Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas [Import]

Track Listings
1. Mondschein - 1. Satz- Adagio    
2. Mondschein - 2. Satz- Allegretto    
3. Mondschein - 3. Satz- Presto Agitato    
4. Pathetique - 1. Satz- Grave - Allegro Molto E Con Brio    
5. Pathetique - 2. Satz- Adagio Cantabile    
6. Pathetique - 3. Satz- Rondo- Allegro    
7. Waldstein - 1. Satz- Allegro Con Brio    
8. Waldstein - 2. Satz- Introduzione - Molto Adagio    
9. Waldstein - 3. Satz- Rondo- Allegretto Moderato - Prestissimo    

Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas, Music, Radu Lupu, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Classical
Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • 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

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
Ashkenazy, VladimirAshkenazy, Vladimir | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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  5. Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2

ASIN: B0000041LE
Release Date: 1997-08-26

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars 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.

4 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.
Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • 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

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. Mozart: Great Piano Concertos
  2. Brahms: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2
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  4. Tchaikovsky: Symphony 6 "Pathétique" in B minor Op. 74
  5. Beethoven: Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7 / Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

ASIN: B00000417L
Release Date: 1994-01-18

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars 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.

2 out of 5 stars 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.

2 out of 5 stars 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.

4 out of 5 stars 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.

4 out of 5 stars 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).
Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas [Australia]
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Solid performance of Wonderful Sonatas
 Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas [Australia]
Radu Lupu
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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  4. Robert Schumann: Radu Lupu - Kinderszenen/Kreisleriana/Humoreske
  5. Mozart: Concertos for Two and Three Pianos

ASIN: B00004UPVL
Release Date: 1999-03-29

Tracks:

  1. Mondschein - 1. Satz- Adagio
  2. Mondschein - 2. Satz- Allegretto
  3. Mondschein - 3. Satz- Presto Agitato
  4. Pathetique - 1. Satz- Grave - Allegro Molto E Con Brio
  5. Pathetique - 2. Satz- Adagio Cantabile
  6. Pathetique - 3. Satz- Rondo- Allegro
  7. Waldstein - 1. Satz- Allegro Con Brio
  8. Waldstein - 2. Satz- Introduzione - Molto Adagio
  9. Waldstein - 3. Satz- Rondo- Allegretto Moderato - Prestissimo

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Solid performance of Wonderful Sonatas.......2005-02-23

This CD is a collection of fine performances of 3 of my favorite piano sonatas.
While the recordings all date from 1972, the recording quality is good and the performance is wonderful.
Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 [Australia]
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 [Australia]
    Wilhelm Backhaus
    Manufacturer: Decca
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00006IM5T
    Release Date: 2005-05-30

    Tracks:

    1. Piano Sonata No.17 'Tempest'
    2. Piano Sonata No.23 'Appassionata'
    3. Piano Sonata No.24 'A Therese'
    4. Piano Sonata No.25 'Alla Tedesca'
    5. Piano Sonata N0,26 'Les Adieux'

    Album Details

    A Compendium of Marvellous Performances from the Grand Old Beethovenian, Wilhelm Backhaus, These Performances have all the Gravitas Traditionally Associated with this Pianist but also Youthful Fire in Such Pieces as the Appassionata. The Three 'big Name' Sonatas Frame Two 'little' Ones - the Charming Opp. 78 and 79, Respectively a Therese and Alla Tedesca.
    Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas [Germany]
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas [Germany]
      Artur Schnabel
      Manufacturer: Quadromania
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00022UST4
      Release Date: 2006-05-03

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