Piano Sonatas 1-3

1. Sonata for piano No 1 in D minor
Composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
with Michael Schafer

2. Sonata for piano No 2 in E major, Op 2
Composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
with Michael Schafer

3. Sonata for piano, No 3 in C major, Op 25
Composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
with Michael Schafer

4. Kleine Karikaturen (4) für Kinder, for piano, Op 19
Composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
with Michael Schafer

5. Geschichten von Strauss(Tales of Strauss), for piano, Op 21
Composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
with Michael Schafer

Piano Sonatas 1-3,Korngold,Schafer,Calig (Ger),Classical

Average customer rating: Brahms Violin Sonatas these are really good sonatas Brahms Finest Brahms Perlman and Ashkenazy do it again

Great Recordings Of The Century - Brahms: Violin Sonatas nos 1 - 3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy Itzhak Perlman , and Vladimir Ashkenazy Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem] Paganini: 24 Caprices Dvorák: Cello Concerto; Tchaikovsky / Karajan, Rostropovich, Mozart: The Violin Sonatas ASIN: B00000I7VT Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

1. Violin Sonata No.1 In G, Op.78: I: Vivace ma non troppo
2. Violin Sonata No.1 In G, Op.78: II: Adagio
3. Violin Sonata No.1 In G, Op.78: III: Allegro molto moderato
4. Violin Sonata No.2 In A, Op.100: I: Allegro amibile
5. Violin Sonata No.2 In A, Op.100: II: Andante tranquillo - Vivace
6. Violin Sonata No.2 In A, Op.100: II: Allegretto grazioso (quasi andante)
7. Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: I: Allegro
8. Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: II: Adagio
9. Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: III: Un poco presto e con sentimento
10. Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: IV: Presto agitato

Amazon.com essential recording

Itzhak Perlman is the greatest living exponent of the Romantic, sentimental style of violin playing. As in his reading of the Brahms concerto, he shows sovereign mastery in these accounts, which are characterized by intense emotion and heated expression (Perlman's warm vibrato and carefully placed portamentos quickly give him away), but are also gripping in the quiet, meditative pages. The first two sonatas' relationship to songs could easily be guessed from the way Perlman plays them in a single, seamless line, marked by soaring climaxes and tender, haunting pianissimos. The treatment sometimes does seem a bit premeditated, but it is so compelling as to sweep aside any criticism. In this 1983 recording (sonically superior to Perlman's later remake with pianist Daniel Barenboim, for Sony), the violin sounds slightly forward, though not unpleasantly so. Warm, supportive, lyrical playing from Vladmir Ashkenazy rounds out a marvelous offering. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Brahms Violin Sonatas.......2007-01-11

Good but not top flight. This is an old recording--sounds a little tired.

these are really good sonatas.......2005-10-10

These three sonatas are in my opinion some of the best compositions of Brahms. They are wonderfully tunefull and each sets a distinct mood (although all three are somewhat melancholic). The interaction of the violin and piano is just fantastic and Perlman and Ashkenazy pull it off well. Sound quality is great as well.

Brahms.......2005-10-07

I bought this for my college age daughter's music class and I am enjoying it as well. Violin music, of any sort, is enjoyable to listen to and this one is a wonderful addition to a music library.

Finest Brahms.......2002-05-22

I've always enjoyed Brahms' chamber works more than his symphonies. Somehow his intent comes off more clearly; the desperation and anger and melancholy of the music is more exposed, as if juggling an entire orchestra in the composition could dull the edges of these emotions. Of course the quality of any piece is tied with the quality of the performers (who invariably stamp then with their own personalities), and here we have a brilliant union: Perlman and Ashkenazy play flawlessly. Perlman's tonality is clear and sonorous, but never treacly; it still maintains the edge that these pieces require. From the sweet lilting melodies of the first sonata to simmering violence of the third, it is a commanding performance. The piano part in these works is equally demanding, and Ashkenazy is more than a match for Perlman's virtuosity.

If you're looking for the third sonata specifically, Vengerov and Barenboim turn in a more stirring (but somewhat looser) performance on the Teldec label. I actually prefer that version as it's more intense, more intimate. But if you're looking for a complete collection of these wonderful sonatas, you simply can't go wrong with Perlman and Ashkenazy.

Perlman and Ashkenazy do it again.......2001-07-24

The combination of these two great artists continually results in some of the finest music making ever. The two seem to almost share a mind while performing so perfectly in tune with each other they come across. I don't think Brahms has ever sounded so beautiful and alive as this recording manages to sound.

Average customer rating: Yes, perfect Mozart-A prisoner of his own time. Good music and good value Five and a half hours of joy for not much bucks FINALLY

Mozart: Piano Sonatas Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Eschenbach, Christoph | ( E ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Eschenbach, Christoph | ( E ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart: The Violin Sonatas Brahms: Works for Solo Piano Schubert: The Piano Sonatas Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet ASIN: B00002DEH1 Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 46d: 1. Allegro
2. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 46d: 2. Menuetto I - II
3. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 46e: 1. Allegro
4. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 46e: 2. Menuetto
5. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 1. Allegro
6. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 2. Andante
7. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 3. Allegro
8. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 1. Allegro assai
9. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 2. Adagio
10. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 3. Presto
11. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 1. Allegro
12. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 2. Andante amoroso
13. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 3. Rondeau. Allegro
14. Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 1. Adagio
15. Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 2. Menuetto I - II
16. Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 1. Allegro
2. Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 2. Andante
3. Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 3. Presto
4. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 1. Allegro
5. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 2. Rondo en Polonaise. Andante
6. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 3. Andante - Thema - Variations I-XII
7. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 1. Allegro con spirito
8. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 2. Andante un poco adagio
9. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 3. Rondeau. Allegretto grazioso
10. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 1. Allegro con spirito
11. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 2. Andante con espressione
12. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 3. Rondo. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 1. Allegro maestoso
2. Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 2. Andante cantabile con espressione
3. Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 3. Presto
4. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 1. Allegro moderato
5. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 2. Andante cantabile
6. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 3. Allegretto
7. Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 1. Andante grazioso - Thema - Variations I - VI
8. Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 2. Menuetto - Trio
9. Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 3. Alla turca. Allegretto

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 1. Allegro
2. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 2. Adagio
3. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 3. Allegro assai
4. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 1. Allegro
5. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 2. Andante cantabile
6. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 3. Allegretto grazioso
7. Fantasia In C Minor, K. 475: Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu allegro - Primo tempo
8. Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 1. Molto allegro
9. Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 2. Adagio
10. Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 3. Allegro assai

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 1. Allegro (K. 533)
2. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 2. Andante (K. 533)
3. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 3. Rondo. Allegretto (K. 494)
4. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 1. Allegro
5. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 2. Andante
6. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 3. Rondo. Allegretto
7. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 1. Allegro
8. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 2. Adagio
9. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 3. Allegretto
10. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 1. Allegro
11. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 2. Adagio
12. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 3. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Yes, perfect.......2007-07-11

Fabulous music. Simple, direct, un-affected peformances that are a delight to listen-to over and over again. At times the playing is utterly sublime. These performances are technically perfect in a smooth sense - and totally absorbing.

Mozart-A prisoner of his own time........2006-09-08

If you were to clump all of the composers of the classical era together, mix them up, and listen to them willy-nilly in a blind hearing test, you'll never be able to tell the difference between them... until you hear Mozart. Mozart's era was not rich in harmony. To me, Haydn wrote the same symphony over and over. Stamitz and Gossec... love 'em, but they were also prisoners of this classical harmony. But Mozart was able to put his fingerprint on all of his music. You can pick his music out blindly with ease because it is unmistakingly Mozart. That's why we have a mostly Mozart festival and not a mostly Kraus (who?) festival.

As this cd shows, Mozart's music was sublime. But even he struggled with using this "harmony of the day". If you were to study the catalogues of Mozart's symphonies, sonatas, and chamber music, let's face it; you would hear a lot of turkies before you made it to the peacocks. We would have to wait until Chopin until the harmonies fattened up a little.

Having said that, you have to completely hail Mozart for taking what was available to him in his day and creating some of the most sublime music with it. It would be like for the next ten years all the world had available to eat was peas, and 200 years from now one man became immortal for the many interesting ways he was able to manipulate peas into a meal.

Good music and good value.......2006-08-28

Bought this for my son who is learning to play piano. Lots of good music, not too expensive.

Five and a half hours of joy for not much bucks.......2005-11-11

This is just about the best money I've ever spent on music. I love Eschenbach's interpretations: tenderness and emotional intimacy in spades---and dazzling effects without self-consciousness or "athletic" display of technique. I would say that he "lets Mozart be Mozart," except that these interpretations have so much personality that Eschenbach's own life-energy must be coming through. I just think that his own personality complements Mozart's perfectly.

FINALLY.......2004-08-05

I've searched the world over for a box set of all of Mozart's piano sonatas that I liked. The first one I heard was the Glenn Gould version, which in retrospect was not so smart. I like his playing but he hums into the mic during the recording. Real smart.

Anyways, Eschenbach plays these with all the virtuosity and feeling they demand. My favorite piano sonata is Mozart's 12th and he plays it flawlessly; the only thing remotely lacking is that he doesn't quite dig in as much as Alicia de la Roccha does when she plays it on the Allegro movement, but he more than makes up for it with his playing on the Adagio movement.

If it's not your cup of tea it might be worthwhile getting the de la Roccha box set, but personally I think the Eschenbach recording is the best out of all of them.

Average customer rating: Barenboim's Beethvoen One of the very best ever dead in the water Sublime expression nourished by a colossal vision! Performed with great enthusiasm

Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Barenboim, Daniel | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos Brahms: Works for Solo Piano Chopin: The Piano Works ASIN: B00000C2KP Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

1. Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Allegro
2. Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Adagio
3. Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Menuetto: Allegretto
4. Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Prestissimo
5. Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Allegro vivace
6. Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Largo appassionato
7. Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Scherzo: Allegretto
8. Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Rondo: Grazioso
9. Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Allegro con brio
10. Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Adagio
11. Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Scherzo: Allegro
12. Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Allegro assai

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Vivace, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo - Tempo 1
2. Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Prestissimo
3. Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Tema: Andante molto cantabile e espressivo - Variazioni 1-6
4. Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Moderato cantabile, molto espressivo
5. Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Allegro molto
6. Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Adagio ma non troppo
7. 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
8. Sonata No.32 in C minor, op.111: Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato
9. 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.]

Personally, I think his style is just right for Beethoven (but perhaps just a bit much when he plays Mozart). I'm very glad that I bought this set, but some might prefer Brendell's (Phillips) or Kempff's (DG) more sedate versions.

Average customer rating: like sparkling mineral water Soulless Rendition Lovely Top notch performances Very good, but a bit misleading?

Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Barenboim, Daniel | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Barenboim, Daniel | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim Mozart: The Complete Piano Concertos Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos Mozart: The Violin Sonatas Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet ASIN: B00004YA0U Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro
2. II: Andante
3. III: Allegro
4. I: Allegro Assai
5. II: Adagio
6. III: Presto
7. I: Allegro Moderato
8. II: Andante Amoroso
9. III: Rondeau: Allegro
10. I: Adagio
11. II: Menuetto I - Menuetto II
12. III: Allegro
13. I: Allegro
14. II: Andante
15. III: Presto

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro
2. II: Rondeau En Polonaise: Andante
3. III: Tema (Andante) Con Variazioni (I-XII)
4. I: Allegro Con Spirito
5. II: Andante Un Poco Adagio
6. III: Rondeau: Allegretto Grazioso
7. I: Allegro Maestoso
8. II: Andante Cantabile Con Espressione
9. III: Presto

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Con Spirito
2. II: Andantino Con Espressione
3. III: Rondeau: Allegro
4. I: Allegro Moderato
5. II: Andante Cantabile
6. III: Allegretto
7. I: Tema (Andante Grazioso) Con Variazioni (I-VI)
8. II: Menuetto - Trio
9. III: Alla Turca: Allegretto
10. I: Allegro
11. II: Adagio
12. III: Allegro Assai

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro
2. II: Andante Cantabile
3. III: Allegretto Grazioso
4. Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu Allegro - Tempo I
5. I: Molto Allegro
6. II: Adagio
7. III: Allegro Assai

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro
2. II: Andante Cantabile
3. III: Allegretto
4. I: Allegro
5. II: Andante
6. III: Rondo
7. I: Allegro
8. II: Adagio
9. III: Allegretto
10. I: Allegro
11. II: Adagio
12. III: Allegretto

Tracks:

1. Tema ('Laat Ons Juichen'): Allegretto
2. Variation 1
3. Variation 2
4. Variation 3
5. Variation 4
6. Variation 5
7. Variation 6
8. Variation 7: Adagio
9. Variation 8: Tempo I
10. Tema (Air): Allegro
11. Variation 1
12. Variation 2
13. Variation 3
14. Variation 4
15. Variation 5: Adagio
16. Variation 6: Tempo I
17. Variation 7
18. Tema (Menuetto): Andante
19. Variation 1
20. Variation 2
21. Variation 3
22. Variation 4
23. Variation 5: Adagio
24. Variation 6: Allegretto
25. Tema (Menuet)
26. Variation 1
27. Variation 2
28. Variation 3
29. Variation 4
30. Variation 5
31. Variation 6
32. Variation 7
33. Variation 8
34. Variation 9
35. Variation 10
36. Variation 11: Adagio
37. Variation 12: Allegro
38. Tema (Air): Allegretto
39. Variation 1
40. Variation 2
41. Variation 3
42. Variation 4
43. Variation 5
44. Variation 6
45. Variation 7
46. Variation 8: Tempo Di Menuetto
47. Variation 9
48. Variation 10: Allegretto
49. Variation 11
50. Variation 12: Molto Adagio
51. Allegretto

Tracks:

1. Tema
2. Variation 1
3. Variation 2
4. Variation 3
5. Variation 4
6. Variation 5
7. Variation 6
8. Variation 7
9. Variation 8
10. Variation 9
11. Variation 10
12. Variation 11: Adagio
13. Variation 12: Allegro
14. Tema
15. Variation 1
16. Variation 2
17. Variation 3
18. Variation 4
19. Variation 5
20. Variation 6
21. Variation 7
22. Variation 8
23. Variation 9
24. Variation 10
25. Variation 11: Adagio
26. Variation 12: Presto
27. Tema: Andante
28. Variation 1
29. Variation 2
30. Variation 3
31. Variation 4
32. Variation 5
33. Variation 6
34. Variation 7
35. Variation 8: Adagio
36. Variation 9: Allegro
37. Tempo Di Tema
38. Tema
39. Variation 1
40. Variation 2
41. Variation 3
42. Variation 4
43. Variation 5
44. Variation 6
45. Variation 7: Adagio
46. Variation 8: Allegro
47. Tema
48. Variation 1
49. Variation 2
50. Variation 3
51. Variation 4
52. Variation 5
53. Variation 6

Tracks:

1. Tema: Allegretto
2. Variation 1
3. Variation 2
4. Variation 3
5. Variation 4
6. Variation 5
7. Variation 6
8. Variation 7
9. Variation 8
10. Variation 9: Adagio
11. Variation 10: Allegro
12. (Tempo I)
13. Tema: Allegretto
14. Variation 1
15. Variation 2
16. Variation 3
17. Variation 4
18. Variation 5
19. Variation 6
20. Variation 7
21. Variation 8
22. Variation 9
23. Variation 10
24. Variation 11: Adagio
25. Variation 12: Allegro
26. (Tempo I)
27. Tema: Allegretto
28. Variation 1
29. Variation 2
30. Variation 3
31. Variation 4
32. Variation 5
33. Variation 6
34. Tema
35. Variation 1
36. Variation 2
37. Variation 3
38. Variation 4
39. Variation 5
40. Variation 6
41. Variation 7
42. Variation 8: Adagio
43. Variation 9: Allegro
44. (Tempo I)
45. Tema
46. Variation 1
47. Variation 2
48. Variation 3
49. Variation 4
50. Variation 5
51. Variation 6
52. Variation 7: Adagio
53. Variation 8: Allegro
54. (Tempo I)

Customer Reviews:

like sparkling mineral water.......2006-12-22

It is something near to a cleansing experience to listen through the Mozart piano repertoire as performed by Daniel Barenboim.

For starters, Mozart achieves his sparest, cleanest, most limpid lines when writing for solo piano. Then comes Daniel Barenboim, whose reading of Mozart is crisply and unemotionally classical. Not for him the drawn-out keyboard soliloquy. On the contrary, Barenboim gives us Mozart, only Mozart, and nothing but Mozart, clean and shimmering as sparkling mineral water.

This is not to say that Barenboim as pianist is unfeeling. On the contrary, the Fantasia in C Minor - to choose just one example with almost random lack of care - is quite moving. But not with a flourish. Rather, with almost sinewy restraint. The presentation represents a fine grasp of the master composer, nurtured with discipline across the length and breadth of the voluminous sonatas.

Indeed, the sheer volume of the Mozart piano sonatas is intimidating. It is astonishing to imagine one man having mastered it as Barenboim has. EMI Classics has done us the favor of collecting these two gentlemen's asynchronic collaboration in one set, affordable at that.

If Mozart is a musician for the ages and Barenboim a performer who left a formidable imprint on the twentieth century, their collaboration as represented in these recordings is a watershed that will need to be referenced by students of classical piano for at least another hundred years, or until people can only remember as far back as the Dixie Chicks.

Buy Barenboim on Mozart before that happens, and so stick your thumb in the dike against the evil day.

Soulless Rendition.......2005-10-16

I have several artists' renditions of Mozart's piano sonatas in my library. Daniel Barenboim's is the worst. His technique is timid. His rendition is soulless and perfunctory. I regret purchasing this collection. The best rendition I have is the collection of Glenn Gould. If you like Mozart's piano sonatas played the way Mozart intended, give Barenboim a pass and listen to Gould.

Lovely.......2005-03-17

As a pianist myself, I love Barenboim's playing. He does not play Mozart too Beethoven like. His performances are usually VERY good, and this is one example. Also includes the complete variations, which are very nice. The sound quality is excellent. Very highly recommended.

"The sonatas of Mozart are unique: too easy for children, too difficult for adults. Children are given Mozart to play because of the quantity of notes; grown ups avoid him because of the quality of notes." - Artur Schnabel

Top notch performances.......2004-06-17

Daniel Barenboim played this whole set with an interesting approach to WAM . The notations about classical , beethovenian style are always hazardous.
When you are a musician you must avoid in the cliche , and you should feel the music as a whole and the playing must be the consequence of a overlong process that begins in your soul , then your inner mood , your intellect and finally your fingers. I remark the aspect when you are in front of Mozart, Beethoven Wagner, Bruckner, Bach , Schubert and Bartok , because these composers are in a highest level than the others and the music itself is merely a device for expressing deeper issues.
That's why this set is superb. Barenboim plays a Mozart rich in expresiveness , he gives to Mozart presence .
Barenboim plays music as Vegh or Furtwangler did it , always seeking the landscape far beyond the score . That's why they are so original in their performances . The rapture is not a device for exhibite his skills , it''s the final product of a long process.
Acquire this set. It's an unvaluable treasure.

Very good, but a bit misleading?.......2004-05-15

Barenboim playing Mozart has his critics, who say he's "too Beethovian" when performing Mozart's piano sonatas and piano concertos. I disagree; I love his style. Others might not.

My only complaint with this 8 CD set is that the advertised piano sonatas occupy the first 5 CDs; the last three are piano variations -- interesting, but not of the quality of the sonatas themselves. Surely a less-expensive 5-CD set, providing just the sonatas advertised in the title, would offer better value for money. On the other hand, 5 great CDs for $48 isn't a bad deal.

Average customer rating: JOHANNES, ANNE-SOPHIE AND ALEXIS --WHAT A TEAM! Trio of great violin sonatas

Brahms: Violin Sonatas Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Mutter, Anne-Sophie | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mutter, Anne-Sophie | ( M ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach: Violin Concertos Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1-3; Rondo, K. 373 Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77 D. Scarlatti: 18 Sonatas Lalo: Symphonie espagnole; Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen: Massenet: Thaïs - Meditation ASIN: B00005NPJ2 Release Date: 2003-01-07

Tracks:

1. I. Vivace Ma Non Troppo
2. II. Adagio
3. III. Allegro Molto Moderato
4. I. Allegro Amabile
5. II. Andante Tranquillo - Vivace
6. III. Allegretto Grazioso
7. I. Allegro
8. II. Adagio
9. III. Un Poco Presto E Con Sentimento
10. IV. Presto Agitato

Customer Reviews:

JOHANNES, ANNE-SOPHIE AND ALEXIS --WHAT A TEAM!.......2007-06-19

In this recording we have three of Brahms' greatest chamber works (the violin sonatas) played by, in my humble opinion, two of classical music's greatest performers--Anne-Sophie Mutter, on violin and Alexis Weissenberg, on piano. The "wow factor" is very much in evidence in this recording--great music (some of the finest chamber music that ever has been penned) fabulous violin playing and marvelous piano playing coming together in such a way that I just sat back listening in total awe feeling that life really ain't too bad when one can hear music and performances like those contained on this recording at such a reasonable (cheap!) price! (Anne-Sophie and Alexis have a wonderful "go at it" in the fourth movement of the 3rd Sonata--wow!)
Although this disc is at the "bargain basement" price of four dollars and ninety-seven cents ($4.97), the sound is superb. EMI is really to be commended for offering these superb performances at such a "rock bottom" price. I truly loved this recording as you will too if you purchase it!

Trio of great violin sonatas.......2005-09-08

While Brahms wrote only three sonatas, they are a great trio of works. The first is the most intense, the second the most lyrical and the last one the most inspired with a slow movement that is arguably Brahms most beautiful melody. The two famous musicians here give us radiant performances. At almost 10 bucks less than a full-priced version of this music, this CD represents great value.

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 All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Kempff, Wilhelm | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Schubert: The Piano Sonatas Mozart: Piano Sonatas Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas Chopin: The Piano Works Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet ASIN: B000001GCC Release Date: 1991-07-12

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 In E Major: 1. Vivace, ma non troppo - L.V. Beethoven
2. Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 In E Major: 2. Prestissimo - L.V. Beethoven
3. Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 In E Major: 3. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung (Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo) - L.V. Beethoven
4. Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 In A Flat Major: 1. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo - L.V. Beethoven
5. Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 In A Flat Major: 2. Allegro molto - L.V. Beethoven
6. Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 In A Flat Major: 3. Adagio, ma non troppo - Fuga. Allegro, ma non troppo - L.V. Beethoven
7. Sonata No. 32, Op. 111 In C Minor: 1. Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato - L.V. Beethoven
8. 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

Average customer rating: Consistently and superbly musical Lovely Cello Sonatas with a Wonderful Surprise at the end.. Absolutely superb!!!

Beethoven: The Cello Sonatas Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Harrell, Lynn | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Harrell, Lynn | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 1; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 2; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas Bach J.S: 6 Suites for Cello Mozart: The Violin Sonatas ASIN: B00004WGEX Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

1. Cello Sonata No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: I. Adagio sostenuto-
2. Cello Sonata No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: Allegro
3. Cello Sonata No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: II. Rondo: Allegro vivace
4. Cello Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: I. Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo-
5. Cello Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: Allegro molto, piu tosto presto
6. Cello Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: II. Rondo: Allegro

Tracks:

1. Cello Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69: I. Allegro ma non tanto
2. Cello Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69: II. Scherzo: Allegro molto
3. Cello Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69: III. Adagio cantabile-
4. Cello Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69: Allegro vivace
5. Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: I. Andante-
6. Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: Allegro vivace
7. Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: II. Adagio-
8. Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: Tempo d'andante-
9. Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: Allegro vivace
10. Cello Sonata No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: I. Allegro con brio
11. Cello Sonata No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: II. Adagio con molto sentimento d'affetto
12. Cello Sonata No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: III. Allegro - Allegro fugato
13. Horn Sonata In F Major, Op. 17: I. Allegro moderato - Barry Tuckwell
14. II. Poco adagio, quasi andante- - Barry Tuckwell
15. Rondo: Allegro moderato - Barry Tuckwell

Customer Reviews:

Consistently and superbly musical.......2004-05-17

There is little more one could ask for in these buoyant, dramatic, glowing and felicitous performances by cellist Lynn Harrell and pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy. They simply take off because of their marvelously unforced style of play, which at various moments can be commanding, poetic and even aristocratic. Both soloists also manifest an extremely satisfying instrumental tone, especially Harrell, whose cello sounds absolutely golden, and who frequently demonstrates the ability to truly sing and soar. And with Ashkenazy's wonderfully fluid approach, the two offer readings that, for me, outdo Rostropovich/Richter and Tortelier/Heidsieck, who both present fine offerings. Though Rostropovich possesses that wonderful, big sounding tone, in these sonatas he tends to pass over phrases too quickly for me. I prefer a bit of lingering here. At times, Richter also plays too fast. With regard to the Tortelier/Heidsieck duo, they tend to render marginally more extended pauses, deliberate accents and a slower, more deliberate pace. Also, while an excellent cellist, Tortelier lacks Harrell's opulent tone that I so revel in. There are so many satisfying moments in this Harrell/Ashkenazy set that it would take me longer than I would like to point them out, but listen, in particular, to the splendid opus 69 Third Sonata. Perhaps, this represents the two players at their finest in terms of both quality of expressiveness and instrumental interplay. Some real magic unfolds here. Overall, you will find it difficult to do better than these uplifting and extremely pleasurable accounts of these musical gems from Beethoven. Incidentally, the recorded sound on these discs is very fine, and exceeds that which is afforded the others in their presentations.

Lovely Cello Sonatas with a Wonderful Surprise at the end.........2004-02-19

This was the first time I met these Sonatas.
Actually, when I bought this disc, Because of the Title:
Cello Sonatas
I thought I was going to hear Sonatas for Cello Solo,
Like the Suites By Bach...
I Quickly fell in love with the Cello Sonatas, esspecially
the last three...
And what a Beautiful surprise it was to hear the Magnificent
and Charming Horn Sonata Op. 17 !
The Three Musicians Play extremly well!
esspecially Ashkenazy with his light touch
and Tuckwell with his inthusiastic (I hope I spelled it right)
Playing!

Absolutely superb!!!.......2003-12-19

A truly wonderful recording,with the right combination of technical perfection coupled with emotion. And the addition of the Opus 17 Horn sonata was a good choice. Ashkenazy and Harrell are in top form (as is Tuckwell). This collection is an absolute must.

Average customer rating: One of the best compilations Mitsuko the light on keybord. Please ignore the low reviews on this set! Weird, weird recording 1991 Gramophone Award Winner

Mozart: The Piano Sonatas Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Uchida, Mitsuko | ( U ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mozart: The Piano Concertos Mozart: Sonatas for Piano & Violin "Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Opp. 109, 110 & 111" Mitsuko Uchida Plays Schubert Mozart: The Violin Sonatas ASIN: B00005QDYG Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In C,Kv 279[189d]-Allegro
2. Piano Sonata In C,Kv 279[189d]-Andante
3. Piano Sonata In C,Kv 279[189d]-Allegro
4. Piano Sonata In F,Kv 280[189e]-Allegro Assai
5. Piano Sonata In F,Kv 280[189e]-Adagio
6. Piano Sonata In F,Kv 280[189e]-Presto
7. Piano Sonata In Bb,Kv 281[189f]-Allegro
8. Piano Sonata In Bb,Kv 281[189f]-Andante Amoroso
9. Piano Sonata In Bb,Kv 281[189f]-Rondeau[Allegro]
10. Piano Sonata In Eb,Kv 282[189g]-Adagio
11. Piano Sonata In Eb,Kv 282[189g]-Menuetto 1 & 2
12. Piano Sonata In Eb,Kv 282[189g]-Allegro
13. Piano Sonata In G,Kv 283[189h]-Allegro
14. Piano Sonata In G,Kv 283[189h]-Andante
15. Piano Sonata In G,Kv 283[189h]-Presto
16. Allegro
17. Rondeau En Polonaise (Andante)
18. Tema Con Variazioni
19. 1. Allegro Con Spirito
20. 2. Andante, Un Poco Adagio
21. 3. Rondeau (Allegretto Grazioso)
22. 1. Allegro Maestoso
23. 2. Andante Cantabile Con Espressione
24. 3. Presto
25. 1. Allegro Con Spirito
26. 2. Andantino Con Espressione
27. 3. Rondeau (Allegro)
28. 1. Allegro Moderato
29. 2. Andante Cantabile
30. 3. Allegretto
31. 1. Tema (Andante Grazioso) Con Variazioni
32. 2. Menuetto
33. 3. Alla Turca (Allegretto)
34. 1- Sonata In F, Kv 332-300k - Allegro
35. 2- Adagio
36. 3- Allegro Assai
37. 1- Sonata In B Flat, Kv 333-315c - Allegro
38. 2- Andante Cantabile
39. 3- Allegretto Grazioso
40. Fantasia In C Minor Kv 475 (Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu` Alleg Ro - Tempo I)
41. 1- Sonata In C Minor, Kv 457 - Molto Allegro
42. 2- Adagio
43. 3- Allegro Assai
44. 1. Allegro
45. 2. Andante
46. 3. Rondo (Allegro)
47. 1. Allegro
48. 2. Adagio
49. 3. Allegretto
50. 1. Allegro
51. 2. Adagio
52. 3. Allegretto
53. 1. Allegro, Kv 533
54. 2. Andante, Kv 533
55. 3. Rondo (Allegretto ), Kv 494

Customer Reviews:

One of the best compilations.......2007-05-06

Classic Mitsuko Uchida. She loves Mozart, and you can tell from this ultra slim box set.

Mitsuko the light on keybord........2007-01-12

always wanted the complete piano sonatas from Mozart on my player to hear it uninterrupted, and this recording gives me the greates listening pleasure. i fallowed Miss Uchida from Wienna, when she was a sudent there in the late 1950's, and her playing became the finest interpretation of Mozart;-and she must have known Bela Bartok's take on the piano as a percussion instrument, and her oriental background help to bring wonderful coloration to her sound,palyfulness, and lightness,as if sunlight bouces off from fresh snow.
--would Mozart love to hear her playing? he would dance with her.--A B Vizy.

Please ignore the low reviews on this set!.......2006-04-12

There are already several excellent reviews of Uchida's performance of Mozart's piano sonatas, so no need to repeat or elaborate on these well done efforts. But I must warn against putting much credence into the lowly ratings (of 1 to 2 *) - these should be stricken from the reviews listing. I bought this set when released based on having own several single discs in the past, the excellent reviews received in several of the publications already mentioned, and opinions of those I respect in the Good Music Guide forum (good-music-guide.com); if fact, there is an ongoing thread there w/ a poll, and Uchida is receiving about a third of the votes (dozen or so pianists listed) as the top cycle for these compositions. Surprisingly, Klara Wurtz's box set of these pieces on the Brilliant label (i.e. a great value) is in second in the poll - indeed, I purchased this as a 'second' set elsewhere for only $20 - just superb (5* ratings on Amazon), and will need several more hearings to see who I prefer. But, I don't believe you can go wrong w/ either of these box sets.

Weird, weird recording.......2006-03-09

I only gave this 1 star because its a required feild, I can't enter 0.
I am still finding it hard to believe this set of recordings passed quality control before being burnt to CD.
Didn't anyone listen to them first?
The recording technique is trully awful and given that this is modern recording, there is no excuse. There are a lot of strange resonances going on at a level which seriously interferes with the actual music. Not only that, arpeggios are like Uzzi submachine guns wherein the sound of the ivories hitting the wooden keyboard base are so much louder than the notes it's like a woodpecker hacking into a redwood while very quietly humming the tune in the background.
In fact this is a great recording of everything except the music.
Weird!
I didn't understand someones comment until I heard Barenboims set of sonatas, but now I do. Uchidas' playing here really is like someone reading it for the first time, no colour, no life. In fact a painting by numbers picture before being coloured in.
Don't get me wrong, I wish I could play half as well as her but if you want to hear the best, this isn't it.
So far the best I've heard is Barenboim but I'll soon investigate Brautigam, Baruda-Skoda and Moravec... great fun but i guess we have to accept a few disappointments like this on our expedition.

1991 Gramophone Award Winner.......2005-02-12

Mozart's piano sonatas are sometimes devalued by critics as "lesser compositions" in Mozart's vast output. Of course when there are 626 works in total, some will be truly monumental, some merely masterful and others somewhat average and less consequential compared to the creme. To fully appreciate the piano sonatas of Mozart, one needs a little perspective. In Mozart's piano sonatas we see a bit more of the utilitarian need to produce music suitable for the "home market" - sometimes even used merely for musical lessons for a patron's child. What we often have here is typically pleasant parlor music - which was one goal of the more "simple" compositions in this set. This is one of the minor downsides of "let's hear it all" complete collections like this ... not all pieces will be stunning masterpieces. So, to one not familiar with this context, there can be feeling of the music being a bit "let down" after listening to some of these more simple sonatas - especially if there is an expectation for them to possess the magnitude of Beethoven's or Schubert's grand piano sonata conceptions.

Although more humble as a whole, Mozart's Piano Sonatas still possess a brilliance and that magical "Mozart touch." Take sonatas like K570 which have a surface innocence over a foundation of serious emotional and intellectual depth. Clearly, Mozart had a way of taking a simple, child-like lyrical theme and developing it via sonata form into something effortlessly melodic and classically perfected. All the sonatas are here enjoyable and highly musical in their own right. Additionally, I also think much of this music really fits well into the world of young children: innocent, lyrical, gentle and not too much at once. But, like Artur Schnabel once said, "Mozart's sonatas are easy for children but difficult for adults." While some pieces are seemingly simple and make for wonderful, soothing background music (disc 5), there are plenty of dynamic, vituostic sonatas here - such as the popular K.330-333, the pathos-laden K.310 (a rare minor-key sonata) and especially the two passionate works in C minor (K457 and K475).

The typically warm, sensitive and expressive style of Mitsuko Uchida brings out the best in Mozart's sonatas as she finds just the right "classical-era spirit" in the music. In the lilting allegros and rondos, Uchida recreates that legendary "bouncy" Mozart tempo and youthful enthusiasm, while still finding the occasional pathos when called for in certain moments. The sound of her piano is somewhat reminicent of a Mozart-era fortepiano with its sharp attack and quick decay. In fact, Mozart took such instrument dynamics into consideration in his fast-moving legato writing. For some at first (me included), this kind of sound may seem somewhat "dry" (as another Amazon reviewer notes as well). But perhaps Ms. Uchida is trying to stay closer to the spirit of the music by her choice of instrument, following Mozart's markings (minimal changes in dynamics) and minimizing the power of the modern grand by largely avoiding use of the sustaining pedal (an invention which arrived late in Mozart's time that whose potential fascinated to him). So, I think the sound fits the idiom well ... but I still find the sound quality a bit thin and slightly unfulfilling nevertheless. However, it is certainly not disappointing enough to keep one from acquiring the set and fully enjoying the music. Just imagine Mozart playing his little fortepiano to tickle the fancy of the fickle Viennese aristocrats, and the sound of Uchida's piano and playing fall nicely into place.

This set received two legendary critic awards: a coveted Penquin Guide "Rosette" and the 1991 Gramophone Award as well as a listing as a top "Recommended Recording" - which certainly is fine critical acclaim. Additionally, Gramophone says of this landmark set: "This is unfailing clean, crisp and elegant playing that avoids anything like a romanticised view. Indeed her complete series is a remarkable achievement, comparable with her fine account of the piano concertos ... an unqualified recommendation is in order for what must be one of the most valuable volumes in the Philips's Complete Mozart Edition."

Another complete set that is high on many's list and worth hearing comes is by Eshenbach. His was my second choice. Andras Schiff is also known for a very lyrical and warm-sounding Mozart and his Decca complete cycle is also satisfying (but it lacks some of the magic Uchida brings). A cycle that did not seem to recreate the 18th-century spirit of these sonatas was that of Spaniard Alicia de Larrocha - whose full, grand piano sound and greater embellishments did not seem to fit the genre as well as Uchida's more intimate pianism and sound (to me at least). Russian pianist Mikhail Pletnev brings his characteristic dynamism and dazzling velocity to K.330-332/K.457 in a 2006 DG release (that did not garner great music-industry reviews though). But, it really comes down to what stylistic nuances most captures your interest and emotion, so it is best to pick what you like best and enjoy the music. But it may be hard to top Mitsuko Uchida in Mozart's sonatas. Most major reviews I have read seem to think so too. Compositions - 4 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound - 4 stars.

Average customer rating: Incredible Greatest cycle of the greatest violin sonatas ever Best complete set I know of Magnetic from start to finish!! Two contemporary musical masters pay homage

Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart: The Violin Sonatas Great Recordings Of The Century - Brahms: Violin Sonatas nos 1 - 3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy Beethoven: The String Quartets Beethoven: The Piano Trios Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 2; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell ASIN: B0000041UF Release Date: 2002-09-10

Tracks:

1. Violin Sonata No.1 in D major, Op.12 No.1: l Allegro con brio
2. Violin Sonata No.1 in D major, Op.12 No.1: ll Tema con variazioni: Andante con moto
3. Violin Sonata No.1 in D major, Op.12 No.1: lll Rondo: Allegro
4. Violin Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.12 No.2: l Allegro viva
5. Violin Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.12 No.2: ll Andante, piu tosto allegretto
6. Violin Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.12 No.2: lll Allegro piacevolo
7. Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op.12 No.3: l Allegro con spirito
8. Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op.12 No.3: ll Adagio con molt'espressione
9. Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op.12 No.3: lll Rondo: Allegro molto

Tracks:

1. Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: l Presto
2. Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: ll Andante scherzoso, piu allegretto
3. Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: lll Allegro molto
4. Violin Sonata No.6 in A major, Op.30 No.1: l Allegro
5. Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: ll Adagio molto espressivo
6. Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: lll Allegretto con variazioni
7. Violin Sonata No.8 in G major, Op.30 No.3: l Allegro assai
8. Violin Sonata No.8 in G major, Op.30 No.3: ll Tempo di minuetto, ma molto moderato e grazioso
9. Violin Sonata No.8 in G major, Op.30 No.3: lll Allegro vivace

Tracks:

1. Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': l Adagio sostenuto-Presto-Adagio
2. Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': ll Andante con variazioni
3. Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': lll Finale: Presto
4. Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': l Allegro
5. Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': ll Adagio molto espr
6. Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': lll Scherzo & trio:
7. Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': lV Rondo: Allegro ma

Tracks:

1. Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: l Allegro con brio
2. Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: ll Adagio cantabile
3. Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: lll Scherzo: Allegro
4. Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: lV Finale: Allegro
5. Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: l Allegro moderato
6. Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: ll Adagio espressivo
7. Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: lll Scherzo: Allegro
8. Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: lV Poco allegretto

Amazon.com essential recording

There are two really famous Beethoven violin sonatas, the Kreutzer and the Spring. The Kreutzer Sonata inspired the story by Leo Tolstoy, which in turn became the subject of Janácek's First String Quartet, so if you're into comparative studies in the arts, there's a thesis topic for you! The Spring Sonata was featured in Woody Allen's Love and Death, among other places. And perhaps most intriguingly of all, the scherzo of the late sonata, Op. 96, turns up quite clearly in the third movement of Mahler's Second Symphony. So you may already know more about this splendid music than you think. Why not take the plunge with these superb performances and get to know the sonatas at first hand? Just as there are two truly famous Mozart sonatas, there are also two sides to Itzhak Perlman's musical career--the flashy virtuoso and the considerate partner. Chamber-music recordings such as this feature Perlman in this second role, one that gets less attention than his other, more sensational, persona, but which for many listeners is even more musically rewarding. Ashkenazy, no mere accompanist, is very much involved in the proceedings, and the two musicians combine to produce one of the finest sets of Beethoven violin sonatas available as well as one of Perlman's very greatest recordings in any genre. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Incredible.......2005-04-03

Let me just start off by saying that this set is an absolute no brainer. What more could you ask for than amazing pieces such as the Beethoven Violin Sonatas performed by none other than Itzhak Perlman and Vladimir Ashkenazy, who are both GIANTS in the violin and piano worlds. These recordings are absolutely wonderful, and the performances are definitely what is expected from these incredible musicians, if not more. The sound quality is very good, even though the recording was converted from analog to digital. Highly recommended.

However, if you would like to only have the most famous, and the best, Beethoven Violin Sonatas, you can still get Perlman and Ashkenazy performing the Spring and Kreutzer Sonatas on a separate disc. It is obviously less expensive, because it is only one CD as opposed to four, even though this four CD set is relatively cheap.

Greatest cycle of the greatest violin sonatas ever.......2004-05-11

I agree that this is the greatest cycle of the greatest set of violin sonatas ever written. Gidon and Argerich are also good but Argerich doesn't articulate her notes clearly like Ashkenazy. You feel that Argerich is kind of "cheating" by skimming to lightly over some notes - whereas Beethoven needs to be played with a greater force. Ashkenazy provides just the right kind of Beethovenian playing.

This set also contains the greatest performance of the greatest violin sonata ever written - the Kreutzer - plus a highly delectable Spring sonata.

If you're not familiar with the rest of Beethoven's sonatas, you'll be surprised at how magnetic they are in the hands of musicians the likes of Ashkenazy and Perlman.

I cannot recommend this too highly. Enjoy.

Best complete set I know of.......2004-04-01

There are probably better-known recordings of the individual sonatas, but if you are looking for a consistently good collection from start to finish, this would be it, especially if you are familiar only with the Spring & Kreutzer sonatas. This is a collection that gets wonderfully intimate at times, and is a consistent delight to the listener. This is definitely a worthy addition to any collection.

Magnetic from start to finish!!.......2004-01-06

This classic set is magnetic from the first note to the last. If you haven't heard it, you haven't heard Beethoven's Violin Sonatas.

Two contemporary musical masters pay homage.......2002-08-08

Listen to this music if you want a searching, thoughtful dialog by the Great Brooder between two superb interpreters of their respective instruments....two instruments only, that manage to fill the room and the world completely.....
Listen with the best equipment you can justify, because this music alone justifies the technology- the access of which to the common man fulfills Beethoven's wildest, unnamed hope.

Average customer rating: Sometimes the old ways are the best The Love of Schubert Great, but Prefer the Schiff Elegance, accuracy and expressiveness! Heavenly Length and Breadth

Schubert: The Piano Sonatas Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Kempff, Wilhelm | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Brahms: Works for Solo Piano Schubert: 8 Symphonies Schubert: The Complete Impromptus Chopin: The Piano Works Liszt: Piano Works ASIN: B00004SA8A Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

1. Sonata In B Flat Major D 960: 1. Molto Moderato
2. Sonata In B Flat Major D 960: 2. Andante Sostenuto
3. Sonata In B Flat Major D 960: 3. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace
4. Sonata In B Flat Major D 960: 4. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
5. Five Piano Pieces D 459 & D 459A ('Sonata In E Major'): 1. Allegro Moderato
6. Five Piano Pieces D 459 & D 459A ('Sonata In E Major'): 2. Allegro
7. Five Piano Pieces D 459 & D 459A ('Sonata In E Major'): 3. Adagio
8. Five Piano Pieces D 459 & D 459A ('Sonata In E Major'): 4. Scherzo. Allegro
9. Five Piano Pieces D 459 & D 459A ('Sonata In E Major'): 5. Allegro Patetico

Tracks:

1. Sonata In C Minor D 958: 1. Allegro
2. Sonata In C Minor D 958: 2. Adagio
3. Sonata In C Minor D 958: 3. Menuetto. Allegro
4. Sonata In C Minor D 958: 4. Allegro
5. Sonata In A Major D 959: 1. Allegro
6. Sonata In A Major D 959: 2. Andantino
7. Sonata In A Major D 959: 3. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace
8. Sonata In A Major D 959: 4. Rondo. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Sonata In G Major D 894(Op. 78): 1. Molto Moderato E Cantabile
2. Sonata In G Major D 894(Op. 78): 2. Andante
3. Sonata In G Major D 894(Op. 78): 3. Menuetto. Allegro Moderato
4. Sonata In G Major D 894(Op. 78): 4. Allegretto
5. Sonata In D Major D 850 (Op. 53): 1. Allegro Vivace
6. Sonata In D Major D 850 (Op. 53): 2. Con Motto
7. Sonata In D Major D 850 (Op. 53): 3. Scherzo. Alegro Vivace
8. Sonata In D Major D 850 (Op. 53): 4. Rondo. Allegro Moderato

Tracks:

1. Sonata In A Minor D 845 (Op. 42): 1. Moderato
2. Sonata In A Minor D 845 (Op. 42): 2. Andante Poco Mosso
3. Sonata In A Minor D 845 (Op. 42): 3. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace - Trio. Un Poco Piu Lento
4. Sonata In A Minor D 845 (Op. 42): 4. Rondo. Allegro Vivace
5. Sonata In C Major 840 ('Reliquie' - Fragment): 1. Moderato
6. Sonata In C Major 840 ('Reliquie' - Fragment): 2. Andante
7. Sonate In A Minor D 784 (Op. 143): 1. Allegro Giusto
8. Sonate In A Minor D 784 (Op. 143): 2. Amdante
9. Sonate In A Minor D 784 (Op. 143): 3. Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

1. Sonata In a Major D 664 (Op. 120): 1. Allegro Moderato
2. Sonata In a Major D 664 (Op. 120): 2. Andante
3. Sonata In a Major D 664 (Op. 120): 3. Allegro
4. Sonata In F Minor D 625: 4. Allegro
5. Sonata In F Minor D 625: 2. Scherzo. Allegretto
6. Sonata In F Minor D 625: 3. Allegro
7. Sonata In B Major D 575 (Op. 147): 1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
8. Sonata In B Major D 575 (Op. 147): 2. Andante
9. Sonata In B Major D 575 (Op. 147): 3. Scherzo. Allegretto
10. Sonata In B Major D 575 (Op. 147): 4. Allegro Giusto

Tracks:

1. Sonata In E Flat Major D 568 (Op. 122): 1. Allegro Moderato
2. Sonata In E Flat Major D 568 (Op. 122): 2. Andante Molto
3. Sonata In E Flat Major D 568 (Op. 122): 3. Menuetto. Allegretto
4. Sonata In E Flat Major D 568 (Op. 122): 4. Allegro Moderato
5. Sonata In A Major D 557: 1. Allegro Moderato
6. Sonata In A Major D 557: 2. Andante
7. Sonata In A Major D 557: 3. Allegro
8. Sonata In E Minor D 556 (First And Second Movements): 1. Moderato
9. Sonata In E Minor D 556 (First And Second Movements): 2. Allegretto

Tracks:

1. Sonata In A Minor D 537 (Op. 164): 1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
2. Sonata In A Minor D 537 (Op. 164): 2. Allegretto Quasi Andantino
3. Sonata In A Minor D 537 (Op. 164): 3. Allegro Vivace
4. Sonata In C Major D 279 (Fragment): 1. Allegro Moderato
5. Sonata In C Major D 279 (Fragment): 2. Andante
6. Sonata In C Major D 279 (Fragment): 3. Menuetto. Allegro Vivace
7. Sonata In E Major D 157(Fragment): 1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
8. Sonata In E Major D 157(Fragment): 2. Andante
9. Sonata In E Major D 157(Fragment): 3. Menuetto. Allegro Vivace

Amazon.com

Wilhelm Kempff was a master of poetic lyricism, with a wondrous keyboard touch and a breathtaking command of subtle dynamics and tonal colorations--all invaluable attributes of any Schubert interpreter. He also had the knack of holding together large structures that can often seem aimless, thus avoiding another trap many pianists fall into, that of lavishing so much attention on passing detail that Schubert's "heavenly lengths" can seem wayward wanderings. The one criticism often heard is that Kempff emphasizes poetry at the expense of drama. This magnificent set leaves that claim unsubstantiated.

Few pianists have been so successful, for example, in what may be Schubert's wildest single movement, the nightmarish Andantino of the A major Sonata, D. 959. Here, Kempff captures the tortured mood of the piece to perfection without breaking its Classical frame. Tempos are generally expansive, but Kempff's tonal luster and unerring sense of natural phrasing never make you want him to step on the accelerator. A special treat is the inclusion of rarely heard early works. Some of these were left unfinished; others reflect a composer still mastering his craft. But most are of more than passing interest, and some have an enchanting, aching beauty. Kempff's Schubert set has been a recording classic since its release on LP; its availability in a space-saving CD box at a budget price is cause for celebration. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Sometimes the old ways are the best.......2007-04-27

Kempff himself wrote the liner notes to this highly satisfying set and states the following: "The deeper we penetrate into the world of Schubert, however, the greater is our surprise at discovering that the 'heavenly length' for which he is reproached is to be regarded relatively. If the length becomes evident as longueurs, the fault lies with the interpreter (I speak from my own experience...)." Indeed, in listening to Kempff play the Schubert sonata canon the thoughts of "overly long" or "needlessly repetitive" never entered my head. Barring some extraordinary performances of individual sonatas over the years, such as Richter's old Russian recording of the c minor (D 958) on Melodiya or Serkin's equally old recording of the B-flat (D 960), this is the best playing of the Schubert sonatas I know.

I used to think of some of the earlier sonatas as practice or training pieces for the later masterworks (which of course by definition they are, but they need not be viewed retrospectively from the vantage point of the late works). Unfortunately, they often sound boring and immature. This is due to defects in players and the playing, not a problem with Schubert. Kempff makes all the sonatas here, including the early ones, glow with the utmost musicality so they stand on their own as beautiful works. Just one example: In the earlier of the a minor sonatas he handles little secondary figures that are intercalated within major theme phrases in an amazingly musical and beautiful way. As a pianist myself, I could never figure out how to make them unobtrusive, let alone desirable. Under Kempff's fingers they fit sublimely into the fabric of the work. The playing is clearly layered, every note and phrase has its place and purpose, his internal logic is such that nothing Schubert wrote sounds less than as it should. One more example: The first movement of the G major sonata ("Fantasy" sonata, D 894) floats in its ethereal haze but goes fast, not slow. Kempff can produce the effect of suspended animation without suspending the actual motion. This is no doubt what Schubert intended but it is very difficult to pull off as a performer. Kempff's treatment of the last 5 sonatas (D, G, A, c minor, and B flat) is breathtaking.

This set is a revelation. What a magnificent panorama of Schubert's development as a composer! Also, the origins of later composers' styles can be traced to Schubert's writing for piano. The roots of Bruckner's iterated and protracted symphonies can be heard, for example, in the way the finale of the a minor sonata begins. (I don't think this is apparent from other players, who lack Kempff's lyricism and mysticism.) Included beside the actual titled sonatas are various fragments of incomplete sonatas and collections of piano pieces that in effect are untitled sonatas (such as D 459/459A).

The recordings are from around 1965-1970 and the piano sound is singing, glowing, radiant. I recommend this set wholeheartedly to anyone interested in great musicianship, masterly piano playing, Schubert's piano music, and Schubert's evolution as a composer. Kempff makes you realize that the magic didn't all happen in the last year of Schubert's life, and I can't think of another pianist who does that for me. (There are few, if any, major players of Schubert with whom I'm not familiar.) Kempff was the leading German pianist of the immediate post-WW II era, but I think he has largely been forgotten. His Schubert, Beethoven, and Brahms are wonderful. Modern players, despite their steel fingers and elephantine endurance and machine-like (sometimes machine-gun-like) techniques, stand to learn a lot from this old master's art.

The Love of Schubert.......2007-03-30

Absolutely must have for true music lover and particularly the music of Schubert. This is already an old recording but still stands up the comparison with later, newer CD's ( Brendel, Schiff,Lupu, Perahia). Kempff, the old master, now deceased, left a memorable,moving and romantic in spirit rendition of Schubert Piano Sonatas (the first complete set). I heard Kempff performed in live, and always thought of him as the greatest German Romantic Pianist.
This set is the work of true love.

Great, but Prefer the Schiff.......2006-08-06

How can it be that the Schiff cycle is out of print? How does that concept even make sense in 2006?

The one review on the late sonatas by Schiff holds some clues as to why they are so special.

I know that years of listening produces version biases, but I really did try and look past that here, but the C minor 958 is so much less dramatic and compelling in this version. The Schiff version is very hypnotic. Kempff's tempos are totally different. It is interesting, during the runs, there is a tremendous sense of fluidity in Kempff's sound, but in the rest of the piece, it sounds too mechanical. The same holds for some of the others, though in some of the pieces, for instance, 568, the results are less pronounced.

Ironically, I usually like the less embellished versions of pieces, especially when a composer like Beethoven is involved and performers reinterpret him as a romantic, but in this case, the opposite is true. 958 in Schiff's version sounds like one of the towering achievements of solo piano. Here, the elements are all there, but the overall effect is lost.

Elegance, accuracy and expressiveness!.......2006-01-24

These gems recordings are authentic milestones performances. Because there has not been any other pianist capable of making sing the piano like Wilhelm Kempff. His fingering is precise and crystalline, the cantabiles are sumptuous and the arpeggios are phrased with such clarity and expression, that hardly you will be able to forget it.

Go for these performances. They are part of the legend.

Heavenly Length and Breadth.......2006-01-11

There are a number of classical pianists who perform Schubert's piano sonatas extremely well (Brendel, Uchida, Schiff, and Richter come immediately to mind), all of whom bring their own individual brilliance to this music. Given that it is probably impossible to render the "best" performance of each of these pieces, the question arises as to why anyone would want to invest in one musician's complete recordings of these sonatas.

My analysis of this question takes into account several factors. The first of these is economic. The Kempff set is budget price and a significant savings over the acquisition of the sonatas by other artists. Even if economics are not a factor, it may be valuable to compare Kempff's way with these pieces with other pianists and this set will allow the collector to at least have one complete set for comparison purposes.

The basis for investing in these recordings is, however, far from solely economic. There seem to be two components a successful Schubertian must bring to the sonatas: an ability to properly convey the various dynamic markings found in each piece and the ability to understand and convey the complete architecture of each piece, instead of being caught up in the various eddies that so many of the movements contain with them. Kempff is able to satisfy both of these components brilliantly. These albums contain what may be the most beautiful pianissimo I have ever heard. Kempff also seems to have a sure conception of each complete work and does not lose the listener in various musical cul de sacs.

In short, performances this beautiful are bargains at any cost.

Track Listings:

1. Piano Sonatas: Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Medtner
2. Popular Overtures
3. Progetto Avanti: Baroque Illusions
4. Rossini: Sonata a quattro in G No1; Sonata a quattro in C No3
5. Shostakovich: Cello Concertos
6. Sibelius: Violin Concerto; Sinding: Violin Concerto No. 1
7. Slavonic Dances Op 46 & Op 72
8. Smetana: Czech Dances/Reveries
9. Stabat Mater, Classical Music for Relection & Meditation
10. Stockholm Philharmonic 75th Anniversary [Box set]

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Luna Sea

Mozart, Brahms, Saint-Saens, Reger: Variations

Lost American Bluesmen

Into Another Light

She's a Superstar [CD-single]

Popstars, Vol. 2 [Enhanced]

Play Me in Your Key

Monteverdi: Motets

Nashville Star 2005 Finalists

Portraits of Duke Ellington

Overcome by Happiness

Private Practice

Once Upon a Time in Wigan

One Mile Down

Feeling Good Again