Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Even Alfred Brendel may not approve of the Beethoven performances heard on these discs. Brendel is several decades older and wiser now, and may well find these products of his relative youth as callow as I do. The magnificent Diabelli Variations, one of Beethoven's greatest compositions, is trivialized by this undercharacterized playing, which lets so many important moments go by without saying anything special about them. It's worth the extra money to spring for a great performance of this music, like Richter on Praga PR 254 023 or Oelbaum on Bridge BCD 9010. The smaller pieces also sound bland. Even at a low price this set is no great bargain. --Leslie Gerber

Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven, Music, Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Andante for Keyboard, Bagatelle for Keyboard, Classical, Classical Artists, Classical Music, Classical Period Variations for Keyboard, Keyboard, Music for Keyboard, Orchestral, Rondo for Keyboard, Transcription for Orchestra
Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Five stars for the performance, 2 stars for the product
  • Bought on referral - everything promised and more!
  • HE HAS THE TOUCH!
  • remarkable playing
  • This is Beethoven as Beethoven would have played it.
 Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2

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

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

ASIN: B000001K2S
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASIN: B000001K34
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASIN: B000001K2I
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have all 3 volumes in this cycle of Beethoven Sonatas recorded in the early 60's by Brendel. They are truly an exceptional value as each package contains 2 discs worth of music. The sound is very good overall and the performances are masterful. This particular volume offers Beethoven's late Sonata's along with the tour-de-force Hammerklavier. The riches unfold with each hearing and the performances of all these great works is at a very high level. A great purchase!
Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven, Vol. 4
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Brendel and Beethoven
  • ONE OF THE BEST
  • It's reasonably good
 Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven, Vol. 4

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

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

ASIN: B000001K38
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

  1. Presto
  2. Largo E Mesto
  3. Menuetto: Allegro
  4. Rondo: Allegro
  5. Allegro Vivace
  6. Largo Appassionata
  7. Scherzo: Allegretto
  8. Rondo: Grazioso
  9. Allegro Con Brio
  10. Adagio
  11. Scherzo: Allegro: Trio
  12. Allegro Assai

Tracks:

  1. Allegro Molto E Con Brio
  2. Adagio Cantabile
  3. Rondo: Allegro
  4. Allegro Con Brio
  5. Adagio Con Molto Espressione
  6. Menuetto
  7. Rondo: Allegretto
  8. Andante Con Variazione
  9. Allegro Molto: Trio
  10. Maestoso Andante 'Marcia Funebre Sulla Morte D'Un Eroe'
  11. Allegro
  12. Adagio Cantabile: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
  13. Allegro Assai

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Brendel and Beethoven.......2006-11-02

Brendel and Beethoven, somehow the names just fit together. This cd on Vox, was originally part of the famed Vox Box series and in this case the Vox Box contained the complete Beethoven Sonatas. It won a Grand Prix de Disc when it was first released. It was a worthy recipient. Although Brendel has re-recorded the sonatas for the Philips label, this set has a freshness and vitality about it, an excitement of discovery, something missing from the Philips set. Highly recommended

5 out of 5 stars ONE OF THE BEST.......2006-10-10

One man's viewpoint: I always love Brendel's light, agile touch. Yet there's a passion here that's hard to describe. Kind of sneaks up on you. He articulates every note cleanly in these pieces too. Amazing. And ALL the LVB sonatas have something wonderful to offer. Suggest you buy all four of AB's VOX renderings. And his Diabelli's. Then I'd suggest Arrau and O'Conor. All rewarding!

4 out of 5 stars It's reasonably good.......1999-03-30

A resaonably good introduction to what Beethoven's piano sonatas are all about; but keep in mind that there are better pieces. As far as music goes, it is undoubtably enjoyable.
Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • ONE OF THE TOP PERFORMERS!
  • Flat, humorless, earthbound
  • a classic
 Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven , and Alfred Brendel
Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BarberAll Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
RondosRondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
BagatellesBagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
VariationsVariations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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  1. Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven, Vol. 4
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  3. Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. III
  4. Alfred Brendel plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
  5. Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000001K4G
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

  1. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Theme
  2. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Alla Marcia
  3. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Poco Allegro
  4. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: L'Istesse Tempo
  5. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Un Poco Piu Vivace
  6. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Allegro Vivace
  7. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
  8. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Poco Piu Allegro
  9. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Poco Vivace
  10. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Allegro Pesante
  11. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Presto
  12. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Allegretto
  13. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Poco Piu Mosso
  14. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Vivace
  15. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Grave
  16. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Presto Scherzando
  17. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Allegro
  18. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Variation
  19. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Moderato
  20. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Presto
  21. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Andante
  22. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Allegro
  23. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Molto Allegro
  24. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Assai Allegro
  25. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Fughetta
  26. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Allegro
  27. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Variation
  28. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Vivace
  29. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Allegro
  30. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Adagio Ma Non Troppo
  31. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Andante Sempre
  32. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Largo
  33. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Fuga Allegro
  34. 33 Variations On A Waltz By Diabelli In C Major, Op. 120: Tempo Di Menuetto
  35. Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119: Allegretto
  36. Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119: Andante Con Moto
  37. Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119: Allamande
  38. Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119: Andante Cantable
  39. Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119: Risoluto
  40. Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119: Andante
  41. Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119: Rezeichnung
  42. Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119: Moderato Cantabile
  43. Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119: Vivace Moderato
  44. Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119: Allagremente
  45. Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119: Andante Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

  1. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: Andante
  2. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: Allegro
  3. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: Andante
  4. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: Presto
  5. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: Quasi Allegretto
  6. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: Presto: Andante
  7. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: Rondo A Capriccio In G Major, Op. 129 'Rage Over A Lost Penny'
  8. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: Rondo In C Major, Op. 51 No. 1
  9. Seven Bagatelles, Op. 33: Andante, Quasi Allegretto
  10. Seven Bagatelles, Op. 33: Scherzo: Allegro
  11. Seven Bagatelles, Op. 33: Allegretto
  12. Seven Bagatelles, Op. 33: Andante
  13. Seven Bagatelles, Op. 33: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
  14. Seven Bagatelles, Op. 33: Allegretto
  15. Seven Bagatelles, Op. 33: Presto
  16. Andante Favori In F Major, Wo0 60
  17. 'Ziemlich Lebhaft' In B - Flat Major, Wo0 60

Amazon.com

Even Alfred Brendel may not approve of the Beethoven performances heard on these discs. Brendel is several decades older and wiser now, and may well find these products of his relative youth as callow as I do. The magnificent Diabelli Variations, one of Beethoven's greatest compositions, is trivialized by this undercharacterized playing, which lets so many important moments go by without saying anything special about them. It's worth the extra money to spring for a great performance of this music, like Richter on Praga PR 254 023 or Oelbaum on Bridge BCD 9010. The smaller pieces also sound bland. Even at a low price this set is no great bargain. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars ONE OF THE TOP PERFORMERS!.......2005-10-10

Again, for me, Brendel comes across with his usual "swingin" and sure rhythms and his subtle power. He plays through a wonderful comprehension of the LVB works. And he transmits that magically!
Also, with A.B., we get every note played clearly--in "high-definition." Astonishing to hear this even in the fastest passages. For this listener, Brendel's clarity and grace are a pure excitement. (Ever wonder if he was LVB in a past existence? I wouldn't be surprised.)

1 out of 5 stars Flat, humorless, earthbound.......2005-07-21

Egads! This is almost a "party album." It currently wins the "Worst Piano CD In My Collection" award. (That will soon change, as it's headed for the second-hand shop.) Brendel takes Beethoven's wry commentary on salon music and does nothing with it except play each variation earnestly and soberly. I have to wonder how long he lived with and thought about the score, and if he studied the history of the work, and Beethoven's opinion of Diabelli, his waltz, and the whole publishing project with which Diabelli was engaged, before making this recording. I say this in part because Brendel's next recording of the piece, a live 1976 traversal on Philips, is light-years ahead of this in terms of characterization of each variation. Here each is treated the same, as grante-heavy and devoid of life, of wit, of contrast, of irony. Elements such as comic repetitons in the waltz's flat-footed rhythm or exaggerations of its Viennese "drawing room" flavor are treated with all the seriousness of the Eroica Variations.

The Bagatelles are the same, treated more like a baga McDonald's hamburgers--each one overcooked, identical and bland. These are some of Beethoven's most unique and characterful works--what you play for people who say the old man had no sense of humor. (Beethoven, I mean; I don't know what to say to people who say Brendel has no sense of humor.) These flat readings never go beyond the ink on the pages.

This is extremely competitive territory. Despite the previous reviewer who says Brendel made mainstream listeners aware of the Diabellis for the first time, these works have been recorded over and over since the phonograph was invented practically. There are many better recordings, starting with the first, Schnabel, and continuing with Horszowski, Ugorski, Brendel 1976, Anderszewski, and Kovacevich. All have their blemishes and eccentricities, and no one completely works for me (Schnabel and Kovacevich come closest), but all are better than this sorry recording, with some nasty and poorly-spliced tape edits. For the Op. 126 Bagatelles, two words for ya--Richter, Praga. For the rest, go shopping, listen to some other pianists. Anything has got to be better than this.

5 out of 5 stars a classic.......2001-02-19

Unlike your own reviewer, who emphasizes Brendel's blandness of manner in the Diabelli variations, I prize the care for depth and scope of compositional perception that the pianist's "above the self" manner of approaching these astounding variations is able to reveal, which would have been subsumed in an emotional approach to the material of Diabelli's very straight-forwardly constructed waltz. This recording brought made the work available when it was all but unknown by the general, classical music public, and its contemporary critics faulted it as "cerebral" but never as thoughtless or eccentric. The amount of salient, compositional thought that Brendel reveals is breathtaking and affords a window onto the landscape of Beethoven's own interests and attitudes towards both composing and the piano, both of which have been uniquely seminal for piano music in the centuries that followed, down to the present. I remember being breathtaken both by the work and the pianist's accomplishment when the recording first came out, and all the committedly artist pianists I know consider Brendel's accomplishment a kind of benchmark for their own work. Certainly, this recording contributed to Brendel's reputation in its early days, and it remains one that no serious pianist wants to overlook - something in its way unique. I booted up my computer just now in hopes that Amazon would have it available, even after all these "yea many" years, to order it as a gift to a friend who has resumed serious piano lessons as a mature adult, having stopped decades earlier while still a child, and is playing Diabelli duets and listening enthusiastically to later CD's of Brendel playing Mozart. I am delighted to see that Amazon's reviewer's low rating of this truly classic recording and monumental artistic achievement coincides with a dirt-cheap price for a two-CD set offering these variations together with all of Beethoven's bagatelles, so I am checking the "buy now" box now with a will. This reminds me that when the recording came out Brendel was - I believe - the first to record all the piano music of Beethoven. As part of a brilliantly considered, comprehensive overview of Beethoven's output for his most beloved instrument, in which no technical hurdle daunts the pianist at all and musical ideas rule completely, this performance takes the occasion seriously to an unparallelled degree. Thanks to Brendel's seemingly "selfless" commitment to Beethoven's art, the recording enables an auditor to share in that remarkable overview as a full, human equal, whether he is an artistic equal or not. I think Beethoven would have been delighted - had he been able to hear this performance.
Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1

    Manufacturer: Vox
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD
    ASIN: B000QCK4BC

    Product Description

    Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15 - Allegro, Rondo Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 - Allegro con brio, Rondo. Allegro moderato
    Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas

      Manufacturer: Moss Music Group
      ProductGroup: Classical
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000MDOTT8
      Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven

        Manufacturer: Philips
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        BagatellesBagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
        Vienna Philharmonic OrchestraVienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000BYNC1E
        Release Date: 2006-01-10

        Tracks:

        1. I. Andante Con Moto In G Major
        2. II. Allegro In G Minor
        3. III. Andante Cantabile E Grazioso In E Flat Major
        4. IV. Presto In B Minor
        5. V. Quasi Allegretto In G Major
        6. VI. Presto-Andante Amabile E Con Moto-Tempo I In E Flat Major
        7. I. Vivace Ma Non Troppo-Adagio Espressivo-Tempo I
        8. II. Prestissimo
        9. III. Gesangvoll, Mit Innigster Empfindung
        10. I. Maestoso-Allegro Con Brio Ed Appassionato
        11. II. Arietta: Adagio Molto Semplice E Cantabile

        Tracks:

        1. I. Allegro Moderato
        2. II. Andante Con Moto
        3. III. Rondo: Vivace
        4. I. Allegro Con Brio
        5. II. Introduzione: Adagio Molto
        6. III. Rondo: Allegretto Moderato-Prestissimo
        Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Alfred Brendel Plays Beethoven

          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B0001M35Y0

          Product Description

          Track Listing: 1. Chorale Fantasy for Piano, Choir and Orchestra, Op. 80 2. Piano Sonata Op. 2/1 3. Piano Sonata Op. 2/2 in A Major
          Brendel plays Beethoven
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		Brendel plays Beethoven

            Manufacturer: Regis Records
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
            Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B000RGSVMQ
            Release Date: 2007-06-26

            Music Review:

            1. Allan Pettersson: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 11
            2. Anne Sofie von Otter - Lamenti (Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Purcell, Bertali, Legrenzi) / Goebel
            3. Anton Bruckner: Symphonies Nos. 7-9 / Franz Schubert: Symphony No. 5 - The Celibidache Edition [Box set] [Original recording remastered]
            4. Ave Eva, Songs Of Womanhood From The 12th And 13th Centuries
            5. Beethoven: 9 Symphonies/Leonore Overture No. 3 [Box set]
            6. Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 - 6 [Import]
            7. Beethoven: Symphony No. 5; Brahms: Symphony No. 1
            8. Beethoven: Violin Sonatas nos 6-8 / Kremer, Argerich
            9. Berio: Voci
            10. Best of Erik Satie [Import]

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