Last 3 Sonatas

1. Partita for piano, Op 38
Composed by Niels Viggo Bentzon
with Per Salo

2. Sonata for piano No 7, Op 121
Composed by Niels Viggo Bentzon
with Per Salo

3. Woodcuts, for piano, Op 65
Composed by Niels Viggo Bentzon
with Per Salo

4. Sonata for piano, Op 248 "Hoffman"
Composed by Niels Viggo Bentzon
with Per Salo

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 1 In G Major (Hob.XVI:8): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 1 In G Major (Hob.XVI:8): II Menuet
Piano Sonata No. 1 In G Major (Hob.XVI:8): III Andante
Piano Sonata No. 1 In G Major (Hob.XVI:8): IV Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 2 In C Major (Hob.XVI:7): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 2 In C Major (Hob.XVI:7): II Menuet
Piano Sonata No. 2 In C Major (Hob.XVI:7): III Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 3 In F Major (Hob.XVI:9): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 3 In F Major (Hob.XVI:9): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 3 In F Major (Hob.XVI:9): III Scherzo: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 4 IN G Major (Hob.XVI: G1): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 4 IN G Major (Hob.XVI: G1): II Menuetto
Piano Sonata No. 4 IN G Major (Hob.XVI: G1): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 5 In G Major (Hob.XVI:11): I Presto
Piano Sonata No. 5 In G Major (Hob.XVI:11): II Andante
Piano Sonata No. 5 In G Major (Hob.XVI:11): III Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 6 In C Major (Hob.XVI:10): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 6 In C Major (Hob.XVI:10): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 6 In C Major (Hob.XVI:10): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 7 In D Major (Hob.XVII:D1): I Moderato (Tema con variazioni)
Piano Sonata No. 7 In D Major (Hob.XVII:D1): II Menuet
Piano Sonata No. 7 In D Major (Hob.XVII:D1): III Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 8 In A Major (Hob.XVI:5): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 8 In A Major (Hob.XVI:5): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 8 In A Major (Hob.XVI:5): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 9 In D Major (Hob.XVI:4): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 9 In D Major (Hob.XVI:4): II Menuet And Trio
5 Variations In D Major

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 10 In C Major (Hob.XVI:1): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 10 In C Major (Hob.XVI:1): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 10 In C Major (Hob.XVI:1): III Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 11 In B Flat Major (Hob.XVI:2): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 11 In B Flat Major (Hob.XVI:2): II Largo
Piano Sonata No. 11 In B Flat Major (Hob.XVI:2): III Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 12 In A Major (Hob.XVI:12): I Andante
Piano Sonata No. 12 In A Major (Hob.XVI:12): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 12 In A Major (Hob.XVI:12): III Finale: Allegro molto
Piano Sonata No. 13 In G Major (Hob.XVI:6): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 13 In G Major (Hob.XVI:6): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 13 In G Major (Hob.XVI:6): III Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 13 In G Major (Hob.XVI:6): IV Finale
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Major (Hob.XVI:3): I Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Major (Hob.XVI:3): II Andante
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Major (Hob.XVI:3): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 15 In E Major (Hob.XVI:13): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 15 In E Major (Hob.XVI:13): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 15 In E Major (Hob.XVI:13): III Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 16 In D Major (Hob.XVI:14): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 16 In D Major (Hob.XVI:14): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 16 In D Major (Hob.XVI:14): III Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 17 In E Flat Major (Hob. deest): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 17 In E Flat Major (Hob. deest): II Andante
Piano Sonata No. 17 In E Flat Major (Hob. deest): III Menuetto And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 18 In E Flat Major (Hob. deest): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 18 In E Flat Major (Hob. deest): II Menuetto And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 19 In E Minor, Major (Hob. deest): I Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 19 In E Minor, Major (Hob. deest): II Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 19 In E Minor, Major (Hob. deest): III Finale: Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 20 In B Flat Major (Hob.XVI:18): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 19 In E Minor, Major (Hob. deest): II Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 28 In D Major (Hob.XIV:5): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 28 In D Major (Hob.XIV:5): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:16): I Andante
Piano Sonata In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:16): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:16): III Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 29 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:45): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 29 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:45): II Andante
Piano Sonata No. 29 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:45): III Finale: Allegro di molto
Piano Sonata No. 30 In D Major (Hob.XVI:19): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 30 In D Major (Hob.XVI:19): II Andante
Piano Sonata No. 30 In D Major (Hob.XVI:19): III Final: Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No. 31 In A Flat Major (Hob.XVI:46): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 31 In A Flat Major (Hob.XVI:46): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 31 In A Flat Major (Hob.XVI:46): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 32 In G Minor (Hob.XVI:44): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 32 In G Minor (Hob.XVI:44): II Allegretto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 33 In C Minor (Hob.XVI:20): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 33 In C Minor (Hob.XVI:20): II Andante con moto
Piano Sonata No. 33 In C Minor (Hob.XVI:20): III Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 34 In D Major (Hob.XVI:33): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 34 In D Major (Hob.XVI:33): II Adagio: Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 35 In A Flat Major (Hob.XVI:43): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 35 In A Flat Major (Hob.XVI:43): II Menuetto
Piano Sonata No. 35 In A Flat Major (Hob.XVI:43): III Rondo: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 36 In C Major (Hob.XVI:21): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 36 In C Major (Hob.XVI:21): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 36 In C Major (Hob.XVI:21): III Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 37 In E Major (Hob.XVI:22): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 37 In E Major (Hob.XVI:22): II Andante
Piano Sonata No. 37 In E Major (Hob.XVI:22): III Finale: Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 38 In F Major (Hob.XVI:23): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 38 In F Major (Hob.XVI:23): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 38 In F Major (Hob.XVI:23): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 39 In D Major (Hob.XVI:24): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 39 In D Major (Hob.XVI:24): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 39 In D Major (Hob.XVI:24): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 40 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:25): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 40 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:25): II Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 41 In A Major (Hob.XVI:26): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 41 In A Major (Hob.XVI:26): II Menuet al rovescio
Piano Sonata No. 41 In A Major (Hob.XVI:26): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major (Hob.XIV:17): I Allegro
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major (Hob.XIV:17): II Andante
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major (Hob.XIV:17): III Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 42 In G Major (Hob.XVI:27): I Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 42 In G Major (Hob.XVI:27): II Menuet
Piano Sonata No. 42 In G Major (Hob.XVI:27): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 43 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:28): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 43 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:28): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 43 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:28): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 44 In F Major (Hob.XVI:29): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 44 In F Major (Hob.XVI:29): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 44 In F Major (Hob.XVI:29): III Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 45 In A Major (Hob.XVI:30): I Allegro - Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 45 In A Major (Hob.XVI:30): II Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 46 In E Major (Hob.XVI:31): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 46 In E Major (Hob.XVI:31): II Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 46 In E Major (Hob.XVI:31): III Finale: Presto
7 Minuets From 'Kleine Tanze fur die Jugend' (Hov. IX:8: Allegretto giocoso (I) - Allegretto risoluto (II) - Allegretto (V) - Allegro vivace (IX) - Moderato (XI) - Allegro vivace (X) - Allegro giocoso (VII)

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 47 In B Minor (Hob.XVI:32): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 47 In B Minor (Hob.XVI:32): II Menuet
Piano Sonata No. 47 In B Minor (Hob.XVI:32): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 48 In C Major (Hob.XVI:35): I Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 48 In C Major (Hob.XVI:35): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 48 In C Major (Hob.XVI:35): III Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 49 In C Sharp Minor (Hob.XVI:36): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 49 In C Sharp Minor (Hob.XVI:36): II Scherzo: Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 49 In C Sharp Minor (Hob.XVI:36): III Menuet And Trio: Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 50 In D Major (Hob.XVI:37): I Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 50 In D Major (Hob.XVI:37): II Largo e sostenuto
Piano Sonata No. 50 In D Major (Hob.XVI:37): III Finale: Presto, ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No. 51 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:38): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 51 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:38): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 51 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:38): III Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 52 In G Major (Hob.XVI:39): I Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 52 In G Major (Hob.XVI:39): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 52 In G Major (Hob.XVI:39): III Finale: Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No. 53 In E Minor (Hob.XVI:34): I Presto
Piano Sonata No. 53 In E Minor (Hob.XVI:34): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 53 In E Minor (Hob.XVI:34): III Finale: Vivace molto
Piano Sonata No. 54 In G Major (Hob.XVI:40): I Allgretto innocente
Piano Sonata No. 54 In G Major (Hob.XVI:40): II Presto
Piano Sonata No. 55 In B Flat Major (Hob.XVI:41): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 55 In B Flat Major (Hob.XVI:41): II Allegro di molto
Piano Sonata No. 56 In D Major (Hob.XVI:42): I Andante con espressione
Piano Sonata No. 56 In D Major (Hob.XVI:42): II Finale: Vivace assai

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 57 In F Major (Hob.XVI:47): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 57 In F Major (Hob.XVI:47): II Larghetto
Piano Sonata No. 57 In F Major (Hob.XVI:47): III Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 58 In C Major (Hob.XVI:48): I Andante con espressione
Piano Sonata No. 58 In C Major (Hob.XVI:48): II Rondo: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 59 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:49): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 59 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:49): II Adagio e cantabile
Piano Sonata No. 59 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:49): III Finale: Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 60 In C Major (Hob.XVI:50): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 60 In C Major (Hob.XVI:50): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 60 In C Major (Hob.XVI:50): III Finale: Allegro molto
Piano Sonata No. 61 In D Major (Hob.XVI:51): I Andante
Piano Sonata No. 61 In D Major (Hob.XVI:51): II Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 62 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:52): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 62 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:52): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 62 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:52): III Finale: Presto
Variations In F-Minor (Hob.XVII:6)
Fantasia In C Major (Hob.XVII:4)
12 Variations In E Flat Major (Hob. XVII: 3)
Adagio In F Major (Hob.XVII:9)
6 Variations In C Major (Hob. XVII:5)

Tracks:

20 Variations In A Major (Hob.XVII:2)
Capriccio In G Major On The Song 'Acht Sauschneider
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: I L'Introduzione: Maestoso et adagio
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: II Sonata I: Largo
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: III Sonata II: Grave e cantabile
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: IV Sonata III: Grave
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: V Sonata IV: Largo
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: VI SonataV: Adagio
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: VII Sonata VI: Lento
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: VIII Sonata VII: Largo -- attacca subito - II Terremoto (Presto)

Amazon.com

Haydn was not a pianist of any distinction, nor a very successful composer of instrumental concertos, but his piano sonatas--and there are more than 60 of them--are much finer than those of Mozart, who was one of his era's greatest keyboard virtuosos. The reason for this is simple. Mozart wrote his keyboard concertos for himself and his sonatas for students. Haydn, on the other hand, was constantly stimulated to write piano music for gifted amateurs, though in those days amateurs were often as good as the professionals, particularly women for whom a concert career was out of the question. This is great music then, charming but never trivial, and John McCabe plays it with impressive style and vigor. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Nice Set...not a great performance.......2005-05-08

As a pianist myself, I was very interested to listen to Mr. McCabe when preparing my M.M. degree recital, in which I performed Haydn's Sonata in E minor, Hob:XVI/34 (I will refer to the sonata by the Landon number rather than the older Hoboken number).

Mr. McCabe certainly plays quite cleanly, as one would expect in this day and age. In addition, he provides extensive program notes (Mr. McCabe is a respected musicologist)

Unfortunately, Mr. McCabe isn't quite the performer one would expect to produce the entire output of Haydn's Sonatas. First of all, his tempos are usually not well suited to the music's style (whether in the Allegros or Adagios). Though this has somewhat to due with his lesser technical ability, it also has to do with his idea of interpretation, which to say the least, is quite boring. In the Sonata No. 34, the opening movement has a very particular character. Though it is one of Haydn's few sonatas in a minor key, the opening motive returns in many forms throughout the first movement. Mr. McCabe seems to miss the point of this, along with the importance of articulation (which is of utmost importance in the music of Haydn).

Mr. McCabe uses far too much pedal throughout (especially in the first movement). In the second movement, his imprecise pedaling detracts from the recitative quality (this movement being influenced from Haydn's knowledge of vocal writing and operatic traditions). The third movement is quite slow and the lively character is missing.

I don't believe that one can put Mr. McCabe's recordings on a level with great Haydn interpreters such as Ax or even Richter (with far more color and more adherence to the musical style). This is unfortunate as it comes from such a respected musicologist.

As a final note, it is nice to own this collection to have all Haydn's Sonatas and his output for piano at your fingertips, but I would recommend Ax (or Andsnes in the future...his Haydn Concertos are fantastic).

Much unknown music to assimilate.......2005-04-19

I can partially share one reviewer's opinion that much of this music seems repetitive and certainly that is somewhat the case, but I only listen to one disc at a sitting. It takes time to get to know these sonatas. The Mozart sonatas are more widely performed, and therefore known to the music listening public. At this point in my experience, I must admit that I prefer the Mozart sonatas, but I am gaining an appreciation for those of Haydn.

The quality of the recording is good with very little background noise or noticeable distortion. The piano seem OK for the type of music and if one reviewer thinks these are twangy, listen to these sonatas on an eighteenth century pianoforte.

Mr. McCabe is a competent player without any idiosyncracies which seems in keeping with these sonatas.

I received a boxed set that had two disc sixes and no disc three. Ah, German precision.

the greatest penny a note composer.......2005-04-02

I have listened to all 62 sonatas for keyboard and perhaps 3 of them rise to the level of wonderful composition. If you listen to them you hear he doesn't really "get started " until about sonata 32, compared with say Beethoven who except for 3 or 4 composed 32 of the greatest piano sonatas the world will ever hear. I have attempted to give Haydn a fair hearing for symphonic ( boring ) and keyboard works but for the most part he must get the award for not really being able to put 2 consecutive asthetic notes together. The Nelson Mass is very nice. And I know in his last years, Europe just adored him. He was earning upward in todays dollars of $85,000, which just galled Mozart.Finally the sonatas are performed and recorded well.Before purchasing these sonatas listen to the clips and see if you dont want to run screaming into the night, but if you are a boring person with absolutely no musical asthetic, these sonatas cant be beat!

The best complete set of Haydn Sonatas at any price.......2004-05-22

Other individual performances may "grab" you more than these, but as a whole I could not find fault with these performances. They are particularly satisfying if you follow with a score - you get to see the choices in ornamentation, dynamics, etc. that McCabe makes compared with what is on the printed page. I did several comparisons with other performers (I own 4 complete sets of these sonatas and several smaller compilations), and McCabe consistently comes out on top overall, in my opinion. Haydn's best sonatas are consistently more inventive, witty, and daring than Mozart's and are definitely worth your attention.

Excellent performances of rarely heard works.......2004-05-16

Rich & delicious entertainment. Delighted that one can enjoy this beautiful music of pieces which are rarely publicly performed.

Average customer rating:

Brendel's best recording of these
Schubert 's parting "swan songs"
Sublime
Captures the intimacy of Schubert
Lifeless

Schubert: The Last Three Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Schubert: The Complete Impromptus
Beethoven: Die Späten Klaviersonaten
Schubert: Piano Sonatas, D958, 959, 960
Great Recordings Of The Century - Schubert: Symphonies nos. 3, 5, & 6 / Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Brahms: Complete Piano Quartets

ASIN: B00000417C
Release Date: 1994-01-18

Tracks:

Sonata In C Minor, D. 958: I. Allegro
Sonata In C Minor, D.958: II. Adagio
Sonata In C Minor D,958:: III. Menuetto (Allegro)
Sonata In C Minor, D.958: IV. Allegro
Sonata In A, D 959: I. Allegro
Sonata In A, D 959: II. Andantino
Sonata In A ,D 959: III. Scherzo (Allegro Vivace)
Sonata In A, D 959: IV. Rondo (Allegretto)

Tracks:

Sonata In B Flat, D. 960: I. Molto moderato
Sonata In B Flat, D. 960: II. Andante sostenuto
Sonata In B Flat, D. 960: III. Scherzo (Allegro vivace con delicatezza)
Sonata In B Flat, D. 960: IV. Allegro ma non troppo
Klavierstucke (Impromptus), D. 946: No. 1 In E Flat Minor
Klavierstucke (Impromptus), D. 946: No. 2 In E Flat
Klavierstucke (Impromptus), D. 946: No. 3 In C

Customer Reviews:

Brendel's best recording of these.......2006-07-07

These are better than Brendel's later digital recordings. His playing is more flexible and his sound is warmer. This is some of his best playing and a must have if, like me, you appreciate his deep understanding of the music.

Schubert 's parting "swan songs".......2005-06-14

It is amazing to look at the last compositions of many of the great composers who often literally wrote their final works from the death bed: Mozart's last opera, clarinet concerto and requiem ... Beethoven's most spiritual last quartets ... and Schubert's stunning C-major quintet and final three piano sonatas. These last piano masterpieces of Schubert - huge in scope and expression - were composed in a compressed space of only three weeks yet show no hurriedness. With these last works, Schubert seemed to enter into a fullness and new maturity - perhaps freeing himself of past limitations of achieving greatness on par with his idol Beethoven. The music he wrote here in his final weeks reveals the depths of his emotion as he contemplated the "winter" of his life and is among the most personal, poinant, and emotionally stirring music in the piano literature. Additionally, there are many direct references with his final and most grief-laden song cycle, Winterreise. In these works you can sometimes really feel Schubert's pain, intense frustration, deep yearning, pulses of joy ... and sometimes his tears.

While generally following classical sonata form, these late piano pieces are most unique in their architecture and progression. One reference had a wonderful description of their structure and effect that was very helpful: "The late sonatas are long musical soliloqies in which the forceful direction of Beethoven's music is replaced by structures that seem to circle round their subject without ever coming to rest. This is not to say these works are in any way self-indulgent or prolix. It is rather that the conventional perception of linear time is her suspended. They have a "landscape-like" quality to them and indeed define an emotional terrain that is unique to Schubert." (Rough Guide)

Many great pianists have recorded these final works - which are truly among Schubert's finest compositions for piano - and each brings something unique to the music. Schnabel first brought this music out of obscurity ... Andras Schiff's readings are full of that Schubertian youth and charm ... Kempff exudes a thoughtful, lyrical and civilized appeal ... Richter offers a unique intensity and insight ... Radu Lupu as always a master poet ... Perahia offers his usual appealing and elegant pianism ... Uchida gives deep and songful readings (though some say overly so at times).

Among these greats, Alfred Brendel has long been recognized as one of the great interpreters of both Beethoven and Schubert. While his style is often pigeon-holed as "intellectual" or "analytical" (maybe its the thick glasses?), Brendel is no less capable of genuine expressiveness and emotional tenderness, as can be heard in these deeply-moving final sonatas. To me Brendel successfully exudes the poinant spirit of Schubert in these works and breathes wonderful expression in them. He is full of Schubertian "celebration of life" in the scherzos and happy allegros while pensive and emotionally volatile in movements like the A major slow movement(D959). In this stuning movement, Brendel's transition from the serene opening into the violent episodes in the middle is an object lesson in musical suspense and unfolding drama. Equally, the ever-so-touching opening of the last B-flat sonata (D960) Brendel admirably conveys with a poinant melancholy that a gravely ill Schubert must have felt when he wrote this movement (although others have captured its depths with more poetry). Subtle differences really; I still like his playing overall, mainly because there is a clear sense of where they are going. He is equally marvellous in the D946 Impromptus pieces and the less-popular C-minor work. But, the A-major seems the most special on this CD.

If you are an average listener with no leanings towards any one of these pianist and looking for a solidly recommended set of these final great sonatas, then this two-CD DUO set is an excellent choice and value. The sound quality of this set is very good - but does have some subtle "machine hiss" and a slight lack of depth. Most major reviewers (like Penguin Guide) also rate Brendel's Schubert very highly (as in this set or his live set also on Philips). Regardless of your choice of recordings, these last piano sonatas are some of the jewels of the piano literature not to be missed that reveal new depths with repeated listening.

Sublime.......2002-09-14

These sonatas are among the finest keyboard productions of the late-classical era. More intimate than Beethoven's, yet imbued with more rhythmic pulse than Mozart's, they require much taste and restraint from the performer. They're also relatively lengthy (the briefest in this set runs nearly 30 minutes). Consequently they're not very popular showpieces for professional pianists, while amateurs rarely develop to the point of being able to play them well. Ironically, Schubert's sonatas are highly melodic and ingratiating, dramatic without being overbearing, sentimental but not maudlin -- just the sort of music that should be "popular."

Brendel's performances are, to these ears, very convincing. He structures each of these episodic pieces brilliantly, rendering a coherent and affecting musical statement. For all its alleged waywardness, there is a transcendent sort of continuity in the music that defies analysis, expressive of a certain though mysterious moment in the composer's life; to hear the transition from classicism to Romanticism, one might listen to Schubert's late sonatas. If that seems too much like "homework," consider that, for melodic invention, Schubert is second to no one who ever presumed to write music.

The recording quality is good, considering its vintage (early 70s). For the price (two CDs for the price of one) this set really can't be topped.

Captures the intimacy of Schubert.......2001-03-09

I have both this and Kempff - I've had the Kempff for awhile and really admired the performance but Brendle takes my breath away. To master Schubert you must master the silent, empty, spaces - and this Brendle does superbly. It's like he's playing in the same room. Excellent recording in every way. The Kempff is fine but if you love Schubert's works you must look for performers who understand the intimacy of his compositions. Marvelous

Lifeless.......2001-02-16

Brendel plays these pieces as if he's bored to death, especially in the (otherwise) gorgeous first movement of the B-flat Major sonata. Grigory Sokolov, Clifford Curzon, and Artur Schnabel are much more adept at sculpting that piece; Sviatoslav Richter offers a very deliberate but heartfelt approach. For the C Minor and A Major sonatas, try Wilhelm Kempff.

Beethoven: The Last 3 Piano Sonatas, Nos. 30-32

Average customer rating:

A piano colossus plays Beethoven!
A BIT VARIABLE

Beethoven: The Last 3 Piano Sonatas, Nos. 30-32

Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000AH3EO
Release Date: 2003-09-01

Tracks:

(1-3) Sonata No. 30 In E- Flat Major, Op. 109 (1-3)
(4-6) Sonata No. 31 In A-Flat Major, Op. 110 (4-6)
(7-8) Sonata No. 32 In C Minor, Op.111 (7-8)

Album Details

First Time on CD. Digitally Remastered.

Customer Reviews:

A piano colossus plays Beethoven!.......2006-03-30

The Sonata No.30 may be well considered as part of an impressive Trilogy, in which languid flame of Beethoven begins to vanish. The profound homesickness is far to be self indulgent. Beethoven has come to the end of the road and searches untiringly an exit door. This autumnal character is visibly remarked by the composer through the employment of the Fugue form in every one of these three works. Beethoven opposes deliberated or unconsciously the Fugue as signal of resigned acceptation, cathartic refugee and warm memories and smartly contrasts with his fiery and thunderous attacks expressed as Fortissimos to carve in relief the untamed human spirit. Indeed you may easily realize the Farewell taste, because of the fact all these endings are achieved, just leaving float the bars, without that marked heroic affirmation of previous works such as Patetique or Appassionata for instance; on the contrary he accents the ebb tide and tepid atmosphere of the last breath, but loaded with infinite noblesse, without signals of despair, anguish or inner conflict ( as Tchaikovsky or Mahler).

I have always thought around the Sonata No. 31 that express like no other else, the "Memory Reverberation", but emancipated of any trace of nostalgia or pain. I would say Beethoven is hovering through his livings, early childhood dreams and illusions, adopting a similar attitude that you or me assume when open an old photographs album.

Finally the Sonata No.32 anticipates from the second Movement a journey without return; and that unstoppable sensation of unavoidable missing in the thickness of an unending night is only agreabled for a very brief motive that reminds us to the first seed of an unborn musical genre: the jazz. The last Movement is loaded of such dramatic density and furtive evanescence that engages even the most indifferent listener.

As you know, most of pianists accustom to follow the loyal tradition that has become a non sacred ritual, that consists in playing these last three Sonatas in tandem, without play any encore. The unsaid meaning would support my thesis about the unbreakable unity of these piano works.

The impeccable good taste and superb genius of Rudolf Serkin made possible to listen these unvaluable recordings keeping in mind all the previuos considerations, due Serkin was a thinker musician.

A BIT VARIABLE.......2005-03-08

Only one of these three performances strikes me as being top-class Serkin. What I had been hoping for was some hitherto-undiscovered early versions from him that had somehow escaped the compilers of the discography in the 2003 biography of Serkin by Stephen Lehmann, but what I have got is three performances from the 1970's that I already knew and owned. Serkin was a bit of a pain for recording performances and then deciding not to release them. How he arrived at his decisions in this matter is intriguing - I wouldn't have reached the same conclusions as he did in all cases. The most interesting issue is over the A flat sonata op 110. The version we have here is the one he actually did release, and it seems to me nowhere near as good as the one he sat on, available as part of the posthumous collection eventually issued with the agreement of Peter Serkin. That strikes me as one of the greatest Beethoven sonata renderings that I know, whereas the one here is a poor second. The touch lacks crispness, the dynamics are less well differentiated, the first movement is a little bit too slow and the fugal sections of the finale do not give the same thrilling sensation of great doors opening and closing. The E major op109 suffers from these characteristics to some extent as well. Surely this speed in the first movement is never 'vivace'? Serkin had recorded the work once before, and happily that reading is now available again as part of this same series. His earlier tempi in both the first movement and the following prestissimo are more my idea of what these indications require, and in the final andante, while the speed is slow in both performances, it convinces me more in the earlier one.

The last sonata op111 is more like the real thing - much more. There is no hint of tiredness here, the touch is the great Serkin touch as we know and love it at its best and there is a striking evenness about it too. Just what Serkin was not satisfied with is not at all clear to me, and we should heave a sigh of relief that this recording has been reprieved for us. The first movement is grand and effortless, but I will admit that it doesn't have quite the sense of fierce involvement that I get from a live 1990 performance from London by, of all people, Michelangeli - not as a rule my idea of a natural Beethoven interpreter. The arietta is sublime in every way, though, taking us away to some transfigured outer realm in its later stages.

Serkin is still Serkin and a unique prophet of Beethoven even at not quite his best. There is any amount to be learned from all three sonatas here. Nobody need have any hesitation in acquiring this record if the purpose is to understand Beethoven better. For the special followers of this great musician and player these are performances not to miss. He left us little enough.

Henry Purcell: Sonatas and Theatre Music

Average customer rating:

Fantastic, spirited baroque music

Henry Purcell: Sonatas and Theatre Music

Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Danse Royale: Music of the French Baroque Court & Theatre
Españoleta
Sol y Sombra: Baroque Music of Latin America

ASIN: B000098ZTJ
Release Date: 2003-02-25

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic, spirited baroque music.......2006-02-04

This is another great release from Chatham Baroque -- I'm never disappointed by their exciting and fun playing of interesting repertoire.

Average customer rating:

Great CD!!
Favorite Moravian chorales from childhood.

Music For All Seasons

Manufacturer: Crystal Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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Lost Music of Early America: Music of the Moravians
Rivers of Delight (American Folk Hymns From the Sacred Harp Tradition)

ASIN: B000003J2Z
Release Date: 1995-02-01

Tracks:

Three Chorales: O Lord In Me Fulfill - O Deepest Grief - What Splendid Rays
Three Sonatas: Largo, Allegro, Scherzo
Three Sonatas: Largo, Allegro, Allegro
Three Sonatas: Adagio, Allegro, Scherzo
Communion Hymn
Moravian Funeral Chorales: Passion Chorale - Sleep Thy Last Sleep - Passion Chorale
The Liturgical Year: Advent - Come Thou Long Expected Jesus - Once He Came In Blessing
The Liturgical Year: Christmas - All My Heart This Night Rejoices
The Liturgical Year: Passion Week - Go To Dark Gethsemane
The Liturgical Year: Easter - Sleepers Wake - I Give Thee Thanks Unfeigned
The Liturgical Year: All Saints Day - The Thousand Times Ten Thousand
Moravian Chorale Cycle
Hosanna
O Come, Immanuel; All the World Gives Praises; How Shall I Meet My Saviour
Ave Maria
To Us A Child Is Born This Night - Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly - Once He Came In Blessing
To Us A Child Is Born
O Come All Ye Faithful - Angels We Have Heard On High - Hark The Herald Angels Sing
Hosanna
Prague, 7th C.; Ride On In Majesty; Go To Dark Gethsemane
Crucifixus
Solemn Intrata
Christians Dismiss Your Fear; The Day Of Resurrection; Jesus Christ Is Risen Today; Lyra Davidica
Christ Unto Us Has Left An Example

Customer Reviews:

Great CD!!.......2003-08-07

This is a must for all trombonists and music historians!! The sound of these groups is just amazing! Nowhere else can you get a sound like you do with the instruments that these trombonists use. Where else can you hear a contrabass, bass, tenor, alto, soprano, and sopranino trombones all together? A great CD for a historical reference on the trombone also...tromobone chiors are one of the oldest forms of music, and THE oldest perfoming groups in the USA are the Moravian trombone choirs. This CD gives us a rare look into the past of how trombones were commonly used in centuries past, and how the tradition continues today.

Favorite Moravian chorales from childhood........1999-11-20

Trombone choirs! I love them. Everytime I hear this recording, I see again the church of my childhood and the trombone choir standing out in the snow near the front steps playing Christmas chorales during the hour before the Christmas Eve service. Why were they out there a full hour before the service? If you wanted a seat, you had to arrive an hour early, because late comers sat in folding chairs in the cloakrooms, or stood in the back. That church was filled to brimming only on Christmas Eve, because music lovers came from miles away to hear traditional Moravian Christmas music, and where else could one possibly hear it? Some of it is on this recording. The words sung to track 8 are "All my heart this night rejoices...", and that sense of anticipation and pleasure is exactly what Moravians feel as they enjoy a night of great music, sung mostly by the people in the pews, not just the choirs. It's all here. The great songs from Advent, Lent, songs of repentance, forgiveness, joy, for baptising babies and burying old people. When you hear track 19, Hosanna, think of a room full of singers on Palm Sunday, echoing back and forth to each other, the little girls and women singing back to the boys and men. My only criticism is that there are perhaps too many songs in minor keys grouped together. They evoke too much sadness and start to sound like endless dirges. The musical interpretation and masterful rendering of the chorales is absolutely delightful, not only for us who hold all the words in our heads and are singing along, but also for those who will assign their own meaning to the music.

Average customer rating:

A very good example of 19th century organmusic in NL
A very good example of 19th century organmusic in NL

De orgelmakers Witte

Manufacturer: Lindenberg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000JFTX
Release Date: 1999-12-07

Customer Reviews:

A very good example of 19th century organmusic in NL.......1999-09-30

These disks (4) give a broad view / sound to what organmusic was about in the 19th century. And not only that, but also a very good example of the organs built in the central netherlands in this period. When you're hearing the sound, you will be impressed by the very special sound of Witte.

A very good example of 19th century organmusic in NL.......1999-09-30

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: The Last 3 Piano Sonatas, Nos. 30-32

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00064AELA
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Average customer rating:

Last 3 Sonatas 1
Schubert , and Paul Berkowitz
Manufacturer: Meridian
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B00008FEA8
Release Date: 1993-09-18

Average customer rating:

Incredible

Maxim Vengerov

Manufacturer: Biddulph Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001ZE3
Release Date: 1994-08-11

Customer Reviews:

Incredible.......2007-06-18

Listening to these recordings, it's impossible to believe that the violinist is only 14 years old... in addition to his staggering technique, Vengerov plays with an intensity and musicality which few (if any) recorded violinists in history have achieved. Perhaps the most amazing aspect of his playing here is that he exceeds his own technical ability, and (at the price of a couple of finessed notes) all but lights his violin on fire. Vinogradova is an ideal accompanist: she has a lot of her own to say, but never distracts from the overall effect. There are a couple of musical duds on the album - whose faults are entirely the composers' and not the performers' - but these are easily forgotten, in view of the rest of disc. In sum: if you ever see this CD at a reasonable price, by all means, buy it - you won't regret it!

A quick overview of the tracks:

1) Schubert's Fantasy in C. Although quite long (it clocks in at over 25 minutes!) this is really wonderful music. After an atmospheric and exciting opening, we experience a lovely surprise in the form of a set of variations on the bittersweet melody from Schubert's song "Sei mir gegrusst". Vengerov and Vinogradova play this music perfectly, at times sprightly, at times tenderly.

2) Tchaikovsky's Valse-Scherzo. This is a work I have never warmed to musically, but which Vengerov brings off with great enthusiasm and beauty of tone.

3) Ernst's Variations on "Last Rose of Summer". This is widely regarded as one of the hardest pieces in the violin repertoire. Technically speaking, this is true - listen to 5:07 into the track, and you'll see what I mean. Musically, however, there's not much here - this track is essentially a showpiece for Vengerov's technique.

4) Ysaye's Sonata No. 3, "Ballade". Although this is definitely a show-piece, there's more than just fireworks here - it's a sort of fin-de-siecle Viennese version of a Bach solo sonata. For my money, this is the best recorded performance of it - the ending is hair-raising.

5) Ravel's "Tzigane". This track is the highlight of the disc for me. Put everything else away, and listen to this with your entire being - this is the real thing. Vengerov invests so completely in this music, it's not clear where the man ends and the violin begins. A historic achievement.

6) Extract from Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" (adapted by Heifetz). This adaptation was a favorite encore of Heifetz, and it really works well, musically as well as technically. After the Tzigane and Ballade, this is the track I've found myself returning to most often.

7) Themes from Bizet's Carmen (Waxman's adaptation). Really lovely, though in this case (unlike with every other track on this CD!) I can think of competition - Mutter brings a level of sultriness to her vision (of Sarasate's version) which Vengerov doesn't have. Not to say Vengerov's version isn't flirtatious - just not as sexual.

At the time of this review, Berkshire Record Outlet is selling this disc at a ludicrously low price. Buy it!

Leo