Beethoven: Piano Sonatas 26, 27 & 29

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
If the "Hammerklavier" Sonata (No. 29), perhaps the most profound work ever written for the piano, were not on this disc, one would dwell on the singular charms of the rarely heard, two-movement Sonata No. 27 or the astonishing rightness of Solomon's interpretation of the Sonata No. 26, "Les Adieux." But the "Hammerklavier" is the touchstone of any Beethoven sonata cycle, and it's the rock upon which most pianists founder. Solomon meets its challenges as well as anyone who's every recorded it. Solomon may not match Artur Schnabel's intensity, but he's far superior technically, and he comes close to Claudio Arrau's depth and Wilhelm Kempff's poetry. Solomon is unique in bringing all these attributes to bear on a piece whose mysteries can never be encompassed in one interpretation. He captures the dynamism of the opening Allegro, makes the Scherzo a witty romp, and sustains the long, 22-minute Adagio with a flowing poetry that's breathtaking. The final fugue, played with superhuman ease by Solomon, for once seems an inevitable culmination of a timeless journey. An indispensable disc. --Dan Davis

Tracks:

Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Allegro
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Adagio
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Menuetto: Allegretto
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Prestissimo
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Allegro vivace
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Largo appassionato
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Scherzo: Allegretto
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Rondo: Grazioso
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Allegro con brio
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Adagio
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Scherzo: Allegro
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Allegro molto e con brio
Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Adagio molto
Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Finale: Prestissimo
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Allegro
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Allegretto
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Presto
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Presto
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Largo e mesto
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Menuetto: Allegro
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Rondo: Allegro
Sonata No.22 In F Major, Op.54: In tempo di Menuetto
Sonata No.22 In F Major, Op.54: Allegretto - Piu allegro

Tracks:

Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Allegro molto e con brio
Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Largo con gran espressione
Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Allegro
Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso
Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Allegro
Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Allegretto
Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Rondo: Allegro comodo
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Allegro
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Andante
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Scherzo: Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Allegro con brio
Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Adagio con molta espressione
Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Menuetto
Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Rondo: Allegretto
Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Andante von variazioni
Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Scherzo: Allegro molto
Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe: Maestoso andante
Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Allegro
Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Andante - Allegro
Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Allegro molto e vivace
Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Adagio con espressione - Allegro vivace

Tracks:

SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Grave - Allegro molto e con brio
SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Adagio cantabile
SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Rondo: Allegro
Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Adagio sostenuto
Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Allegretto
Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Presto agitato - Adagio - Presto agitato
SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Allegro assai - Piu allegro
SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Andante con moto
SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Allegro ma non troppo - Presto

Tracks:

Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Allegro
Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Andante
Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Scherzo: Allegro vivace
Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': Allegro con brio
Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': Introduzione (Adagio molto) - Rondo (Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo)
Sonata No.19 In G Minor, Op.49 No.1: Andante
Sonata No.19 In G Minor, Op.49 No.1: Rondo: Allegro
Sonata No.20 In G Major, Op.49 No.2: Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No.20 In G Major, Op.49 No.2: Tempo di menuetto

Tracks:

Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Allegro vivace
Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Adagio grazioso
Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Rondo: Allegretto - Adagio - Presto
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Largo - Allegro
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Adagio
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Allegretto
Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Allegro
Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Scherzo: Allegretto vivace
Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Menuetto: Moderato grazioso
Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Presto con fuoco

Tracks:

Sonata No.24 In F Sharp Major, Op.78: Adagio cantabile - Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No.24 In F Sharp Major, Op.78: Allegro vivace
Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Presto alla tedesca
Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Andante
Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Vivace
Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Das Lebewohl (Les Adieux): Adagio - Allegro
Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Abwesenheit (L'Absence): Andante espressivo
Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Wiedersehn (Le Retour): Vivacissimamente - Poco andante - Tempo 1
Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragen

Tracks:

Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Allegretto ma non troppo
Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Vivace alla Marcia
Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto - Tempo del primo pezzo - Allegro
Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Allegro
Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Scherzo: Assai vivace - Presto - Tempo 1
Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Adagio sostenuto
Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Largo - Allegro - Prestissimo - Allegro risoluto (Fuga a tre voci, con alcune licenze)

Tracks:

Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Vivace, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo - Tempo 1
Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Prestissimo
Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Tema: Andante molto cantabile e espressivo - Variazioni 1-6
Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Moderato cantabile, molto espressivo
Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Allegro molto
Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Adagio ma non troppo
Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Fuga: Allegro ma non troppo - L'istesso tempo di arioso - L'istesso tempo della Fuga - Meno allegro
Sonata No.32 in C minor, op.111: Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato
Sonata No.32 in C minor, op.111: Arietta: Adagio molto semplice e cantabile - Variazioni

Customer Reviews:

Barenboim's Beethvoen.......2007-06-27

I heard Bachaus play all Beethoven recitals at Carnegie Hall, in NYC. At that time he was the acknowledged master of the Beethvoen Sonata. With Barenboim, the old order changeth, yielding place to new. These recordings have fire, tempestuousness and passion, all emotions that belong in Beethoven.

One of the very best ever.......2007-02-15

This set has to be experienced. The clarity of these performances is beyond belief. If it's not the best set of Beethoven Sonatas, it is certainly among the very best. Take for example the first movement of Sonata number 21. It is so easy to have a performer play all the notes just as Beethoven wrote them and yet leave the listener in a morass of confusion without the slightest idea of what he had in mind. Not here. The ideas pour forth in a white light that has to be experienced. It really has to be experienced!! I love these performances. I will play them until I die. Oh...and the recordings are technically excellent. At least when played through Levinson electronics and Maggies....superb!

dead in the water.......2007-01-12

Sorry, I just don't like Barenboim's renditions. Beethoven is my favourite composer, depending on my mood that is, and nothing moves me as his music can. But I just don't get Barenboim's renditions... doesn't do a thing for me. Something of Beethoven's depth and richness gets totally "lost in translation".

Better off finding a better performance of these if you really want to be "blown away". My favorite "Beethoven" conductor would have to be Herbert von Karajan; and as for individual pianists my all time favorite is Maurizio Pollini, whose performances are exquisite, in both technique and expression! If you are a music lover you should really check his work out if you haven't already. My favorite Beethoven CD by him is "Die Spaten Klaviersonaten" (Beethoven) by Deutsche Grammophon in their "legendary recordings" series. It is a real gem! (the sound quality is excellent also)

Sublime expression nourished by a colossal vision!.......2006-03-23

Thanks to this immense and untiring activity in the field of the orchestral direction, his vision as pianist has enriched himself quite a lot: Barenboim performs these well known Sonatas with a splendid architectural construction; according Schnabel `s tradition.

And that is a very remarkable good point in this musical moment where the pianist technique is eclipsing and even annulling the personal approach in the most of pianists all over the world. Honesty, conviction, vision and commitment dress those interpretations loaded of expression and personality.

In the great tradition of the great Beethovenian keyboard giants of the past, Daniel explores and plays every little bar with that well felt intensity of someone who in Beethoven `s there is much more than simple music. In Beethoven the music is not a goal by itself; but a revelation superior to any philosophy; all his musical legacy possess values that are placed of the standards. There is not art without second intention and that is precisely what Barenboim has made with this fabulous cycle of Beethoven Sonatas.

If you really want to listen remarkable performances far beyond of the trivial conventionalisms, go for this record.

Performed with great enthusiasm.......2004-05-16

This is classic early Barenboim (he was just 24 when he started recording this set in 1966). He is very enthusiastic and expressive (if you don't like him, he "takes liberties" and "shows off"). The slow movements are veerrry slow, and the fast ones really rip. Pianissimo is extremely soft, and fortissimo rattles the windows! [My wife insists that I wear headphones for late-night listening.]

Tracks:

Son No.8 in c, Op.13, 'Pathetique': Grave; Allegro Molto E Con Brio
Son No.8 in c, Op.13, 'Pathetique': Adagio Cantabile
Son No.8 in c, Op.13, 'Pathetique': Rondo: Allegro
Son No.14 in c#, Op.27 No.2, 'Moonlight': Adagio Sostenuto
Son No.14 in c#, Op.27 No.2, 'Moonlight': Allegretto
Son No.14 in c#, Op.27 No.2, 'Moonlight': Presto Agitato
Son No.23 in f, Op.57, 'Appassionata': Allegro Assai
Son No.23 in f, Op.57, 'Appassionata': Andante Con Moto
Son No.23 in f, Op.57, 'Appassionata': Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Son No.26 in E flat, Op.81a, 'Les Adieux': Les Adieux: Adagio; Allegro
Son No.26 in E flat, Op.81a, 'Les Adieux': L'Absence: Andante Expressivo
Son No.26 in E flat, Op.81a, 'Les Adieux': Le Retour: Vivacissimamente

Customer Reviews:

Rubinstein: Favorite Beethoven Sonatas.......2007-06-11

I can't say enough about Rubinstein's interpretation. These are my favorite sonatas and I worship Beethoven. I also have these sonatas done by Brendle, Ashkanazi, Kemph, Buchbinder, Horowitz, and Gould, but Rubinstein does them best. Out of five stars, I would give Rubinstein ten. Although the recording is old, it is well done and does not detract at all from the performance. My only regret is that Rubenstein did not record the rest of the Beethoven sonatas.

Flawless Renditions of Familiar Pieces.......2007-03-14

The 4 Sonatas represented here are probably among the most familiar of all of Beethoven's work to the general listening public. They are beautifully rendered by Arthur Rubenstein in a recording of very good quality. This is an ideal purchase for someone who is seeking an introduction to Beethoven's work since the music is highly accessable and the price is very affordable. Rubenstein's playing is basically straightforward and sensitive, perfectly suited to the 4 selections presented here.

An amateur takes pleasure .......2006-12-28

I do not know classical music in the way that many of the people who have reviewed this work do. I cannot compare Rubinstein's performances with other pianists. I cannot analyze the technical qualities of his playing. I cannot really be a judge of the work at the level that most listeners of classical music would like.
I can however say that the deep pleasure given by this work comes in part of hearing familiar 'classical music' replayed. It comes too out of certain qualities of the playing, its grace, its lightness, its moving depth, its clear rushes of excitement.
One of the greatest of all pianists playing some of the greatest piano music ever written cannot help but inspire and move the listener.

Loved for his elegant style, Rubenstein applies it to Beethoven.......2006-06-01

When great pianists come to the the sacred Beethoven sonatas, they diverge into two camps. The first camp tries to serve Beethoven first, the second imposes a 'personal' style with secondary attention to the composer. In the first camp everyone would put Schnabel, Serkin, Annie Fischer, Wilhelm Kempff, Murray Perahia, and perhaps nowadays Andras Schiff and Leif Ove Andsnes. In the second would be Horowitz, Richter, Cortot, Rubenstein, and a panoply of earlier greats in the Lisztian romantic tradition. These were the unabashed stylists, whose fans want to hear a pianist more than they want to hear piano music.

Rubenstein's fans were particularly devoted to him--he was that rare thing, a loable human being who also happened to be a virtuoso--and since he was less agressive than Richter and less flamboyant than Horowitz, Rubenstein's gentle, sophisticated way with Beethoven, which could evoke Paris over Vienna, felt more agreeable. But it's not selfless by any means. Rubenstein is the anti-Serkin, bringing the same dreaminess to the Moonlight that he brings to Chopin, smoothing over the outbursts in the Appassionate so that it will be more civilized (but losing half of Beethoven's revolutionary genius in the bargain), and generally giving his audiences what they want.

On its own terms, this CD is a lovely example of the Rubenstein method. Personally, I side with the first camp, but I can see why many listeners so admire this epitmoe of sophisticated elegance who never slips into vulgarity or blatant showmanship.

Excellent recordings.......2006-05-26

I love these recordings! I think the interpretations Rubinstein offers are different (which is a good thing) from the "Beethoven specialists," which is very refreshing. This is especially evident in the "Pathetique" Sonata (my personal favorite). I have recordings of Ashkenazy, Pollini, Brendel, and Kempff, but the Rubinstein is my favorite (Interestingly enough, I'd say Ashkenazy is next on that list).

His "Moonlight" and "Les Adieux" performances are among my favorite recordings of those particular sonatas as well. "Appassionata," which he recorded the most, is still good, but better versions of him playing it exist.

This CD is worth the money.

Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy
All the essentials on two discs
Pure genius, in composition and in performance
Impeccable - scholarly yet perfected performances
Excellent Double CD

Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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ASIN: B0000041LE
Release Date: 1997-08-26

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy.......2007-07-09

Good technique and good sound. The CD contains the most known sonatas and it was a hard task to deliver them in a fresh yet traditional form.

All the essentials on two discs.......2007-05-29

Other reviewers have written sufficiently on the quality of this purchase; I don't need to add to it, only concur with them that this is a fabulous and inexpensive package. My only criticism is of the sound quality...and maybe the performance of the 14th. It's a minor issue though. No other package that I know of gives the buyer all the essential sonatas on two discs of such high quality. A great buy.

Pure genius, in composition and in performance.......2007-05-20

Disclaimer: I'm not an expert on classical music, much less on classical music performances, so my reviews represent a newcomer's take on classical CDs. Take that for what it's worth.

This recording of Beethoven's sonatas was the first classical CD I ever bought, and it remains my favorite. The compositions are heart-rending. The performance is excellent. This is an album equally great both for classically-uninitiated and for longtime veterans.

Ashkenazy's performance makes heavy use of dynamics, from near-inaudible pianissimos to shattering fortissimos. Some people may dislike this--it's not an album to pop into your walkman and ignore--but I found that it gave the sonatas a richer emotional resonance. As the piano goes from a quiet, singing tone to harsh clanging, so one's heart follows. This CD (or rather, CDs) is a must-buy.

Impeccable - scholarly yet perfected performances.......2006-08-08

I've listened to Ashkenazy's renditions of these pieces for quite some time of this disk, and I was extremely impressed with his force. He does not skimp on volume when volume is needed (the brutal chords in the third movement of Moonlight is what I was really looking for). I've also used his rendition of the Pathetique as a guide for my own learning of the piece. The man's technique is absolutely beyond belief, his clarity, his voicing, his touch, it fits so perfectly with these fine works by Beethoven. The Hammerklavier is sadly missing, but that is to be expected because of its length. Overall, these are powerful recordings and I highly recommend them. I hope to reach such a pinnacle of artistry some day in my own playing.

Excellent Double CD .......2006-04-25

This double CD is exquisite. Vladimir Ashkenazy plays Beethoven with sensitivity and dynamic intensity. The quality of the CD is excellent, the playing sublime, and the value outstanding.

This double CD has quickly become one of my favorites. I originally heard it on the local NPR classical stations, bought the CD here, and love it!

I just can't think of a single deficiency in the CD. I think this is just an excellent CD at any price; at the price here, it is a real bargain.

Average customer rating:

The final testament of a great classicist
Wilhelm Kempff Plays the Beethoven Piano Sonatas
full of artistry, very nice.
Which One To Get, That Is The Question
essential

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000001GCC
Release Date: 1991-07-12

Tracks:

Sonata No. 1, Op. 2 In F Minor: 1. Allegro - Beethoven
Sonata No. 1, Op. 2 In F Minor: 2. Adagio - Beethoven
Sonata No. 1, Op. 2 In F Minor: 3. Menuetto. Allegretto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 1, Op. 2 In F Minor: 4. Prestissimo - Beethoven
Sonata No. 2, Op. 2 In A Major: 1. Allegro vivace - Beethoven
Sonata No. 2, Op. 2 In A Major: 2. Largo appassionato - Beethoven
Sonata No. 2, Op. 2 In A Major: 3. Scherzo. Allegretto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 2, Op. 2 In A Major: 4. Rondo. Grazioso - Beethoven
Sonata No. 3, Op. 2 In C Major: 1. Allegro con brio - Beethoven
Sonata No. 3, Op. 2 In C Major: 2. Adagio - Beethoven
Sonata No. 3, Op. 2 In C Major: 3. Scherzo. Allegro - Beethoven
Sonata No. 3, Op. 2 In C Major: 4. Allegro assai - Beethoven

Tracks:

Sonata No. 5, Op. 10 In C Minor: 1. Allegro molto e con brio - Beethoven
Sonata No. 5, Op. 10 In C Minor: 2. Adagio molto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 5, Op. 10 In C Minor: 3. Finale. Prestissimo - Beethoven
Sonata No. 6, Op. 10 In F Major: 1. Allegro - Beethoven
Sonata No. 6, Op. 10 In F Major: 2. Allegretto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 6, Op. 10 In F Major: 3. Presto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 7, Op. 10 In D Major: 1. Presto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 7, Op. 10 In D Major: 2. Largo e mesto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 7, Op. 10 In D Major: 3. Menuetto. Allegro - Beethoven
Sonata No. 7, Op. 10 In D Major: 4. Rondo. Allegro - Beethoven

Tracks:

Sonata No. 4, Op. 7 In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro molto e con brio
Sonata No. 4, Op. 7 In E Flat Major: 2. Largo, con gran espressione
Sonata No. 4, Op. 7 In E Flat Major: 3. Allegro
Sonata No. 4, Op. 7 In E Flat Major: 4. Rondo. Poco allegretto e grazioso
Sonata No. 8, Op. 13 'Pathetique' In C Minor: 1. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
Sonata No. 8, Op. 13 'Pathetique' In C Minor: 2. Adagio cantabile
Sonata No. 8, Op. 13 'Pathetique' In C Minor: 3. Rondo. Allegro
Sonata No. 9, Op. 14 In E Major: 1. Allegro
Sonata No. 9, Op. 14 In E Major: 2. Allegretto
Sonata No. 9, Op. 14 In E Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro comodo
Sonata No. 10, Op. 14 In G Major: 1. Allegro
Sonata No. 10, Op. 14 In G Major: 2. Andante
Sonata No. 10, Op. 14 In G Major: 3. Scherzo. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata No. 11, Op. 22 In B Flat Major: 1. Allegro con brio
Sonata No. 11, Op. 22 In B Flat Major: 2. Adagio con molta espressione
Sonata No. 11, Op. 22 In B Flat Major: 3. Menuetto
Sonata No. 11, Op. 22 In B Flat Major: 4. Rondo. Allegretto
Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 In A Flat Major: 1. Andante con Variazioni
Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 In A Flat Major: 2. Scherzo. Allegro molto
Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 In A Flat Major: 3. Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe
Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 In A Flat Major: 4. Allegro
Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 In E Flat Major: 1. Andante - Allegro - Tempo I - attaca:
Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 In E Flat Major: 2. Allegro molto e vivace - attaca:
Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 In E Flat Major: 3. Adagio con espressione - attaca:
Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 In E Flat Major: 4. Allegro vivace
Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 'Mondschein-Sonate' In C Sharp Minor: 1. Adagio sostenuto - attaca:
Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 'Mondschein-Sonate' In C Sharp Minor: 2. Allegretto - attaca:
Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 'Mondschein-Sonate' In C Sharp Minor: 3. Presto agitato

Tracks:

Sonata No. 16, Op. 31 In G Major: 1. Allegro vivace - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 16, Op. 31 In G Major: 2. Adagio grazioso - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 16, Op. 31 In G Major: 3. Rondo. Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 17, Op. 31 'Sturm-Sonate' In D Minor: 1. Largo - Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 17, Op. 31 'Sturm-Sonate' In D Minor: 2. Adagio - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 17, Op. 31 'Sturm-Sonate' In D Minor: 3. Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 18, Op. 31 In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 18, Op. 31 In E Flat Major: 2. Scherzo. Allegretto vivace - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 18, Op. 31 In E Flat Major: 3. Menuetto. Moderato e grazioso - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 18, Op. 31 In E Flat Major: 4. Presto con fuoco - L.V. Beethoven

Tracks:

Sonata No.15, Op. 28 'Pastorale' In D Major: 1. Allegro
Sonata No.15, Op. 28 'Pastorale' In D Major: 2. Andante
Sonata No.15, Op. 28 'Pastorale' In D Major: 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
Sonata No.15, Op. 28 'Pastorale' In D Major: 4. Rondo. Allegro, ma non troppo
Sonata No. 19, Op. 49 In G Minor: 1. Andante
Sonata No. 19, Op. 49 In G Minor: 2. Rondo. Allegro
Sonata No. 20, Op. 49 In G Major: 1. Allegro, ma non troppo
Sonata No. 20, Op. 49 In G Major: 2. Tempo di Menuetto
Sonata No.21, Op. 53 'Waldstein-Sonate' In C Major: 1. Allegro con brio
Sonata No.21, Op. 53 'Waldstein-Sonate' In C Major: 2. Introduzione. Adagio molto - attaca:
Sonata No.21, Op. 53 'Waldstein-Sonate' In C Major: 3. Rondo. Allegretto moderato
Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Apassionata' In F Minor: 1. In tempo d'un Menuetto
Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Apassionata' In F Minor: 2. Allegretto

Tracks:

Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Appasionata' In F Minor: 1. Allegro assai
Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Appasionata' In F Minor: 2. Andante con moto - attaca:
Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Appasionata' In F Minor: 3. Allegro, ma non troppo - Presto
Sonata No. 24, Op. 78 In F Sharp Major: 1. Adagio cantabile - Allegro, ma non troppo
Sonata No. 24, Op. 78 In F Sharp Major: 2. Allegro vivace
Sonata No. 25, Op. 79 In G Major: 1. Presto alla tedesca
Sonata No. 25, Op. 79 In G Major: 2. Andante
Sonata No. 25, Op. 79 In G Major: 3. Vivace
Sonata No. 26, Op. 81a 'Les Adieux' In E Flat Major: 1. Das Lebewohl (Les Adieux): Adagio - Allegro
Sonata No. 26, Op. 81a 'Les Adieux' In E Flat Major: 2. Abwesenheit (L'Absence): Andante espressivo
Sonata No. 26, Op. 81a 'Les Adieux' In E Flat Major: 3. Das Wiedersehn (Le Retour): Vivacissimamente
Sonata No. 27, Op. 90 In E Minor: 1. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
Sonata No. 27, Op. 90 In E Minor: 2. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragen

Tracks:

Sonata No. 28, Op. 101 In A Major: 1. Etwas lebhaft und mit der innigsten Empfindung: Allegretto, ma non troppo
Sonata No. 28, Op. 101 In A Major: 2. Lebhaft, marschmassig: Vivace alla Marcia
Sonata No. 28, Op. 101 In A Major: 3. Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll: Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto - attaca:
Sonata No. 28, Op. 101 In A Major: 4. Geschwinde, doch nicht zu sehr und mit Entschlossenheit: Allegro
Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 In B Flat Major: 1. Allegro
Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 In B Flat Major: 2. Scherzo. Assai vivace
Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 In B Flat Major: 3. Adagio sostenuto. Appasionato e con molto sentimento
Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 In B Flat Major: 4. Largo - Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 In E Major: 1. Vivace, ma non troppo - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 In E Major: 2. Prestissimo - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 In E Major: 3. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung (Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo) - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 In A Flat Major: 1. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 In A Flat Major: 2. Allegro molto - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 In A Flat Major: 3. Adagio, ma non troppo - Fuga. Allegro, ma non troppo - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 32, Op. 111 In C Minor: 1. Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 32, Op. 111 In C Minor: 2. Arietta. Adagio molto semplice e cantabile - L.V. Beethoven

Amazon.com

Wilhelm Kempff was the premier German pianist of the postwar period, so it's no surprise that he was considered one of the supreme interpreters of Beethoven. He recorded complete sets of the sonatas and concertos twice, and just about all the rest of the chamber music with piano as well. Kempff was a classicist by nature, and his approach to Beethoven was clear and poised rather than impulsive, but it was never lacking in sheer power or virtuosity when necessary. His last cycle of Beethoven sonatas is rightly regarded as his musical testament. Even if the mono recordings offered a few more exciting moments in a couple of works, you can't go wrong here--there isn't a dud in the lot. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

The final testament of a great classicist.......2005-11-10

I waited a long time before finally buying this. I already had Gilels, Barenboim, Schnabel, Richter(for almost all),Annie fischer(a damn fine set also!) Brendel, and Arrau. I have always held gilels monumental set in the highest regard for its mixture of respect and power, beauty and ferocity. I knew that the Kempff box had ggod things, but after all these former sets, what knew could be said(similar to what i thought about michelangeli before i heard his op 2\3 and debussy preludes) But this set kept popping up in my life. Over and over respectable musicians kept hinting that this was the set to go for, a modern answer to schnabel's initial recording. Finally I bought it and my only regret is that i didnt succumb to it sooner. Kempff is, in my mind, not the most exciting of pianist's, but he everything that our modern school is not, in the best sense of the word. His sound and touch is crystalline, his authority over the notes unequalled. There isnt any of these sonata's i dont turn to when i want to investigate them for myself with score at hand, which in a word, can be described as revelatory. Dont hesitate like I did. Who knows maybe, in this age of classical deprecation, it may disappear before you had the chance. It is the end all of Beethoven interpretation. It lacks the machismo of Gilels, and Richter for that matter, but what it lacks in the thunder it makes up for in the calm of the storm.

Wilhelm Kempff Plays the Beethoven Piano Sonatas.......2005-08-17

Beethoven's "Tagebuch" includes the following famous entry: "The starry heavens above, the moral law within -- Kant!" Beethoven was alluding to Kant's statement in the "Critique of Practical Reason" of the two things that filled him with awe. But, in a simple way, Beethoven's statement could be read to show two related ways of understanding his music: the first as heroic, heaven-storming, and outwardly directed, and the second as inward, reflective, and meditative. Some of Beethoven's music can be seen as occupying on or the other end of the polarity. Much of the music somehow occupies both ends.

The same holds true as a rough approach to the performance of Beethoven's music -- including the 32 piano sonatas. Some artists emphasize the dramatic, rugged and virtuosic characteristics of the sonatas while others focus upon the music's inward and introspective qualities. The great German pianist Wilhelm Kempff's classic recording of the complete piano sonatas is clearly within the latter approach. Kempff (1895 -- 1991) recorded the complete Beethoven sonata-cycle twice, the first time in the 1950s and the second time in the 1960s. I had the original version on LP and purchased the CD set when LPs became obsolete. I recently had the opportunity to relisten to Kempff's renditions of the sonatas in their entirety.

Kempff's readings of the sonatas are highly personal and introspective. His tempos tend to be slow and fluid, the pedal is used a great deal, phrasing is highly legato, and volume is, for the most part, subdued and restrained. He offers a metaphysical, thoughtful reading of Beethoven which probes within. It is a moving and convincing way of rendering the sonatas, and I came away from my experience with the set over the past several days with a renewed devotion to this music. I have attempted about half of the sonatas myself over the years on the piano.

Beethoven's sonatas date from his youthful years in Bonn before his 1792 move to Vienna (the two sonatas of opus 49) to about 1822 (opus 111), five years before the composer's death. Thus, they occupied Beethoven for almost the entirety of his creative life. In listening to this complete set, the listener can follow Beethoven's development essentially chronologically and learn more first-hand about the sonatas and about the changes in Beethoven's styles of composition than can be gained from reading many studies.

Listeners interested in a complete set of the Beethoven sonatas will probably have some familiarity with some of the better-known
named sonatas, such as the "Pathetique", opus 13, the "Moonlight" opus 27 no. 2, the "Waldstein", opus 53, or the "Appassionata", opus 57. After falling in love with some of these works, it will be time for the listener to explore the entire series.

Kempff brings his own personal and introspective readings to each of these familar works. I think he does best with the rondo finale of the "Waldstein," with the "Moonlight" sonata, and with the two final movements of the "Tempest", opus 31 no. 2. His readings of these familiar works on the whole will offer fresh insight into these great sonatas.

But the greatest attraction of this set is the opportunity it provides to explore some of Beethoven's less frequently performed works. Again, Kempff is at his best in works of an introspective character. Thus, those coming to the sonata-cycle for the first time will enjoy his performances of the opus 26 sonata, with the opening variations and the celebrated funeral march, of opus 78, 79, and 81a ("Les Adieux"), of opus 90, and of opus 101, 109, 110, and the great end to the series, opus 111. Opus 90, 101, and 109 are particular favorites of mine, and Kempff plays them beautifully.

There is yet another group of sonatas that also receive excellent readings on the set. This group includes two excellent ambitious early works, opus 2 no. 3 and opus 7 (another favorite), the three sonatas of opus 10, the under-appreciated opus 22, the companion to the more famous "Moonlight" sonata, opus 27 no. 1, opus 31 no. 3 and the enigmatic opus 54, sandwiched between the "Waldstein" and the "Appassionata". The magisterial and heroic "Hammerklavier" sonata, opus 106, is in a class by itself. Each listeners's choices and fovorites among the 32 will vary and change with time and repeated hearings. This collection is an excellent introduction to all of them.

There are many recordings of the set of 32 sonatas and many approaches to the interpretation of Beethoven. His music is broader and deeper than any single reading. I have lived with my set of Kempff for a long time and am still moved and inspired by his playing of this inexhaustible music. Listeners wanting to get to know this great body of work will find much to cherish in these performances by Wilhelm Kempff.

Robin Friedman

full of artistry, very nice........2005-06-06

Among the great pianists who played Beethoven's sonatas, I love Kempff and Gilels most. Kempff's play is colorful(also with cleaness), while Gilels's play is clean. Of course,if you only prefer highly keyboard technique, Pollini is a better choice.

I think, Kempff was born not only as a great pianist, but also as a musical artist. listen to Kempff just like listen to a small orchestra(among instruments, only piano can do this). His left hand accompanied very well and his right hand song nicely. Some one may say Kempff lacks energetics, but I prefer his style---just like a stream flows naturally, accompanied with birds and flowers.

unlike some energetically played pianists, I never get tired in listening to Kempff. Though those CDs was recorded in 60s, the sonic quality is good enough. highly recommended.

Which One To Get, That Is The Question.......2005-02-10

For those who are not too familiar with Kempff, he is generally regarded as one of the most reputed Beethoven interpreter after Schnabel. Gulda was supposed to succeed them and was somehow stopped short. In Kempff, just like most pianists of the older generation, there is a strong element of improvisation, an element in the making of music which make him sound so fresh and spontaneous which left even Brendel way behind. Furthermore, his playing is so inspired that it never fails to remind us of some transcending church music.

Having said that, Kempff even in the 50s, was never quite as dynamic as Gulda; whereas some may instead find Schnabel's Beethoven even more instructive and not at all less inspired. But Schnabel's are all historic recordings. My no.1 choice for these sonatas is always Backhaus (Decca, in wonderful stereo sound), for some may find Arrau's early Beethoven sonatas boring and Gilel's (which is not exactly a whole cycle in any event) not soulful enough, however much conviction he had for them. And to be honest, I have never finished Brendel's and I have never even tried Ashkenazy's Beethoven except his piano trio with Perlman and Harell and somehow I just stopped there...

Roughly speaking, Kempff's 50s cycle is more energetic, fiery and forceful, wheras his 60s is more colourful, more sublime, and with more subtleties. But that doesn't mean he was off his peak or insufficiently fiery (unlike Schnabel whose first cycle is more preferable than his second cycle recorded in the 50s). Being a complete musician as well as a remarkable composer, there was still some obvious development in his music making even between these two cycles which makes him fairly and squarely an authoritative alternative even to Backhaus: another reason that we should try to listen to both.

And as far as the recorded sound is concerned, there is the difference of more than one whole generation, so that the ordinary music lovers may not find the 50s recording delightful or acceptable at all; whereas few could really complain against the sound of the 60s.

So, if you are a pianist, or if you are a fan of Kempff, you probably will get both his 50s and 60s recordings: for like most great pianists or indeed most great musicians, every time they play, it is going to be different and they are all instructive and inspiring in their own way. I myself grapped both. But if your emphasis is on the early sonatas or just for general enjoyment or even for the last sonatas, it is better to get the 60s.

essential.......2004-06-02

what else can you say about kempff that isn't said before? this is the best beethoven ever record, he has a magic touch and this sets clearly shows it off. i have both recordings of his beethoven sonatas (1951 & 1964) as well as his schumann, brahms, schubert, bach, mozart, liszt etc and would recomand them all... enjoy the piano master

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas & Concertos

Average customer rating:

The one collection I cannot imagine being without
MASTERY
Magisterial... mystical
Beethoven + Arrau = Divinity
Beethoven himself would be proud.

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas & Concertos
Claudio Arrau , Janos Starker , Ludwig van Beethoven , Bernard Haitink , Eliahu Inbal , Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam , New Philharmonia Orchestra , and Henryk Szeryng
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Liszt: Piano Works
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Chopin: The Piano Works
Brahms: Works for Solo Piano
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier

ASIN: B00000C2F7
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 1 Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 3. Menuetto. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 4. Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 1. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 2. Largo appassionato
Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 3. Scherzo. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 4. Rondo. Grazioso
Piano Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: 1. Allegro molto e con brio
Piano Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: 2. Adagio molto
Piano Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: 3. Finale. Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No. 19 In G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: 1. Andante
Piano Sonata No. 19 In G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: 2. Rondo. Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 3. Scherzo. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 4. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 1. Allegro molto e con brio
Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 2. Largo, con gran espressione
Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 3. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 4. Rondo. Poco allegretto e grazioso
6 Piano Veriations In F On An Original Theme, Op.34

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 2. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 3. Presto
Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 1. Presto
Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 2. Largo e mesto
Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 3. Menuetto. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 4. Rondo. Allegro
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
Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 2. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 3. Rondo. Allegro comodo

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.10 In G, Op.14 No.2: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.10 In G, Op.14 No.2: 2. Andante
Piano Sonata No.10 In G, Op.14 No.2: 3. Scherzo. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 2. Adagio con molta espressione
Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 3. Minuetto
Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 4. Rondo. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 1. Andante con Variazioni
Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 2. Scherzo. Allegro molto
Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 3. Marcia Funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe
Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 4. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.25 In G, Op.79: 1. Presto alla tedesca
Piano Sonata No.25 In G, Op.79: 2. Andante
Piano Sonata No.25 In G, Op.79: 3. Vivace

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 1. Andante - Allegro - Tempo I
Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 2. Allegro molto e vivace
Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 3. Adagio con espressione
Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 4. Allegro vivace - Tempo I - Presto
Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': 1. Adagio sostenuto
Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': 2. Allegrettro
Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': 3. Presto agitato
Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 2. Andante
Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 4. Rondo. Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No. 22 In F, Op.54: 1. In Tempo d'un Menuetto
Piano Sonata No. 22 In F, Op.54: 2. Allegretto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.16 In G, Op.31 No.1: 1. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No.16 In G, Op.31 No.1: 2. Adagio grazioso
Piano Sonata No.16 In G, Op.31 No.1: 3. Rondo. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.17 In D Minor, Op.31 No.2 'Tempest': 1. Largo - Allegro
Piano Sonata No.17 In D Minor, Op.31 No.2 'Tempest': 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata No.17 In D Minor, Op.31 No.2 'Tempest': 3. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 2. Scherzo. Alllegretto vivace
Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 3. Menuetto. Moderato e grazioso
Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 4. Presto con fuoco

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.21 In C, Op.53 'Waldstein': 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No.21 In C, Op.53 'Waldstein': 2. Introduzione. Adagio molto - Rondo. Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo
15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Inroduzione col Basso del Tema. Allegretto vivace
15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Variazioni I-XV
15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Finale. Alla Fuga. Allegro con brio - Andante con moto
32 Piano Variations In C Minor On An Original Theme, WoO 80
Rondo In G, Op.51 No.2

Tracks:

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
Piano Sonata No.24 In F Sharp, Op.78 'For Therese': 1. Adagio cantabile - Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.24 In F Sharp, Op.78 'For Therese': 2. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 1. Das Lebewohl. Adagio - Allegro
Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 2. Abwesenheit. Andante espressivo
Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 3. Das Wiedersehn. Vivacissimamente
Piano Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: 1. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
Piano Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: 2. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen
Piano Sonata No.20 In G, Op.49 No.2: 1. Allegro, ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.20 In G, Op.49 No.2: 2. Tempo di Menuetto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 1. Etwas lebhaft und mit der innigsten Empfindung. Allegretto, ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 2. Lebhaft. Marschmassig. Vivace alla Marcia
Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 3. Langsam, und sehnsuchtsvoll. Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto
Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 4. Geschwind, doch nicht zu sehr und mit Entschlossenheit. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 2 Scherzo. Assai vivace - Presto - Prestissimo - Tempo I
Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 3. Adagio sostenuto. Appassionato e con molto sentimento
Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 4. Largo - Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.30 In E, Op.109: 1. Vivave, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo - Tempo I -2. Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No.30 In E, Op.109: 3. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung. Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo
Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 1. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo
Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 2. Allegro molto
Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 3. Adagio ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 4. Fuga. Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.32 In C Minor, Op111: 1. Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato
Piano Sonata No.32 In C Minor, Op111: 2. Arietta. Adagio molto semplice e cantabile

Tracks:

33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Tema : Vivace - Variation I. Alla marcia maestoso
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation II Poco allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation III L'istesso tempo
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation IV Un poco piu vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation V Allegro vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VI Allegro ma non troppo e serioso
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VII Un poco piu allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VIII Poco vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation IX Allegro pesante e risoluto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation X Presto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XI Allegretto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XII Un poco piu moto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIII Vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIV Grave e maestoso
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XV Presto scherzando
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVI Allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVII
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVIII Poco moderato
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIX Presto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XX Andante
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXI Allegro con brio - Meno allegro - Tempo I - Meno allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXII Allegro molto alla 'Notte giorno faricar' di Mozart
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIII Allegro assai
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIV Fughetta. Andante
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXV Allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVI
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVII Vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVIII Allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIX Adagio ma non troppo
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXX Andante sempre cantabile
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXI Largo, molto espressivo
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXII Fuga. Allegro - Poco adagio
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXIII Tempo di minuetto moderato

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.1 In C, Op. 15: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No.1 In C, Op. 15: 2. Largo
Piano Concerto No.1 In C, Op. 15: 3. Rondo. Allegro scherzando
Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat, Op.19: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat, Op.19: 2. Adagio
Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat, Op.19: 3. Rondo. Molto allegro

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37: 2. Largo
Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37: 3. Rondo. Allegro
Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 1. Allegro moderato
Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 2. Andante con moto
Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 3. Rondo. Vivace

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 2. Adagio un poco mosso
Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 3. Rondo. Allegro
Triple Concerto For Piano, Violin And Cello In C, Op.56: 1. Allegro
Triple Concerto For Piano, Violin And Cello In C, Op.56: 2. Largo
Triple Concerto For Piano, Violin And Cello In C, Op.56: 3. Rondo alla Polacca

Amazon.com

Claudio Arrau played with seriousness of purpose that could make other pianists seem like dilettantes and with respect for the composer's score that bordered on veneration. He had nothing but scorn for pianists who played the opening of Beethoven's Opus 111 with two hands instead of one because there were fewer risks. If something was technically difficult, Arrau assumed that the composer had written it that way because the difficulties had an expressive value that it was the interpreter's duty to find.

Arrau's devotion to Beethoven is memorialized by this budget-priced, 14-CD collection of his recordings, mostly from the 1960s, of the composer's 32 sonatas, five concertos (with Bernard Haitink conducting the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam), and most important sets of variations. His Beethoven is not always successful. His sometimes ponderous seriousness keeps early works, such as the Sonata No. 3 and the Concerto No. 2, from smiling, and his lack of spontaneity makes the whimsy in Sonata No. 26 and the "Diabelli Variations" sound labored. But in the composer's weightiest works, Arrau can produce revelations. Certainly, no one plays Sonata No. 32 better. The first movement sounds like thunder that comes ever closer and the finale's chains of trills, played with exquisite finish and expressive perfection, transport the listener to a higher realm. If Arrau could be single-minded in his devotion to the composer's score, he also believed that music could encompass everything. When Arrau was at his best--as he frequently is in this set--it does. --Stephen Wigler

Customer Reviews:

The one collection I cannot imagine being without.......2007-01-30

It would be absurd to recommend recommending one Beethoven cycle to the exclusion of all others, yet it is Arrau's cycle to which I repeatedly return, despite some flaws mentioned by other reviewers.

They are flaws which can be forgiven. Scherzi which would be brimming with mirth & vitality in the hands of others may come up short, but it is more than compensated for by the revelations to be found as Arrau explores every aspect of Beethoven at his most profound. There always seems to be something new to be discovered. Flabby? It is hard to imagine how someone could come to this conclusion.

Even the sound quality for recordings dating back into the 1960's has been remastered so as to be acceptable to all but the most spoiled of listeners, who apparently are satisfied only with the most seamless homogenized studio sound. Those who can't get past the slightly imperfect sound quality are focusing on the wrong details.

If the greatness of the performance were not enough, the price should be enough to convince any serious music lover to add these to a CD collection. One cannot overstate how rewarding this collection will be to anyone who does not yet know the artistry of Arrau.

MASTERY.......2007-01-26

One man's viewpoint: Arrau amazes me as he sets the notes down with such clean deliberation! Total command. No matter how fast Beethoven is charging along. And as Arrau gets every note, we find the real Beethoven genius shining through - after all, as raw material, this is some of the finest piano music anywhere. Of course, this playing delivers passion and heart-and-soul communication too. And a sense of commitment and strength.
I suggest this set - with about nine stars! Mastery in art. *** For a lighter, more joyful touch - and great tone - ALSO get hold of O'Conor's set of the 32. I suggest this set - with about nine stars!

Magisterial... mystical.......2006-11-03

I've been listening to Beethoven's sonatas for fifty years and have heard all of them by some, and some of them by all the available recorded performers. Overall, Claudio Arrau is my favorite interpreter of the sonatas. To me he has an inner affinity with Beethoven that is uncanny. Beethoven was a man of great character. And that greatness, detached from his person in the form of musical ideas, enters the listener through intermediaries such as Arrau. When it is done right, it works a sort of righteous therapy, and makes the listener a better person for the hearing.

Arrau describes Beethoven's greatness in his essay "Thoughts on Beethoven" in the 33 1/3 Philips LP edition. "Beethoven has always stood for the spirit of man victorious. His message of endless stuggle concluding in the victory of renewal and spiritual rebirth...his life was an existential fight for survival...In the sense that he mastered both his life and his art to reach the ultimate heights of creation and transfiguration, he will last as long as man's spirit to prevail lasts on this earth." Part of the greatness of Beethoven's character came from his ability to be intimately close and at the same time at an infinite distance above his listener. Arrau possesses this same character, and his qualities as a man and artist are why he is able to so aptly render the greatness of Beethoven.

A book titled "Conversations with Arrau" was written by Joseph Horowitz to celebrate the artists's 80th birthday in 1982. I've only read the extracts published with the Philips edition, but there is enough information to get a feel for Arrau's character. He guarded the purity of his environment. He shunned parties and avoided small talk. He never drank or smoked, never learned to drive a car, boil an egg, or even operate a phonograph. His only hobby was gardening. Horowitz describes him as the embodiment of the nineteenth-century model of the artist as solitary, suffering hero. He was small (5'6") and frail, but in 1982 at age 80 he was still playing more that 70 concerts a season.

Rather than launch a discussion of his individual works (this has been done admirably by many of the reviewers) I will remark on just a few. I never properly appreciated the Fourth and the Seventh Sonatas until I heard Arrau's reading of these works. His Fourth takes 31 minutes, 30 seconds. Annie Fischer, another great interpreter of Beethoven, plays it in 27 minutes, 30 seconds. And Ms. Fischer does not play at a hurried tempo.

Yes, Arrau plays the sonatas at a slower tempo than any other interpreter. He also achieves a mystical quality in his interpretations that is unmatched. The second movement of the Seventh comes in at 10 min, 30 seconds. It is the greatest 10 1/2 minutes of piano music ever conceived. When interpreted by Arrau it becomes a microcosm of Beethoven's life and work. The second movement of the Appassionata is a sacred hymn.

Arrau's five piano concertos are splendid. I've heard no other renditions of the concertos with slow movements that equal Arrau's. No one plays the middle movements with his expressiveness and sense of the numinous. And his rendition of the "Eroica Variations" is on a par with the top few recordings of this piece.

If you have any interest in Beethoven, at whatever level, this bargain is outstanding.

Beethoven + Arrau = Divinity.......2006-10-29

If you love Beethoven, Arrau's interpretation will certainly be a joyful addition to your classical music collection. For me, his is the definitive Beethoven.

Though some will likely disagree, I have listened to many other great pianists' recordings of Beethoven sonatas, and they are great (don't get me wrong). Yet Arrau is unique in his ability to bring to light subtleties in the melodies that no one else can, and these often turn out to be the most enlightening and resonant of passages. His Op. 111 is indeed unparalleled, and his recording of the 2nd movement is one of my favorite pieces in the world. On top of that, his rendition of the Moonlight Sonata, his Waldstein, his Concertos, every recording on this boxed set is a testament to the depth Arrau worked diligently and consciously to achieve; depth that transcends technical showmanship and for the intuitive listener can certainly elicit fleeting glimpses of divine ecstasy.

At any price, it's a steal - beauty of this magnitude is all too rare.

Beethoven himself would be proud........2006-06-19

This is a masterpiece. Don't listen to the one negative review, as this guy is tone deaf. This compilation of Beethoven's music is a treasure to behold. A bargain at twice the price, this is well worth the money. Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!

Average customer rating:

Superb music - lousy packaging
AMONG THE BEST
Excellent bargain
So wonderful that these have been re-released
Deep and thoughtful

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas
Beethoven , and Frank
Manufacturer: Music & Arts Program
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000063DK9
Release Date: 2006-01-01

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Menuetto: Allegretto/Trio
IV. Prestissimo
I. Allegro
II. Adagio Grazioso
III. Rondo: Allegretto
I. Allegro Assai/Piu Allegro
II. Andante Con Moto Allegro, Ma Non Troppo/Presto

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Allegretto/Maggiore
III. Rondo: Allegro Comodo
I. Largo/Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegretto
I. Vivace, Ma Non Troppo/Adagio Espressivo
II. Prestissimo
III. Gesangvoll, Mit Innigster Empfindung (Variations 1-6)

Tracks:

I. Allegro Molto E Con Brio
II. Adagio Molto
III. Finale. Prestissimo
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace/Trio
IV. Rondo: Allegro, Ma non Troppo/Piu Allegro Quasi Presto
I. Presto Alla Tedesca
II. L'Absence: Andante Espressivo/Le Retour: Vivacissimamente

Tracks:

I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Adagio
III. Scherzo: Allegro/Trio/Coda
IV. Allegro Assai
I. In Tempo D'Un Menuetto
II. Allegretto/Piu Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Allegretto
III. Presto
I. Moderato cantabile, Molto Espressivo
II. Allegro Molto
III. Adagio, Ma Non Troppo/Fugue: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

I. Grave/Allegro Di Molto E con Brio
II. Adagio Cantabile
III. Rondo: Allegro
I. Presto Alla Tedesca
II. Andante
III. Vivace
I. Adagio Cantabile/Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
II. Allegro Vivace
I. Allegro
II. Scherzo: Allegretto Vivace
III. Menuetto: Moderato E Grazioso/Trio
IV. Presto Con Fuoco

Tracks:

I. Andante
II. Rondo: Allegro
I. Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
II. Tempo Di Menuetto
I. Allegro
II. Scherzo: Assai Vivace
III. Adagio Sostenuto
IV. Largo/Allegro Risoluto

Tracks:

I. Presto
II. Largo E Mesto
III. Menuetto/Allegro/Trip
IV. Rondo: Allegro
I. Mit Lebhaftigkeit Und Durchaus Mit Empfindung Und Ausdruck
II. Nicht Zu Geschwind Und Sehr Singbar
I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Introduzione: Adagio Molto
III. Rondo: Allegretto Moderato

Tracks:

I. Allegro Molto E Con Brio
II. Largo, Con Gran Espressione
III. Allegro/Minore
IV. Rondo: Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
I. Andante Con Variazione
II. Scherzo: Allegro Molto/Trio
III. Marcia Funebre Sulla Morte D'un Eroe
IV. Allegro
I. Etwas Lebhaft Und Mit Der innigsten Empfindung
II. Lebhaft, Marschmassig
III. Langsam Und Sehnsuchtvoll/Geschwinde, Doch Nicht Zu sehr, Und Mit Entschlossenheit

Tracks:

I. Allegro Vivace
II. Largo Appassionato
III. Scherzo: Allegretto
IV. Rondo: Grazioso
I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Adagio Con Molta Espressione
III. Menuetto/Minore
IV. Rondo: Allegretto
I. Adagio Sostenuto
II. Allegretto
III. Presto

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Scherzo: Allegro Assai
I. Andante/Allegro/II. Allegro Molto E Vivace/III. Adagio Con Espressione/IV. Allegro Vivace/Presto
I. Maestoso/Allegro Con Brio Ed Appassionato
II. Arietta: Adagio Molto Semplice E Cantabile

Customer Reviews:

Superb music - lousy packaging.......2007-03-30

The playing and sound is superb and the price is right. I have one big complaint, though. My set came with no liner notes whatsover, not even a listing of the pieces and which of the ten CDs they are on. This information is found only printed on the CDs themselves, which means you have to rummage through them to find a particular sonata. And even then the track listings are not given, so unless you have memorized how many movements each sonata has you are out of luck on finding where a particular one begins. Quite an oversight - I would gladly have paid a few dollars more if they had included a brochure with complete track information.

AMONG THE BEST.......2006-11-28

One man's viewpoint:
I have three other sets of the 32, and love them all. I must say that Frank can really cut it - great agility, a bit of rubato, and a sense of true comprehension and mastery of the music. His Hammerklavier surprised me: It's one of the most thoughtfull I own.
*** Frank can--in some pieces--transport us in ways we hadn't expected. When I bought this, I paid an amazing low price. Now, to my ears, it's worth triple that amount. Get this set and the O'Conor set. Fall in love twice.

Excellent bargain.......2006-07-26

I agree with the positive comments of all the reviewers below. A couple of points that that might interest prospective purchasers:
1. Most of the repeats, but not all, are observed.
2. Although I agree that the level of playing and interpretation is VERY high, I found Frank's mannerism of anticipating the right hand with the left occurred often enough to be annoying.
That said, this set will give a great deal of pleasure, but I agree that I wouldn't want it to be the only one in my collection.

So wonderful that these have been re-released.......2006-03-27

I "grew up" with these recordings, bought the set on vinyl in college. I was thrilled to find they'd been re-released on CD; like the Guarneri recordings of the Beethoven string quartets. There is a world of thought and care and joy here.

Deep and thoughtful.......2006-01-12

This is a marvelous set of the piano sonatas. I learned about the set from Professor Greenberg's lecture series on the Beethoven piano sonatas (also worth getting from The Teaching Company). Greenberg uses this set to illustrate his lectures.

Yes, it's true that one can find flashier performances of a few of the pieces elsewhere (I've heard the Waldstein much more fiery), but these performances fit together nicely as a deep reading of the whole set. They are invariably beautiful and thoughtful. A few are, to me, mind-blowing (the Les Adieu, the Pathetique, second movement of the Opus 111, several of the scherzi).

Also, the sound on the CD is terrific. Hightly recommended.

Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 4: Sonatas Opp. 26, 27 & 28

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 4: Sonatas Opp. 26, 27 & 28

Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Piano Quintet in F Min / Complete String Quartets (1, 2, 3)
Beethoven: Complete Music for Piano and Violoncello

ASIN: B000PC6G6A
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Andante Con Variazioni
Scherzo. Allegro Molto
Marcia Funebre Sulla Morte D'un Eroe
Allegro
Andante - Allegro - Tempo I
Allegro Molto E Vivace
Adagio Con Espressione
Allegro Vivace
Adagio Sostenuto
Allegretto
Presto Agitato
Allegro
Andante
Scherzo. Allegro Vivace
Rondo. Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Average customer rating:

Mostly good
Look at the List of Performers First
this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France
You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks!
Buy my box Set!

Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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ASIN: B00062FLHE
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Mostly good.......2007-05-26

A bit of a mixed bag. The symphonies are superb. This is one of the great symphony cycles. The piano sonatas are good, very good (analog) sound. The quartets are well recorded indeed, but there are better cycles out there. The rest is OK, and the sound is genrally good.

Look at the List of Performers First.......2006-11-17

If you want most of Beethoven sitting on one bookshelf, this is a great bargain (especially if you shop for it on amazon.de). But few if any of the performances represent the pinnacles of interpretation that most listeners demand when Beethoven is the composer. The symphonies for instance: can Blomstedt be compared to Furtwangler or (if you lean toward historically informed instrumentation) Gardiner? Most amazingly, the artists who perform the quartets -- the heart of Beethoven's music -- are not even named in the listing.
On the other hand: Vivaldi: The Masterworks is a collection including the very best interpreters, such as Fabio Biondi! Bach Edition (complete Bach) is a fabulous selection of recordings made over 20 years, and almost the same praise can be given the Complete Mozart.

this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France.......2006-05-28

there are several sets in this series and it's much cheaper to buy these from Amazon France.

included are bach, beethoven, vivaldi, brahms, dvorak, schubert, handel, hayden, and mendelssohn.

they're even cheaper than the list price once u go through the checkout (VAT is removed for overseas (out-of-france) purchases).

**also, the 'complete works of mozart' set is much cheaper there (or at Amazon Germany), too. the 'complete works of bach' is due out later this year.

You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks! .......2006-04-07

There is quality beyond the Austrian green cardboard (which is lovely to look at, to say the least). In fact, the performance of the symphonies (Dresden Staatskapelle and Herbert Blomstedt) is alone worth the price. The Staatskapelle is a solid group, and Blomstedt, although less wellknown, holds his own. It should be mentioned that Blomstedt recorded many of the most celebrated 20th composition CDs on the market, and definitely knows his stuff. Peter Wohlert recorded mostly for compiliation lables, but to be selected by the Berlin Phil shows that he is a formdiable conductor in rank as well.

Should you buy this collection then? Given the fact that each CD cost $1.75, there is definitely the bargin factor. However, Beethoven's music desveres the top interpreters and musicians of our time - and this applies for all of his music, not just the symphonic. If you are into bargins, then proceed to buy this collection. However, if you save up a bit more, you can buy Karajan's 1963 Beethovens symphonies along with Kempff's 1956 sonata cycles for just a bit more than 70 bucks. Shop around for the string quartets, and the complete overtures should range anywhere from 15 to 30 bucks depending on the conductor/ensemble.

Overall, this is certainly an exceptional bargin. However, quality matter more than money. Besides, chicks dig people with sophisticated tastes.

Buy my box Set!.......2006-03-21

Awesome deal, 40 CD box set of me, Beethoven! There are 3 principle reasons you should buy this box set:

This box is QUALITY my friend, made of the finest, Austrian cardboard with a lovely green finish, it is made to last! You can just set it on your dresser and whenever you need a Beethoven fix you can just pull a CD out. But don't you hate getting your CDs out of order so you can't find what the hell you're looking for?! Not with this set! They are well organized into symphonies, concerti, sonatas and such, so you can find EXACTLY what your looking for, and they have big numbers on them so you can put them right back where they belong.

And the music! Need we go into this, composed through the inspiration of God himself and penned by the greatest composer who ever walked the streets of Vienna, me, Beethoven! Top notch, all done by top performers and recorded at high, clear, digital quality, stick one in your stereo and rock out man! All of my great and mighty works are here, absolutely sublime!

Lastly, you'll be supporting me, I need those royalty checks to keep rolling in!

Buy it if you love me or just buy it if you want people to think that you're sophisticated (the chicks also dig it, I should know: Antonie Brentano, giggity!), you can't go wrong!

Average customer rating:

Astonishing Clarity
wounderful sonatas, questionable performance
Music to Put You to Sleep
Superb Sonata Survey of Budget Beethoven
Beethoven's Most Popular Piano Works

Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas
Ludwig van Beethoven , and Alfred Brendel
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000417L
Release Date: 1994-01-18

Tracks:

Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 (Pathetique): 1. Grave - Allegro Di Molto E Con Brio
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 (Pathetique): 2. Adagio Cantabile
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 (Pathetique): 3. Rondo (Allegro)
Sonata No 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 (Moonlight): 1. Adagio Sostenuto
Sonata No 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 (Moonlight): 2. Allegretto
Sonata No 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 (Moonlight): 3. Presto
Sonata No. 15 In D, Op. 28 (Pastoral): 1. Allegro
Sonata No. 15 In D, Op. 28 (Pastoral): 2. Andante
Sonata No. 15 In D, Op. 28 (Pastoral): 3. Scherzo (Allegro Assai)
Sonata No. 15 In D, Op. 28 (Pastoral): 4. Rondo (Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
Sonata No. 26 In E Flat, Op. 81a (Les Adieux): 1. Das Lebewohl (Adagio - Allegro)
Sonata No. 26 In E Flat, Op. 81a (Les Adieux): 2. Abwesenheit (Andante Espressivo)
Sonata No. 26 In E Flat, Op. 81a (Les Adieux): Das Wiedersehen (Vivacissimamento)

Tracks:

Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 (The Tempest): 1. Largo - Allegro
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 (The Tempest): 2. Adagio
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 (The Tempest): 3. Allegretto
Sonata No. 21 In C, Op. 53 (Waldstein): 1. Allegro Con Brio
Sonata No. 21 In C, Op. 53 (Waldstein): 2. Introduzione (Adagio Molto)
Sonata No. 21 In C, Op. 53 (Waldstein): 3. Rondo (Allegretto Moderato - Pretissimo)
Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 (Appassionata): 1. Allegro Assai
Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 (Appassionata): 2. Andante Con Moto
Sonata No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 57 (Appassionata): 3. Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Customer Reviews:

Astonishing Clarity.......2007-04-26

I recently heard Brendel's 70s recordings of the "famous" Beethoven sonatas first time in quite a few years (I heard them before). Initially, I was not moved. It sounded like he was just playing the notes. As I listened more attentively, however, I started to get impressed. Clarity is the key word here - the clarity of playing and intention. No detail is too small to Brendel. Every marking by the composer (staccato, legato, crescendo, decrescendo, diminuendo, etc) is observed with utmost care. He is one of the few musicians who understand the importance of clearly differentiating between forte, mezzo-forte, and fortissimo (and varying levels of piano in that matter). It also appears he painstakingly prepared the voicing of certain chords so they sound in very particular ways. Listening to Brendel is like watching familiar movies through an HDTV. Compared to his playing, Ashkenazy glosses over quite a few details even though I love his romantic view of the works. Brendel's Beethoven is like a house solidly built inside and out, with every nail firmly hammered in. In comparison, Ashkenazy's is like a house that is glamorously painted outside without as much craftsmanship committed inside.

Perhaps the downside of Brendel's approach is that everything sounds too intentional. It's as if Brendel pushes the score into my face, pointing at notes and markings for me. More imagination and spontaneity may have helped. But no one can deny this is a faithful materialization of what Beethoven wrote, astonishingly executed. Of course you can supplement Brendel with the Russian guys such as Gilels, Richter, Horowitz and particularly Kissin, whose rendition of Moonlight sonata defies any comparison. They truly know how to conjure up a perfect storm or squeeze every drop of juice from the score. But it would be misleading to think Brendel delivers no emotion from these sonatas. After all, the emotions are already in the music when played right. And no one knows more how to play the music right than Brendel does.

wounderful sonatas, questionable performance.......2006-02-10

When I found this recording in my library I was sourprised: The most beloved sonatas of Beethoven, played by a pianist I appreciate so much. How could I forget I own it?
I listened again, and understood. The sonatas are wounderful, but the playing is at most OK, and these works deserve much more. Almost every piece here has at least one much better performance: I prefer, for instance Gilels for the Appasionata, Rubinstein for the Pathetique, and Barenboim for the Les Adieux. This recording simply doesn't get to me.

Music to Put You to Sleep.......2005-07-01

I find Brendel's playing style washy, imprecise, sluggish, and completely without fire. In a word, boring! He is the anti-Glenn Gould.

Superb Sonata Survey of Budget Beethoven.......2005-03-22

Earlier recordings by Alfred Brendel hold a top spot in Gramophone's 2005 Classical CD Review, but while not at the top of the listing, this CD receives considerable praise at honorable mention. As always, individual sonatas have their respective, best interpreters (e.g., Rubinestein or Richter for Appassionata; Gilels for Waldstein); however, this is a rarely-found sampling by a recognized "great" pianist. In addition, collecting the pieces represented here would normally require the purchase of 2-3 individual CDs or a packaged cycle. Thus, this is a bargain value. Perhaps not the "first choice" for the musical purist or trained ear, nevertheless these recordings serve as a well-above-average collection of the most familiar Beethoven piano sonatas. Perfect for the classical listener wishing to (a) discover Beethoven piano music; (b) looking to fill in or diversify an existing collection or, (c) looking for a concise B+/A- collection of Brendal interpretations.

Beethoven's Most Popular Piano Works.......2005-01-27

Before Beethoven, the solo piano compositions (piano sonatas) of Haydn and Mozart were more designed for teaching, parlor music or an occasional showing of virtuosity - but within the classical restraint of the Vieneese culture. After mostly following this model for some time, Beethoven threw off these restaints and unleashed an unheard-of level of power and virtuosity - pioneering piano compositions of great drama, emotional expression and wide, dynamic tones. The public loved this new musical expression, especially such early works as the Pathetique and the so-called "Moonlight" sonata. Where piano sonatas before were well-suited for the dilattante and amatuer, these were now reserved only for the most advanced pianist. It was with such piano sonatas that Beethoven first worked out his revolutionary musical concepts that paved the way for his later and greater symphonies, concertos and string quartets - leaving behind the restraints of the "Classical period" and forging the way to the more-emotive "Romantic period."

Beethoven's seven most famous piano sonatas (the so-called "name sonatas") are on these two CD's. They are popular mostly because of the music is superb and changed the way the world looked at music at that time. These works (from Beethoven's "early" and "middle" periods until about 1801) are more popular and appealing to the average or newer listener than Beethoven's "lesser-accessible" and more turbulant later compositions. But, with so many recordings of these sonatas by so many of the great pianists to chose from, how does one decide? While for any individual sonata a certain performer may have recorded a spectacular reading, this 2-CD set by Alfred Brendel is - on a whole - excellent and highly rated. Gramophone Guide concluded of this DUO set, "These can be recommended without any reservations whatsoever." Brendel recorded three complete cycles of Beethoven's 32 sontatas. These are from Brendel's 1970's cycle (compared to the legendary first cycle on Vox or the most recent complete set recorded in the 1990's on Philips).

As one of the legendary pianist of the 20th century, Mr. Brendel is recognized worldwide as one of the finest interpreters of Beethoven (and Schubert) and gives exceptional performances here that are recorded with very good sound. Each reading is compelling, well-conceived and full of suspenseful and dramatic unfolding (Penguin Guide refers to them as "authoritive"). In particular, his "Waldstein" and "Tempest" show an exciting and seamless train-of-thought that resonates in the mind long after. His "Pastoral" and "Les Adieux" are gorgeous and flow like a refreshing stream. Equally attractive are the slower movements of the "Pathetique" and "Moonlight" sontata where Mr. Brendel creates an alluring atmosphere that is quiet, passionate and tender - hardly fitting the description of "overly-intellectual" often used in reference to his style (maybe its the thick glasses?). His readings here are still among my favorite for their depth and masterful sense of direction and unfolding, but many great pianist have recorded these marvels that have their own allure.

All things - sound quality included - this DUO set of Brendel's Beethoven makes an excellent first purchase for those exploring Beethoven's piano sonatas especially with the value of the Philips DUO set. It remains one of my favorite of hundreds of classical CD's. But, in this genre, the choices and quality is staggering and the hunt for the "best" can become a huge task. Last, if you are looking for a first, COMPLETE SET of all Beethoven's 32 sonatas for piano, there are two great, "Super-Budget" choices from Bernard Roberts (Nimbus) or Claude Frank (Music & Arts). Both present Beethoven with balance and artistry and make good reference sets that are highly affordable (only about $25-30 on Amazon marketplace for the 10-CD set).

Average customer rating:

A good reference copy
Lowest-cost complete set
A very good bargain buy for Beethoven Sonatas
YOu get what you pay for...and in this case,,,a pinch more.
Great Bargain - Great Playing - So So Sound Quality

Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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