the course of each movement. And it is certainly enjoyable to have a recording that offers infrequently performed pieces. In addition, one would certainly want to add this CD to a collection if you already admire Adnsnes and his technique.

Average customer rating:

Chopin: Piano Sonatas Nos. 2 & 3

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000037BW
Release Date: 1992-12-02

Tracks:

Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: I. Doppio Movimento
Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: II. Scherzo
Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: III. Marche Funebre - Lento
Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: IV. Finale - Presto
Son No.3 in b, Op.58: I. Allegro Maestoso
Son No.3 in b, Op.58: II. Scherzo - Molto Vivace
Son No.3 in b, Op.58: III. Largo
Son No.3 in b, Op.58: IV. Finale - Presto Non Tanto
Barcarolle, Op.60

Average customer rating:

Chopin: Piano Sonatas Nos. 2 & 3
Chopin , and Szekely
Manufacturer: Lydian
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Pno Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: Grave-Doppio Movimento
Pno Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: Scherzo
Pno Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: Marche Funebre: Lento
Pno Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: Finale: Presto
Pno Son No.3 in b, Op.58: Allegro Maestoso
Pno Son No.3 in b, Op.58: Scherzo: Moto Vivace
Pno Son No.3 in b, Op.58: Largo-Finale: Presto, Non Tanto
Barcarolle in F#, Op.60
Fantaisie-Impromptu in c#, Op.66
Berceuse in D flat, Op.57

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1. Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35 - I- Grave - Doppio Movimento
2. Ii- Scherzo
3. Iii- Marche Funebre. Lento
4. Iv- Finale. Presto
5. Scherzo In C Sharp Minor Op.39 - Presto Con Fuoco
6. Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58 - I- Allegro Maestoso
7. Ii- Molto Vivace
8. Iii- Largo
9. Iv- Presto Ma Non Tanto