Beethoven: Diabelli Variations; Piano Sonata "Waldstein"

On this CD:

1. Variations for piano in C major on a waltz by Diabelli ("Diabelli Variations"), Op. 120
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Daniel Varsano

2. Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major ("Waldstein") Op. 53
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Hiroko Nakamura , Daniel Varsano

Beethoven: Diabelli Variations; Piano Sonata "Waldstein",Ludwig van Beethoven,Daniel Varsano,Hiroko Nakamura,Sony,Classical,Classical Composers,Classical Music,Classical Period Variations for Keyboard,Keyboard,Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard
Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas & Concertos
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The one collection I cannot imagine being without
  • MASTERY
  • Magisterial... mystical
  • Beethoven + Arrau = Divinity
  • Beethoven himself would be proud.
Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas & Concertos
Claudio Arrau , Janos Starker , Ludwig van Beethoven , Bernard Haitink , Eliahu Inbal , Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam , New Philharmonia Orchestra , and Henryk Szeryng
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Liszt: Piano Works
  2. Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
  3. Chopin: The Piano Works
  4. Brahms: Works for Solo Piano
  5. Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier

ASIN: B00000C2F7
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

  1. Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 1. Allegro con brio
  2. Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 2. Adagio
  3. Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 3. Scherzo. Allegro
  4. Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 4. Allegro assai
  5. Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 1. Allegro molto e con brio
  6. Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 2. Largo, con gran espressione
  7. Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 3. Allegro
  8. Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 4. Rondo. Poco allegretto e grazioso
  9. 6 Piano Veriations In F On An Original Theme, Op.34

Tracks:

  1. Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 1. Allegro
  2. Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 2. Allegretto
  3. Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 3. Presto
  4. Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 1. Presto
  5. Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 2. Largo e mesto
  6. Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 3. Menuetto. Allegro
  7. Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 4. Rondo. Allegro
  8. Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': 1. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
  9. Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': 2. Adagio cantabile
  10. Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': 3. Rondo. Allegro
  11. Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 1. Allegro
  12. Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 2. Allegretto
  13. Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 3. Rondo. Allegro comodo

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

  1. Piano Sonata No.21 In C, Op.53 'Waldstein': 1. Allegro con brio
  2. Piano Sonata No.21 In C, Op.53 'Waldstein': 2. Introduzione. Adagio molto - Rondo. Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo
  3. 15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Inroduzione col Basso del Tema. Allegretto vivace
  4. 15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Variazioni I-XV
  5. 15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Finale. Alla Fuga. Allegro con brio - Andante con moto
  6. 32 Piano Variations In C Minor On An Original Theme, WoO 80
  7. Rondo In G, Op.51 No.2

Tracks:

  1. Piano Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 'Appassionata': 1. Allegro assai
  2. Piano Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 'Appassionata': 2. Andante con moto
  3. Piano Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 'Appassionata': 3. Allegro ma non troppo
  4. Piano Sonata No.24 In F Sharp, Op.78 'For Therese': 1. Adagio cantabile - Allegro ma non troppo
  5. Piano Sonata No.24 In F Sharp, Op.78 'For Therese': 2. Allegro vivace
  6. Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 1. Das Lebewohl. Adagio - Allegro
  7. Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 2. Abwesenheit. Andante espressivo
  8. Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 3. Das Wiedersehn. Vivacissimamente
  9. Piano Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: 1. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
  10. Piano Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: 2. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen
  11. Piano Sonata No.20 In G, Op.49 No.2: 1. Allegro, ma non troppo
  12. Piano Sonata No.20 In G, Op.49 No.2: 2. Tempo di Menuetto

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

  1. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Tema : Vivace - Variation I. Alla marcia maestoso
  2. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation II Poco allegro
  3. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation III L'istesso tempo
  4. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation IV Un poco piu vivace
  5. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation V Allegro vivace
  6. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VI Allegro ma non troppo e serioso
  7. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VII Un poco piu allegro
  8. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VIII Poco vivace
  9. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation IX Allegro pesante e risoluto
  10. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation X Presto
  11. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XI Allegretto
  12. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XII Un poco piu moto
  13. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIII Vivace
  14. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIV Grave e maestoso
  15. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XV Presto scherzando
  16. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVI Allegro
  17. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVII
  18. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVIII Poco moderato
  19. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIX Presto
  20. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XX Andante
  21. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXI Allegro con brio - Meno allegro - Tempo I - Meno allegro
  22. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXII Allegro molto alla 'Notte giorno faricar' di Mozart
  23. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIII Allegro assai
  24. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIV Fughetta. Andante
  25. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXV Allegro
  26. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVI
  27. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVII Vivace
  28. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVIII Allegro
  29. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIX Adagio ma non troppo
  30. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXX Andante sempre cantabile
  31. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXI Largo, molto espressivo
  32. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXII Fuga. Allegro - Poco adagio
  33. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXIII Tempo di minuetto moderato

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The one collection I cannot imagine being without.......2007-01-30

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

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

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

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

5 out of 5 stars MASTERY.......2007-01-26

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

5 out of 5 stars Magisterial... mystical.......2006-11-03

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 out of 5 stars Beethoven + Arrau = Divinity.......2006-10-29

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

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

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

5 out of 5 stars Beethoven himself would be proud........2006-06-19

This is a masterpiece. Don't listen to the one negative review, as this guy is tone deaf. This compilation of Beethoven's music is a treasure to behold. A bargain at twice the price, this is well worth the money. Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
Grigory Sokolov (Box Set)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Get anything Grigory Sokolov recorded
Grigory Sokolov (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Opus 111
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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VariationsVariations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Scriabin, Alexander | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
SonatasSonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Grigory Sokolov: Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms [Box Set]
  2. Grigory Sokolov - Live in Paris
  3. Chopin: 24 Preludes
  4. Piano Sonata 3 / Ballades Op 10
  5. Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge

ASIN: B0000CE7E6
Release Date: 2003-11-18

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Get anything Grigory Sokolov recorded .......2006-07-29

Grigory Sokolov is definitely one of the most underrated pianist for the past few decades, and I truly believe he is the best still around.

Currently there are two CD boxes( each contains 5 CDs)and one DVD (Live in Paris) available in the market. This is one of the CD set.

CD1: Beethoven Diabelli Variations;
CD2 & CD3: Schubert D894, D960;
CD4: Chopin Sonata No 2 and Etude op25 ;
CD5: Scriabin Sonata No 3&9,Prokofiev Sonata No 8 and Rachmaninov Prelude op23 No 4.

Because of his reclusive personality and unwilling to record (perhaps due to perfectionism) , he never had contract with major labels and therefore lots of people were not aware of him. However, the one single DVD is good enough to do him justice--you have to see it to believe it.

He is one of the best classic pianists ever, along with Gilels, Richter, etc----definitely the best still around. If you have notheard of Solokov, get both CD sets and DVD--that will be the best investment for your classic music collection and years of enjoyment. And if one of us get lucky, we might still be able to see him one stage one day.

Complete Beethoven Edition Vol. 6 - Piano Works / Demus, Alder, Gilels, Mustonen, Kempff, Barenboim
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A good deal to enjoy
  • Jazzy Ludwig!
Complete Beethoven Edition Vol. 6 - Piano Works / Demus, Alder, Gilels, Mustonen, Kempff, Barenboim
Ludwig van Beethoven , Jörg Demus , Emil Gilels , Olli Mustonen , Christopher Alder , Daniel Barenboim , and Wilhelm Kempff
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

AllemandesAllemandes | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
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Kempff, WilhelmKempff, Wilhelm | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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  5. Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 10: String Trios

ASIN: B000001GZ9
Release Date: 1997-11-25

Tracks:

  1. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No. 1 In E Flat Major - Andante grazioso quasi Allegretto
  2. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.2 In C Major - Scherzo. Allegro
  3. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.3 In F Major - Allegretto
  4. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.4 In D Major - Andante
  5. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.5 In C Major - Allegro ma non troppo
  6. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.6 In D Major - Allegretto quasi andante
  7. 7 Bagatelles, Op.33: No.7 In A Flat Major - Presto
  8. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.1 In B Flat Major - Allegretto
  9. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.2 In C Major - Andante con moto
  10. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.3 In D - a l'Allemande
  11. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.4 In A Major - Andante cantabile
  12. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.5 In C Minor - Risoluto
  13. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.6 In G Major - Andante - Allegretto
  14. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.7 In C Major - Allegro ma non troppo
  15. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.8 In C - Moderato
  16. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.9 In A Minor - Vivace moderato
  17. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.10 In A Major - Allegramente
  18. 11 Bagatelles, Op.119: No.11 In B Flat Major - Andante ma non troppo
  19. Bagatelle in C Minor: Presto
  20. Bagatelle In C Major: Allegretto
  21. 6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.1 In G Major - Andante con moto cantabile e compiacevole
  22. 6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No. 2 In G Minor - Allegro
  23. 6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.3 In In E Flat Major - Andante cantabile e grazioso
  24. 6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.4 In D Major - Presto
  25. 6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.5 In G Major - Quasi Allegretto
  26. 6 Bagatelles, Op.126: No.6 In E Flat Major - Presto - Andante amabile e con moto - Tempo I
  27. Bagatelle 'Fur Elise' In A Minor: Poco moto

Tracks:

  1. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 1 In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro cantibile
  2. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 1 In E Flat Major: 2. Andante
  3. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 1 In E Flat Major: 3. Rondo vivace
  4. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 2 In F Minor: 1. Larghetto maestoso - Allegro assai
  5. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 2 In F Minor: 2. Andante
  6. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 2 In F Minor: 3. Presto
  7. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 3 In D Major: 1. Allegro
  8. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 3 In D Major: 2. Menuetto. Sostenuto - Var. I-VI
  9. 3 Sonatas For Piano ('Electoral' Sonatas): No. 3 In D Major: 3. Scherzando. Allegro, ma non troppo
  10. 2 Sonata Movments In F Major: 1. Without Tempo Indication
  11. 2 Sonata Movments In F Major: 2. Allegretto
  12. Piano Sonata In C Major: Allegro
  13. Piano Sonata In C Major: Adagio
  14. Allegretto In C Minor
  15. 'Lustig - Traurig' In C Major
  16. Prelude In F Minor
  17. Piano Piece In B Flat Major
  18. Allegretto In B Minor
  19. Allegretto quasi andante In G Minor
  20. Allemande In A Major
  21. Minuet In E Flat Major
  22. Waltz In E Flat Major
  23. Waltz In D Major
  24. Ecossaise In E Flat Major
  25. Fugue In C Major
  26. Allegretto In C Minor

Tracks:

  1. Rondo In C Major, Op. 51: Moderato e grazioso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
  2. Rondo In G Major, Op. 51 No. 2: Andante cantabile e grazioso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
  3. Rondo In C Major: Allegretto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
  4. Rondo In A Major: Allegretto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
  5. Polonaise In C Major: Alla polacca, vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
  6. 9 Variations (In C Minor) On A March By Ernst Christoph Dressler: Thema. Maestoso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
  7. 6 Variations On A Swiss Song In F Major: Thema. Andante con moto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
  8. Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-XIII - Var. XIV. Allegretto - Adagio - Var. XV-XIX - Var. XX. Scherznado - Var. XXI-XXII - Var. XXIII. Adagio sostenuto - Var. XXIV. Allegro - Allegro stringendo - Presto assai - Ludwig Van Beethoven
  9. 12 Variations (In C Major) On The 'Menuett a la Vigano' From Jakob Haibel's Ballet 'Le nozze disturbate': Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-IX - Var. XII. Allegro - Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
  10. 6 Variations (In G Major) On The Duet 'Nel cor piu non mi sento' From Giovanni Paisello's Opera 'La molinara': Thema. (Andantino) - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

  1. Fantasia In G Minor: Allegro - Poco adagio - allegro ma non troppo - Allegro con brio - Adagio - Presto - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio
  2. 6 Variations (In D Major) On An Original Theme: Thema. Allegro risoluto - Var. I-V - Var. VI. Presto - Tempo I
  3. Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-II - VarIII. Commodetto - Var. IV - Var. V. Risoluto - Arioso. Andante con moto - Var. VI. Espressivo - Var. VII. Allegro no nmolto - Var. VIII. Tempo I - Var. IX. Allegro
  4. 8 Variations (In C Major) On The Romance 'Une fievre brulante' From Gretry's Opera 'Richard Coeur de Lion': Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-VII - Var. VIII. Allegro - Presto
  5. 10 Variations (In B Flat Major) On The Duet 'La stessa, la stessissima' From Antonio Salieri's Opera 'Falstaff': Thema. Andante con moto - Var. I-IX - Var. X. Allegretto (alla Austriaca) - Tempo I
  6. 7 Variations (In F Major) On The Quartet 'Kind, willst du ruhig schlafen?' From Peter Winter's Opera 'Das unterbrochene Opferfest': Thema. Allegretto - Var. I-VI - Var. VII. Allegro - Allegro molto
  7. 8 Variations (In F Major) On The Trio 'Tandeln und Scherzen' From Franz X. Sussmayrs Opera 'Soliman II': Thema. Andante, quasi Allegretto - Var. I-VI - Var. VII. Adagio molto ed espressivo - Var. VIII. Allegro vivace - Adagio
  8. 6 Easy Variations (In G Major) On An Original Theme: Thema. Andante, quasi Allegretto - Var. I-VI

Tracks:

  1. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Thema. Adagio. Cantabile
  2. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. I
  3. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. II - Allegro ma non troppo
  4. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. III - Allegretto
  5. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. IV - Tempo di Menuetto
  6. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. V - Marcia. Allegretto
  7. 6 Variations (In F Major) On An Original Theme: Var. VI - Allegretto. Adagio molto
  8. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Introduzione col Basso del Tema. Allegretto vivace
  9. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Tema
  10. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. I
  11. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. II
  12. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. III
  13. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. IV
  14. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. V
  15. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. VI
  16. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. VII - Canone all'ottava
  17. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. VIII
  18. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. IX
  19. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. X
  20. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XI
  21. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XII
  22. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XIII
  23. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XIV
  24. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Var. XV - Largo
  25. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Coda
  26. 15 Variations And A Fugue (In E Flat Major) On An Original Theme ('Eroica' Variations): Finale. Alla Fuga. Allegro con brio - Andante con moto
  27. 9 Variations (IN A Major) On The Aria 'Quant'e piu bello' From Giovanni Paisiello's Opera 'La molinara': Allegretto
  28. 12 Variations (In A Major) On A Russian Dance From Paul Wranitzky's Ballet 'Das Waldmadchen': Allegretto
  29. 7 Variations (In C Major) On 'God Save The King': Thema - Var. I-V - Var. VI. Allegro. Alla Marcia - Var. VII. (Allegro) - Adagio - Allegro
  30. 5 Variations (In D Major) On 'Rule, Britannia' From Thomas Arne's Masque 'Alfred': Thema. Tempo moderato
  31. 32 Variations (In C Minor) On An Original Theme: Thema. Allegretto
  32. 6 Ecossaises In E Flat Major

Tracks:

  1. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Thema.Vivace
  2. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. I - Alla Marcia maestoso
  3. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. II - Poco Allegro
  4. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. III. - L'istesso tempo
  5. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. IV. - Un poco piu vivace
  6. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. V. - Allegro vivace
  7. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var.VI-Allegro ma non troppo
  8. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. VII - Un poco piu allegro
  9. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. VIII - Poco vivace
  10. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. IX - Allegro pesante e risoluto
  11. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. X - Presto
  12. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XI - Allegretto
  13. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XII - Un poco piu moto
  14. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XIII - Vivace
  15. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XIV - Grave e maestoso
  16. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XV - Presto scherzando
  17. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XVI - Allegro
  18. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XVII
  19. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XVIII - Poco moderato
  20. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XIX - Presto
  21. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XX - Andante
  22. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXI - Allengro con brio
  23. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXII - Allegro molto
  24. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXIII - Allegro assai
  25. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXIV - Fughetta. Andante
  26. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXV - Allegro
  27. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXVI
  28. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXVII - Vivace
  29. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXVIII - Allegro
  30. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXIX - Adagio ma non troppo
  31. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXX - Andante, sempre cantabile
  32. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXXI - Largo, molto espressivo
  33. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXXII - Fuga.Allegro - Poco adagio
  34. 33 Variations (In C Major) On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Var. XXXIII - Tempo di Menuetto moderato

Tracks:

  1. Andante In F Major - 'Andante favori: Andante grazioso con moto
  2. 6 Minuets: 6 Minuets - No. 1 In C Major; No. 2 In G Major; No. 3 In E Flat Major; No. 4 In B Flat Major; No. 5 in D Major; No. 6 In C Major
  3. 7 Landler In D Major
  4. 12 German Dances: No. 1 In D Major; No. 2 In B Flat Major; No. 3 In G Major; No. 4 In D Major; No. 5 in F Major; No. 6 In B Flat Major; No. 7 In D Major; No. 8 In G Major; No. 9 In E Flat Major; No. 10 In C Major; No. 11 In A Major; No. 12 In D Major
  5. 'The Rage Over The Lost Penny' In G Major: Allegro vivace
  6. Canon A 2 In G Major, Hess 274
  7. Canon A 2 In A Flat Major, Hess 275
  8. 8 Variations (In C Major) On A Theme By Count Waldstein: Thema. Andante con moto - Var. I-VII. Un poco Adagio - Capriccio - Allegro - Adagio - Allegro - Adagio - Allegretto - Allegro - Presto
  9. 6 Variations (In D Major) On The Lied 'Ich denke dein': Lied. Andantino cantabile

Tracks:

  1. Sonata In D Major, Op. 6: 1. Allegro molto
  2. Sonata In D Major, Op. 6: 2. Rondo. Moderato
  3. 3 Marches, op.45: No.1 In C Major - Allegro ma non troppo
  4. 3 Marches, op.45: No. 2 in E Flat Major - Vivace
  5. 3 Marches, op.45: No. 3 In C Major - Vivace
  6. 'Grosse Fuge' In B Flat Major, Op. 134: Overtura. Allegro - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro - Fuga. (Allegro) - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro (molto e con brio)
  7. 2 Preludes Through All Twelve Major Keys For Piano Or Organ: No. 1
  8. 2 Preludes Through All Twelve Major Keys For Piano Or Organ: No. 2
  9. Fugue In D Major For Organ
  10. 5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 1 In F Major - Adagio assai
  11. 5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 2 In G Major - Scherzo. Allegro
  12. 5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 3 In G Major - Allegro
  13. 5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 4 In C Major - Allegro non piu molto
  14. 5 Pieces For Mechanical Clock: No. 5 In C Major - Menuett. Allegretto
  15. Grenadier March For Mechanical Clock In F Major, Hess 107

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A good deal to enjoy.......2006-04-15

Though Beethoven could play the violin he was not a virtuoso on the instrument. The piano, on the other hand, was changed as an instrument by him. He was always on a quest for more sonorous and richer sounds and piano makers did their best to oblige. Many of Beethoven's avant guarde ideas about composition and the role of music in self expression started as piano sonatas and piano works. With this in mind, Beethovens compositions for the piano are some of the most outstanding, brilliant, and technically pure works to emerge from any composer. It is impossible not to feel the emotions Beethoven wishes to convey from piece to piece.

The piano sonatas are really self contained dramas. In them, you will hear the expressions of sadness, beauty, rage, and unbounded joy. It is impossible to listen to this collection and not find pleasure in it. The recordings as well as the performers are top-notch. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Jazzy Ludwig!.......2005-02-17

An excellent set featuring Ludwig van's sets of variations wherein he gets jazzy and swings on catchy tunes! Highly recommended.

NOTE: For those of you who don't understand metaphor: what I'm saying here is that Beethoven used popular operatic hit-tunes of his day and improvised variations on those tunes--as is done in America's original art-form--Jazz. Get it?
Stephen Kovacevich Plays Beethoven
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Stephen Kovacevich Plays Beethoven

    Manufacturer: Philips
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    VariationsVariations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000654OV0
    Release Date: 2005-03-15
    50 Years of Vox
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Wonderful, celebratory collection
    50 Years of Vox

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

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    ASIN: B000001K6U
    Release Date: 1995-10-24

    Tracks:

    1. Symphony No. 4 In C Minor, D.417: 'Tragic'
    2. Caprice No. 20 In D Major for Violin And Piano, Op.1
    3. Donizetti's Opera: 'Lucia di Lammermoor'
    4. Lyric Pieces, Op. 54: Nocturne
    5. Symphony No. 29 In A Major, K.201: Allegro moderato
    6. Piano Concerto No. 19 In F Major, K.459: Allegro
    7. Fireflies
    8. Hornpipe
    9. Violin Concerto in D Major: Capriccio
    10. Diabelli Variations Nos. 6,7,9,10
    11. Nocturne In A-flat Major, Op.32 No.2
    12. Piano Sonata No. 12 In F Major, K.332: Adagio
    13. Clarinet Sonata No. 2 In E Flat Major Op.120: Allegro appassionato
    14. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6
    15. Mephisto Waltz

    Tracks:

    1. La Cenerentola
    2. Royal Fireworks: Overture
    3. 2-Piano Concerto In E Flat Major, K.365: Allegro
    4. Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: Dona Nobis Pacem
    5. Night on Bald Mountain
    6. Swedish Rhapsody No. 1, Op.19: 'Midsommarvaka'
    7. Norwegian Dance Op.35, No. 1
    8. Holiday Symphony: Fourth Of July
    9. Sinfonia India

    Tracks:

    1. Two Studies for Doktor Faust: Cortege
    2. Etude No. 7 In E Minor
    3. Flute Suite No. 2 In B Minor
    4. Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op.53: 'Waldstein'
    5. Variations serieuses, Op.54
    6. Trio No. 1 In B Major, Op.8: Allegro
    7. Sonata For Trumpet And Piano
    8. Angels
    9. Violin Concerto No.2, Op.22
    10. Mazurka No. 7, Op.3
    11. Piece en forme de Habanera
    12. Estampes (Jardins sous la pluie)
    13. Organ Toccata in F Major
    14. Water Music: Suite In D
    15. The Thunderer March

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Wonderful, celebratory collection.......2003-09-27

    Amazon currently sells this as a sealed cutout for an incredible $4.97 in the used CD section, under this code:
    Label: Scde
    ASIN: B00005MJTD

    As many of the old Vox single CDs & boxes disappear or are reshuffled into deceptively "premium" packaging, this wonderful, celebratory collection remembers the glory years with a wide-ranging selection of great music, from the post-war mono recordings that, among other achievements, resuscitated Otto Klemperer's career & sent him on to settle some old scores, to pristine sessions from the Eighties engineered by the team of Marc Aubert & Joanna Nickrenz. Along the way there are some delightful surprises; pianists Novaes, Philipp, Haebler; Alfgren's lovely "Swedish Rhapsody" superbly played by the Baltimore Symphony as something more than a light classic; the under-rated Donald Johannos & Dallas Orchestra challenging Lenny Bernstein in 1967, the height of the Charles Ives revival, with a remarkable "Fourth of July;" Ravel's "Habanera" performed by violinist Elmar Oliveira. Included is a colorful 40 page booklet, written by frequent Vox liner note contributor, Richard Freed, outlining the Vox history with special attention to its visionary founder, George H. de Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (a collateral descendent of Felix & Fanny). My set also came with a "complete listing" insert of Vox Boxes, so many of which have been discontinued since 1995. One could only wish for a fourth CD devoted to the avant garde music Vox issued on the Turnabout & Candide labels, proudly mentioned in the booklet, but alas, tapes apparently buried in a secret vault somewhere.

    Bob Rixon
    50 Piano & Guitar Favorites
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      50 Piano & Guitar Favorites

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

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      ASIN: B000AAF23K
      Release Date: 2005-08-02
      Troubadour of the Piano
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Anda The Master
      • Awesome Anda
      Troubadour of the Piano

      Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      GeneralGeneral | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      Similar Items:
      1. MONIQUE HAAS Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon
      2. Clifford Curzon: Decca Recordings, 1937-1971, Vol. 3
      3. Karl Richter: A Universal Musician
      4. The Complete 1950s Chopin Recordings
      5. Ferenc Fricsay: A Life in Music

      ASIN: B0009ONYPU
      Release Date: 2005-09-13

      Tracks:

      1. I. Allegro Affettuoso
      2. II. Intermezzo: Andantino Grazioso
      3. III. Allegro Vivace
      4. Thema: Andante
      5. Etude I (Variation I): Un Poco Piu Vivo
      6. Etude II (Var. II)
      7. Etude III: Vivace
      8. Etude IV (Var. III)
      9. Etude V (Var. IV): Vivacissimo
      10. Etude Vi (Var. V): Agitato
      11. Variation II Posth.
      12. Etude VII (Var. VI): Allegro Molto
      13. Etude VIII (Var. VII): Andante
      14. Variation V Posth.
      15. Etude IX: Presto Possibile
      16. Etude X (Var.VIII): Allegro
      17. Etude XI (Var. IX): Con Espressione
      18. Finale: Etude XII: Allegro Brillante
      19. Symphonic Variations For Piano And Orchestra
      20. Allegretto

      Tracks:

      1. I. Allegro Non Troppo
      2. II. Allegro Appassionato
      3. III. Andante-Piu Adagio
      4. IV. Allegretto Grazioso-Un Poco Piu Presto
      5. Adagio Molto
      6. Poco Allegretto
      7. Vivace

      Tracks:

      1. Thema: Vivace
      2. Var. I: Alla Marcia Maestoso
      3. Var. II: Poco Allegro
      4. Var. III: L'Istesso Tempo
      5. Var. IV: Un Poco Piu Vivace
      6. Var. V: Allegro Vivace
      7. Var. VI: Allegro Ma Non Troppo E Serioso
      8. Var. VII: Un Poco Piu Allegro
      9. Var. VIII: Poco Vivace
      10. Var. IX: Allegro Pesante E Risoluto
      11. Var. X: Presto
      12. Var. XI: Allegretto
      13. Var. XII: Un Poco Piu Moto
      14. Var. XIII: Vivace
      15. Var. XIV: Grave E Maestoso
      16. Var. XV: Presto Scherzando
      17. Var. XVI: Allegro
      18. Var. XVII
      19. Var. XVIII: Poco Moderato
      20. Var. XIX: Presto
      21. Var. XX: Andante
      22. Var. XXI: Allegro Con Brio-Meno Allegro-Tempo I
      23. Var. XXII: Allegro Molto (Alla 'Notte E Giorno Faticar' Di Mozart)
      24. Var. XXIII: Allegro Assai
      25. Var. XXIV: Fughetta: Andante
      26. Var. XXV: Allegro
      27. Var. XXVI
      28. Var. XXVII: Vivace
      29. Var. XXVIII: Allegro
      30. Var. XXIX: Adagio Ma Non Troppo
      31. Var. XXX: Andante, Sempre Cantabile
      32. Var.XXXI: Largo, Molto Espressivo
      33. Var. XXXII: Fuga: Allegro-Poco Adagio
      34. Var.XXXIII: Tempo Di Menuetto Moderato
      35. I. Molto Moderato
      36. II. Andante Sostenuto
      37. III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace Con Delicatezza (Quasi Attacca:)
      38. IV. Allegro, Ma Non Troppo

      Tracks:

      1. No.1 In C Major: Agitato
      2. No.2 In A Minor: Lento
      3. No.3 In G Major: Vivace
      4. No.4 In E Minor: Largo
      5. No.5 In D Major: Allegro Molto
      6. No.6 In B Minor: Lento Assai
      7. No.7 In A Major: Andantino
      8. No.8 In F Sharp Minor: Molto Agitato
      9. No.9 In E Major: Largo
      10. No.10 In C Sharp Minor: Allegro Molto
      11. No.11 In B Major: Vivace
      12. No.12 In G Sharp Minor: Presto
      13. No.13 In F Sharp Major: Lento
      14. No.14 In E Flat Minor: Allegro
      15. No.15 In D Flat Major 'Raindrop': Sostenuto
      16. No.16 In B Flat Minor: Presto Con Fuoco
      17. No.17 In A Flat Major: Allegretto
      18. No.18 In F Minor: Allegro Molto
      19. No.19 In E Flat Major: Vivace
      20. No.20 In C Minor: Largo
      21. No.21 In B Flat Major: Cantabile
      22. No.22 In G Minor: Molto Agitato
      23. No.23 In F Major: Moderato
      24. No.24 In D Minor: Allegro Appasionato
      25. Maestoso
      26. I. Lebhaft
      27. II. Innig
      28. III. Mit Humor (Etwas Hahnbuchen)
      29. IV. Ungeduldig
      30. V. Einfach
      31. VI. Sehr Rasch (Sehr Rasch Und In Sich Hinein)
      32. VII. Nicht Schnell (Mit Ausserst Starker Empfindung)
      33. VIII. Frisch
      34. IX. Lebhaft
      35. X. Balladenmassig. Sehr Rasch
      36. XI. Einfach
      37. XII. Mit Humor
      38. XIII. Wild Und Lustig
      39. XIV. Zart Und Singend
      40. XV. Frisch
      41. XVI. Mit Gutem Humor
      42. XVII. Wie Aus Der Ferne
      43. XVIII. Nicht Schnell
      44. Vivace
      45. Allegretto
      46. Lento

      Tracks:

      1. I. Ausserst Bewegt
      2. II. Sehr Innig Und Nicht Zu Rasch-Intermezzo I: Sehr Lebhaft/Intermezzo II: Etwas Bewegter-Langsamer (Erstes Tempo)
      3. III. Sehr Aufgeregt
      4. IV. Sehr Langsam
      5. V. Sehr Lebhaft
      6. VI. Sehr Langsam
      7. VII. Sehr Rasch
      8. VIII. Schnell Und Spielend
      9. I. Durchaus Phantastisch Und Leidenschaftlich Vorzutragen-Im Legendenton-Tempo Primo
      10. II. Massig. Durchaus Energisch-Etwas Langsamer-Viel Bewegter
      11. III. Langsam Getragen. Durchweg Leise Zu Halten-Etwas Bewegter
      12. Thema: Andante
      13. Etude I (Var. I): Un Poco Piu Vivo
      14. Etude II (Var. II)
      15. Etude III: Vivace
      16. Etude IV (Var. III)
      17. Etude V (Var. IV): Vivacissimo
      18. Etude VI (Var. V): Agitato
      19. Variation II Posth.
      20. Etude VII (Var. VI): Allegro Molto
      21. Etude VIII (Var. VII): Andante
      22. Variation V Posth.
      23. Etude IX: Presto Possibile
      24. Etude X (Var. VIII): Allegro
      25. Etude XI (Var. IX): Con Espressione
      26. Finale: Etude XII: Allegro Brillante

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Anda The Master.......2006-09-02

      It's fortunate that DGG is re-releasing so many of the stellar recordings of artists of the past including this 5-CD set of Geza Anda. Recordings of his that have been out of print for a long time are in this set thankfully. As a young budding piano student I had never purchased or listened to an Anda recording having been taken with the more technically richly endowed wiles of Horowitz and Richter's pianism. I focussed almost exclusively on pyrotechnics as a youth and didn't appreciate the intellect and artistry of artists such as Anda, Backhaus and Kempff until many years later as an adult.

      Once I discovered Anda (or re-discovered him might be more like it) I fell in love with his deep sense of musicianship, grasp of musical structure, elemental pianism and visceral yet intellectually weighted emotionality. Because most of his recordings had gone out of print I snapped up what I could, notably the Bartok 3 piano concertos and Mozart complete piano concertos with the Camerata Salzburg. I also got some of the live performance CDs floating around which elucidated his excitement as a performer (along with the fallibility of his technique at times; a technique though that could handle anything thrown at it however).

      The most eagerly awaited work for me in this set is the Brahms B-Flat performance which I had unsuccessfully had tried to acquire in LP format for a few years. It was the first thing I listened to in the set and it lived up to my expectations and more. This is a titanic performance of this towering massive concerto. Anda brings out all the fire and gut-pounding power in the places that call for it (e.g. at the beginning opening cadenza's finish before the orchestra tutti starts). He also brings an element of deep elemental mystery to other of the more ethereal passages in the first movement. The second movement it elemental in its power and expression. The end of the 2nd movement is exciting as all get out. My heart raced as Anda came cascading down in the d minor chords at the end of the movement! The cello soloist in the 3rd movement plays with soulfull intensity yet the movement is not taken at too slow a tempo which keeps the overall conception of the work moving with a forward impetus. Anda's entrance is beautiful beyond belief. He conveys a sense of mystery in his playing without it ever getting bogged down in the beautiful details of the notes. The last movement is buoyant and jubilation along with a sense of the delicateness abound. All in all a great performance! The DGG engineering is apparent in this recording with even being so old sounds as if it were recorded yesterday.

      The rest of the performances are just as enthralling including 2 performances of the symphonic etudes (an early mono version on Disc 1 and the later stereo version on Disc 5) which are interesting to hear the juxtaposition of an artist's development. Like Julius Katchen, William Kapell and Dino Ciani, Anda was taken from us much too soon.

      5 out of 5 stars Awesome Anda.......2006-02-08

      Best known as the first pianist to record a complete cycle of Mozart's Piano Concertos, Geza Anda shows his awesome power as both soloist and accompanist in a variety of works on "Troubadour of the Piano." For me, the collection's best moments were the opportunity to finally hear Anda's highly acclaimed accounts of the Schumann Piano Concerto, with Rafael Kubelik and the Berlin Philharmonic in stereo from 1963, and the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2, with Ferenc Fricsay and the Berliners in stereo from 1960. The Schumann is outstanding, but the Brahms is truly brilliant! Those familiar with Anda will know that the pianist made his definitive readings of the Bartok PCs with Fricsay, and they capture that magic once again. The pace is never rushed, and the playing clear and distinct -- it is a legendary performance. Speaking of Bartok, Anda and Fricsay also combine to perform the composer's Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra. Recorded in 1960 and originally paired on vinyl with the Bartok 1st, it was unable to fit on the aforementioned disc of the three Concertos and thus makes its CD debut here. Other highlights from this collection are stereo performances of Beethoven's Diabelli Variations and Chopin's 24 Preludes, and two versions of Schumann's Symphonic Etudes -- one in mono from 1943 and the other in stereo twenty years later. Some of the historical recordings are marred by poor sound, in particular the Franck Symphonic Variations with Van Beinum from 1943, but are delightful as reference material. In all, "Troubadour of the Piano" is another gem in Deutsche Grammophon's "Original Masters" series.
      Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas & Diabelli Variations
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • sss'aight...
      • The Best Since Schnabel...
      • A performance of the highest artistry imaginable
      • Kuerti - Plays Beethoven Sonatas with Rare Fantasy & Fire
      • A real discovery
      Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas & Diabelli Variations

      Manufacturer: Analekta
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      VariationsVariations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
      ClassicalClassical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
      ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B000009CY6
      Release Date: 2007-04-09

      Tracks:

      1. Son No.1 in f, Op.2 No.1: Allegro
      2. Son No.1 in f, Op.2 No.1: Adagio
      3. Son No.1 in f, Op.2 No.1: Menuetto: Allegretto
      4. Son No.1 in f, Op.2 No.1: Prestissimo
      5. Son No.2 in A, Op.2 No.2: Allegro Vivace
      6. Son No.2 in A, Op.2 No.2: Largo Appassionato
      7. Son No.2 in A, Op.2 No.2: Scherzo: Allegretto
      8. Son No.2 in A, Op.2 No.2: Rondo: Grazioso
      9. Son No.3 in C, Op.2 No.3: Allegro Con Brio
      10. Son No.3 in C, Op.2 No.3: Adagio
      11. Son No.3 in C, Op.2 No.3: Scherzo: Allegro
      12. Son No.3 in C, Op.2 No.3: Allegro Assai

      Tracks:

      1. Son No.4 in E flat, Op.7: Allegro Molto E Con Brio
      2. Son No.4 in E flat, Op.7: Largo Con Gran Espressione
      3. Son No.4 in E flat, Op.7: Allegro
      4. Son No.4 in E flat, Op.7: Rondo: Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
      5. Son No.8 in c, Op.13 'Pathetique': Grave; Allegro Di Molto E Con Brio
      6. Son No.8 in c, Op.13 'Pathetique': Adagio Cantabile
      7. Son No.8 in c, Op.13 'Pathetique': Rondo: Allegro
      8. Son No.12 in A flat, Op.26: Andante Con Variazioni
      9. Son No.12 in A flat, Op.26: Scherzo: Allegro Molto
      10. Son No.12 in A flat, Op.26: Marcia Funebre Sulla Morte D'Un Eroe
      11. Son No.12 in A flat, Op.26: Allegro

      Tracks:

      1. Son No.5 in c, Op.10 No.1: Allegro Molto E Con Brio
      2. Son No.5 in c, Op.10 No.1: Adagio Molto
      3. Son No.5 in c, Op.10 No.1: Finale: Prestissimo
      4. Son No.6 in F, Op.10 No.2: Allegro
      5. Son No.6 in F, Op.10 No.2: Allegretto
      6. Son No.6 in F, Op.10 No.2: Presto
      7. Son No.7 in D, Op.10 No.3: Presto
      8. Son No.7 in D, Op.10 No.3: Largo E Mesto
      9. Son No.7 in D, Op.10 No.3: Menuetto: Allegro
      10. Son No.7 in D, Op.10 No.3: Rondo: Allegro
      11. Son No.9 in E, Op.14 No.1: Allegro
      12. Son No.9 in E, Op.14 No.1: Allegretto
      13. Son No.9 in E, Op.14 No.1: Rondo: Allegro Commodo

      Tracks:

      1. Son No.10 in G, Op.14 No.2: Allegro
      2. Son No.10 in G, Op.14 No.2: Andante
      3. Son No.10 in G, Op.14 No.2: Scherzo: Allegro Assai
      4. Son No.13 in E flat, Op.27 No.1 'Sonata Quasi Una Fant': Andante: Allegro
      5. Son No.13 in E flat, Op.27 No.1 'Sonata Quasi Una Fant': Allegro Molto E Vivace
      6. Son No.13 in E flat, Op.27 No.1 'Sonata Quasi Una Fant': Adagio Con Espressione; Allegro Vivace
      7. Son No.14 in c#, Op.27 No.2 'Sonata Quasi Una Fant': Adagio Sostenuto
      8. Son No.14 in c#, Op.27 No.2 'Sonata Quasi Una Fant': Allegretto
      9. Son No.14 in c#, Op.27 No.2 'Sonata Quasi Una Fant': Presto
      10. Son No.15 in D, Op.28 'Pastorale': Allegro
      11. Son No.15 in D, Op.28 'Pastorale': Andante
      12. Son No.15 in D, Op.28 'Pastorale': Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
      13. Son No.15 in D, Op.28 'Pastorale': Rondo: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo

      Tracks:

      1. Son No.16 in G, Op.31 No.1: Allegro Vivace
      2. Son No.16 in G, Op.31 No.1: Adagio Grazioso
      3. Son No.16 in G, Op.31 No.1: Rondo: Allegretto
      4. Son No.17 in d, Op.31 No.2 'The Tempest': Largo: Allegro
      5. Son No.17 in d, Op.31 No.2 'The Tempest': Adagio
      6. Son No.17 in d, Op.31 No.2 'The Tempest': Allegretto
      7. Son No.18 in E flat, Op.31 No.3: Allegro
      8. Son No.18 in E flat, Op.31 No.3: Scherzo: Allegretto Vivace
      9. Son No.18 in E flat, Op.31 No.3: Menuetto; Moderato E Grazioso
      10. Son No.18 in E flat, Op.31 No.3: Presto Con Fuoco

      Tracks:

      1. Son No.11 in B flat, Op.22: Allegro Con Brio
      2. Son No.11 in B flat, Op.22: Adagio Con Molta Espressione
      3. Son No.11 in B flat, Op.22: Menuetto
      4. Son No.11 in B flat, Op.22: Rondo: Allegretto
      5. Son No.22 in F, Op.54: In Tempo D'Un Menuettto
      6. Son No.22 in F, Op.54: Allegretto
      7. Son No.23 in f, Op.57 'Appassionata': Allegro Assai
      8. Son No.23 in f, Op.57 'Appassionata': Andante Con Moto
      9. Son No.23 in f, Op.57 'Appassionata':Allegro Ma Non Troppo
      10. Sonatina No.25 in G, Op.79: Presto Alla Tedesca
      11. Sonatina No.25 in G, Op.79: Andante
      12. Sonatina No.25 in G, Op.79: Vivace

      Tracks:

      1. Son No.19 in g, Op.49 No.1: Andante
      2. Son No.19 in g, Op.49 No.1: Rondo: Allegro
      3. Son No.20 in G, Op.49 No.2: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
      4. Son No.20 in G, Op.49 No.2: Tempo Di Menuetto
      5. Son No.21 in C, Op.53 'Waldstein': Allegro Con Brio
      6. Son No.21 in C, Op.53 'Waldstein': Intro: Adagio Molto
      7. Son No.21 in C, Op.53 'Waldstein': Rondo: Allegretto Moderato; Prestissimo
      8. Son No.24 in F#, Op.78: Adagio Cantabile; Allegro Ma Non Troppo
      9. Son No.24 in F#, Op.78: Allegro Vivace
      10. Son No.26 in E flat, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Adagio: Allegro
      11. Son No.26 in E flat, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Andante Espressivo
      12. Son No.26 in E flat, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Vivacissimamente

      Tracks:

      1. Son No.28 in A, Op.101: Etwas Lebhaft Und Mit Der Innigsten Empfindung
      2. Son No.28 in A, Op.101: Lebhaft. Marschmassig
      3. Son No.28 in A, Op.101: Langsam Und Sehnsuchtvoll
      4. Son No.28 in A, Op.101: Geschwinde, Doch Nicht Zu Sehf, Und Mit Entschlossenheit
      5. Son No.29 in B flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Allegro
      6. Son No.29 in B flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Scherzo: Assai Vivace
      7. Son No.29 in B flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Adagio Sostenuto
      8. Son No.29 in B flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Largo: Allegro Risoluto

      Tracks:

      1. Son No.30 in E, Op.109: Vivace Ma Non Troppo; Adagio Espressivo
      2. Son No.30 in E, Op.109: Prestissimo
      3. Son No.30 in E, Op.109: Gesangvoll, Mit Innigster Empfindung
      4. Son No.31 in F flat, Op.110: Moderato Cantabile Molto Espressivo
      5. Son No.31 in F flat, Op.110: Allegro Molto
      6. Son No.31 in F flat, Op.110: Adagio, Ma Non Troppo
      7. Son No.31 in F flat, Op.110: Fuga: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
      8. Son No.32 in c, Op.111: Maestoso; Allegro Con Brio Ed Appassionato
      9. Son No.32 in c, Op.111: Arietta: Adagio Molto Semplice E Cantabile

      Tracks:

      1. Son No.27 in e, Op.90: Mit Lebhaftigkeit Und Durchaus Mit Empfindung Und Ausdruck
      2. Son No.27 in e, Op.90: Nicht Zu Geschwind Und Sehr Singbar Vorgetragen
      3. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Theme: Vivace
      4. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: I. Alla Marcia Maestoso
      5. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: II. Poco Allegro
      6. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: III. L'Istesso Tempo
      7. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: IV. Un Poco Piu Vivace
      8. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: V. Allegro Vivace
      9. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: VI. Allegro, Ma Non Troppo E Serioso
      10. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: VII. Un Poco Piu Allegro
      11. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: VIII. Poco Vivace
      12. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: IX. Allegro Pesante E Risoluto
      13. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: X. Presto
      14. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XI. Allegretto
      15. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XII. Un Poco Piu Mosso
      16. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XIII. Vivace
      17. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XIV. Grave E Maestoso
      18. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XV. Presto Scherzando
      19. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XVI. Allegro
      20. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XVII. (Allegro)
      21. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XVIII. Moderato
      22. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XIX. Presto
      23. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XX. Andante
      24. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXI. Allegro Con Brio; Meno Allegro
      25. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXII. Molto Allegro (Alla 'Notte E Giorno Faticar'...)
      26. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXIII. Assai Allegro
      27. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXIV. Fughetta: Andante
      28. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXV. Allegro
      29. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXVI. (Piacevole)
      30. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXVII. Vivace
      31. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXVIII. Allegro
      32. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXIX. Adagio, Ma Non Troppo
      33. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXX. Andante, Sempre Cantabile
      34. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXXI. Largo, Molto Espressivo
      35. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXXII. Fuga: Allegro
      36. Vars On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: XXXIII. Tempo Di Minuetto, Moderato

      Customer Reviews:

      3 out of 5 stars sss'aight..........2005-07-02

      I think this is Beethoven for purists. Kuerti plays very individually and humanly but not so cosmically. He doesn't play with much weight or fire behind him, but rather with finess and beauty instead.

      The Analekta sound is decent but could be louder and deeper.

      His renditions are more preferable to me than say Barenboim (DG), Ashkenazy or Goode's, but it's true that Kuerti's are very interesting and unique readings indeed.

      5 out of 5 stars The Best Since Schnabel..........2005-01-17

      ... and actually I listen to Anton even more often than to Artur. Others here have described Kuerti's playing. Let me describe how he speaks: like a human being. This is confessional Beethoven -- by turns virile, humorous, romantic and visionary -- but it is above all intimate, from Beethoven's heart to Kuerti's and then, I believe, to yours. There is nothing of the virtuoso about this musician. His fingers are first-class, but they preserve the sense of struggle so crucial to Beethoven's rhetoric. Czerny and Schindler described their master's own playing in terms that I think will come to mind when you hear these life-enhancing performances. Buy them before they disappear.

      5 out of 5 stars A performance of the highest artistry imaginable.......2003-11-01

      Where to start? I purchased this set on the recommendation of the manager of the classical CD department at a local CD store. We chat often about CDs, and this particular day, the conversation turned to the Beethoven piano sonatas, and he told me "You have to try this set. It's not like anything you've ever heard." Intrigued, I gave it a try.

      Upon getting home to listen, I chose a familiar middle-period sonata to get my bearings - I chose the Apassionata. Within the first minute of the first movement I was transfixed in enjoyment and amazement. There are so many great performances of this piece, but this was indeed different from anything I had ever heard. I kept waiting for the usual problems I hear in most performances. Minor problems for sure, but always there nonetheless, such as too much pause after a phrase, or a tendency towards becoming mechanical and clangorous in the dense sections. But it never happened. The piece just kept pouring out with the most intricate passages seeming to stand still before me. To me, the performance seemed to transcend the usual adjectives one hears in reference to the Beethoven sonatas, such as "warm" and "lyrical" on one hand, or "granite-like" on the other. Rather it was as if all artificial coloration had been stripped away, and what was left was pure music, the perfect expression of the soul of the music. Kuerti plays from an utterly centered place, from which he uses supernatural control of articulation, dynamics, phrasing, to bring out music that is crystal clear and beyond words.

      My next stop was the last movement of the Hammerklavier - the fugue. The Hammerklavier is one of my favorite pieces of music in the entire literature, but not the last movement in particular, because I'd never heard it performed well. I've only heard it in performances that are too harsh to enjoy. I've always felt there was a way to play it right - to bring it out correctly, but that I'd never heard a performance that achieved this. From the opening bars, my jaw dropped at Kuerti's performance. This movement opens with a number of short "episodes" before the main fugue is joined. These episodes usally sound like a "warmup" before the artist gets to the main show. In Kuerti's hands I was immediately transported to another world. There was a spirituality and profound peace that was palpable. It felt like Beethoven was in the room with me and Kuerti. (More on what I mean by this at the end!)

      This experience of Kuerti's interpretations completely transcending anything I've previously heard was repeated again and again. Case in point - the Diabelli Variations. I purchased Pollini's CD a while back with high hopes. But I listened only once, and it has not come off the shelf since. But just a few minutes of Kuerti's performance, and I was entranced and immensly enjoying the music.

      Everything in this set is a revelation! The feeling I get time and again when listening to these performances, especially the late sonatas, is that Beethoven is in the room. It's not that Kuerti disappears, and I hear Beethoven playing. It's more a feeling of Kuerti playing, me listening, and Beethoven is in the room, standing next to the piano, head bowed in concentration, smiling to himself, thinking that "this, finally, is right - this is how I meant it."

      To me, these are performances of the highest artistry imagineable. If you love Beethoven's piano sonatas, and you're always searching for something more than what you've heard, you owe it to yourself to hear these performances!

      5 out of 5 stars Kuerti - Plays Beethoven Sonatas with Rare Fantasy & Fire.......2002-08-07

      If you are a devoted fan of the Beethoven piano sonatas, these Kuerti performances of all 32 will go right to the top of your wish list. Because he has played mostly in Canada for the past several decades, perhaps Anton Kuerti is less well-known than the other big names you can get in the USA who play this repertoire. No matter, because Mr. Kuerti brings his own brand of rhythmic joi de vivre to LvB. Here is a recording whose perennially fresh sort of vital energy seems nourished by deep, probing roots into the rational-yet-mystical ways of some Unseen Whole. Each round of repeat play of these CD's will only further convince you of Mr. Kuerti's uncommon intelligence & magisterial musicality. Keen observors will be quick to note that Mr. K has also done the complete piano concertos, a top-drawer companion set, even in a distinguished and crowded field of worthy alternatives. Mr. K's Beethoven combines a lean, muscular tone with a swiftness of inflected rhythm, all balanced in a seemingly effortless manner with a singing line that shapes musical phrases to winning lyrical or dramatic effect. Some listeners may fault him for not having the luscious, bottomless tone of say, Claudio Arrau, or the careening wild bacchante spirit occasionally displayed by the likes of Martha Argerich. No doubt, others may play Beethoven, equally well though differently. Still the listener who forgoes Kuerti is depriving him or herself of performances which sparkle, radiate warmth, and ever remind us that Beethoven was a ready enough, rough wit; and a committed humanist (in the Enlightenment sense of those words); as well as a grand master. Can you ask a recorded performance to do more? These are highly recommended, well nigh indispensable performances.

      5 out of 5 stars A real discovery.......2000-08-28

      Kuerti's complete set of Beethoven sonatas is extraordinary. Very powerful in the dramatic passages, without ever becoming loud or shrill, with a wonderful control of the tempi. Brilliant sforzati, remarkable use of agogics (is this the word? English is not my mother tongue). Kuerti also never neglects the playful and (in his wonderful comprehensive notes on the sonatas) makes you aware of how much humour there is to be found in many of them. The lyrical passages are also remarkable, with the only reservation that some of the slow movements are altogether too slow. I'm sure that, played like this, they are wonderful in the concert hall but on CD Kuerti asks much of his listeners in terms of concentration. But all in all the playing is difficult to surpass. I go back to these recordings time and again, full of admiration. The sound, by the way, is at times a bit on the dry side but it brings out the nuances of Kuerti's masterful playing much better than many of the later digital recordings whose sound is not only too harsh but also electronically blown up.