Beethoven's Waldstein Sonata

[Tsaraslondon]

My favourite of all Beethoven's piano sonatas is the Waldstein, but I don't at present have a recording. I used to have both Kempff and Arrau (circa 1980s) on LP, and was particularly fond of the Arrau. I love the moment that the big tune comes in in the last movement, and on this recording he captures it perfectly, with the aural equivalent of the moon coming out from behind the clouds. Given this is the experience I wish to duplicate, should I just try and find this same recording on CD or has anyone any other recommendations?

[George]

My favourite of all Beethoven's piano sonatas is the Waldstein, but I don't at present have a recording. I used to have both Kempff and Arrau (circa 1980s) on LP, and was particularly fond of the Arrau. I love the moment that the big tune comes in in the last movement, and on this recording he captures it perfectly, with the aural equivalent of the moon coming out from behind the clouds. Given this is the experience I wish to duplicate, should I just try and find this same recording on CD or has anyone any other recommendations?

Haven't heard the Arrau, but it seems that would be your best bet, seeing as you already have heard and enjoy it. I don't know if it's available as a single or even double disc, though.

The new recording by Freire is rushed IMO and not worth recommending.

My very favorite is Serkin's mono recording on Music and Arts. It's incredible! He was at his technical peak when this was recorded and thought the sound is not so great, his playing makes you quickly forget about sonics.

Close behind him in much better sound is Annie Fischer and Gilels. Horowitz (Sony) and Schnabel are great here too.

Of these, I suspect you'd like the Gilels the most, as his tempos tend to be similar to Arrau. His and Horowitz's are readily available on single discs, while the others might be a bit harder to find. 

[Sergeant Rock]

My favourite of all Beethoven's piano sonatas is the Waldstein, but I don't at present have a recording. I used to have both Kempff and Arrau (circa 1980s) on LP, and was particularly fond of the Arrau. I love the moment that the big tune comes in in the last movement, and on this recording he captures it perfectly, with the aural equivalent of the moon coming out from behind the clouds. Given this is the experience I wish to duplicate, should I just try and find this same recording on CD or has anyone any other recommendations?

I haven't heard Arrau but the transition between the second and third movements in Gilels' DG recording is pure magic. There was a thread in which we were asked to pick a single piano recording. This was mine:



Sarge

[Todd]

There are many good ones.  I like the Arrau, but I find others more to my taste, though for different reasons.  Based on what you say you like, the newest Barenboim recording on DVD is fine, but when I think of Gulda or Sherman or Gilels or Serkin or Silverman or Annie, I say one should try for different types of experiences.  The problem I find is that many fine versions are available as complete sets only.  That's no problem for me, but it may be for some.

[Josquin des Prez]

Gilels for me.

[Bunny]

Serkin's Waldstein is available in a small set of named sonatas (as is -- dare I say it? -- John O'Conor's).  If you would also would like your old favorites,  DG has put out a cd of Kempff's named sonatas too, which includes the Waldstein.  I also believe that Ultima has put out a double cd set of the "great" sonatas by Buchbinder for budget prices.

 

If you want to find the Arrau on cd, there is this box set available at Amazon:

[Todd]

as is -- dare I say it? -- John O'Conor's

Dare.  O'Conor's Waldstein is outstanding.

[George]

Serkin's Waldstein is available in a small set of named sonatas (as is -- dare I say it? -- John O'Conor's). 

That Serkin Waldstein is from later on in his career. Many of the performances from that box are excellent, enough to make it worth getting, I just don't include the Waldstein in that bunch. To these ears, the earlier mono version crushes the stereo one like a grape.     

[SimonGodders]

How's Goode?

[George]

How's Goode?

I can check later. I haven't heard my whole set yet. 

[SimonGodders]

Thanks George 

Any thoughts on any of the set actually, as I've been tempted to buy some of it lately...

[Todd]

the earlier mono version crushes the stereo one like a grape.

True

How's Goode?

Not so good.  He plays really fast at times, so if that's enough to get your blood boiling, then it might work.  I find that he flattens out the dynamics and layers on his usual unsmiling/drab (take your pick) style.  YMMV of course.

[George]

Thanks George 

Any thoughts on any of the set actually, as I've been tempted to buy some of it lately...

Which other sets do you own?

For the price of the two single discs and the 1 double set of the late sonatas, you could have the whole set.

[SimonGodders]

Not so good.  He plays really fast at times, so if that's enough to get your blood boiling, then it might work.  I find that he flattens out the dynamics and layers on his usual unsmiling/drab (take your pick) style.  YMMV of course.

Goode does seem to polarise opinion doesn't he? Folks seem to either love him or hate him...guess the litmus test will be my own ears! Reasonably cheap sets on Amazon shall provide me with an answer.

[SimonGodders]

Which other sets do you own?

For the price of the two single discs and the 1 double set of the late sonatas, you could have the whole set.

I've become very anti-set's George, tending to cherry pick most things these days. I have Schnabel and Gilels with smatterings of Richter, Pollini, Arrau, Rubinstein and Van Cliburn and very happy I am with all.

I saw Goode play some Schubert last year (D.960) and was really surprised at how much I liked him, a very deep, penetrating performance. I'ld heard quite a lot of derisory comments about his 'drab' style. Admittedly it was live and not studio, but ever since, thought I'ld like to give his Beethoven a stab. Got an inkling I will quite like it!

[Todd]

Admittedly it was live and not studio

That can make a huge difference.  Stephen Kovacevich sounds much different in person than on disc, for instance.  (Of course, Ivan Moravec sounds similar in person and on disc, so sometimes it doesn't matter.)

[George]

I've become very anti-set's George, tending to cherry pick most things these days. I have Schnabel and Gilels with smatterings of Richter, Pollini, Arrau, Rubinstein and Van Cliburn and very happy I am with all.

Then I would continue in this vein. Annie Fischer, Yudina, Moravec and Hungerford are some that come to mind that are exceptional and are available in single disc format. I can list a few more later when I get home if you wish.

I saw Goode play some Schubert last year (D.960) and was really surprised at how much I liked him, a very deep, penetrating performance. I'ld heard quite a lot of derisory comments about his 'drab' style. Admittedly it was live and not studio, but ever since, thought I'ld like to give his Beethoven a stab. Got an inkling I will quite like it!

I've heard that his live stuff was much better than his studio.  Knowing your tastes a little bit and looking at the pianists you list above, I wouldn't put any urgency on the Goode set. He's dependable and is recorded well, but beyond that...

[Drasko]

I'd like to hear Freire's new disc. His live Waldstein was touch on impetuous side but enjoyable.

[Bunny]

Dare.  O'Conor's Waldstein is outstanding.

I'm so glad you think so!  So many times, when I mention his name, people look at me as if I'm nuts, or worse.

[SimonGodders]

Thanks for your thoughts George/Todd, I've just ordered Goode's Op.10. Need to hear him in something...Very keen on acquiring that Moravec CD as well, will have a hunt for it!

Sorry to the OP for dragging this off topic!