Kovacevich's Diabellis - Old vs New

[Holden]

I got a copy of the new Kovacevich recording of the Diabelli Variations from the library to compare it with the version he made in 1968. His earlier version is still one of the classic recordings of this work (IMO) and I wondered if, 40 years later, he could again do it justice. This CD has sat in my player for nearly three weeks now and I go back to it often. There are parts of it that are absolutely sublime and parts where I feel that he has not bettered the earlier version. For me the jury is still out on 1968 vs 2009.

Have you heard both and if so, what is your opinion? I feel that he plays the Waltz too fast in the latest version but that doesn't detract too much from the whole work. In the liner notes SK talks bout the legendary Rudolf Serkin version (which I have yet to hear) and talks about emulating that.

Opinions please.

[Todd]

I've heard both, and I prefer the earlier version, though not by a whole lot.  I can hear where why he talks about emulating the Serkin, but he doesn't match it.  I like the slightly rushed feel of some of the pieces.

But neither recording, nor any other I've heard from him, sounds like he does in recital (though I haven't heard him play the Diabellis in person).

[Josquin des Prez]

The 70s recording is the best.

[Josquin des Prez]

but he doesn't match it.

I think he does it better, but whatever. Earlier recording is the one to go for.

[George]

Have you heard both and if so, what is your opinion? I feel that he plays the Waltz too fast in the latest version but that doesn't detract too much from the whole work. In the liner notes SK talks bout the legendary Rudolf Serkin version (which I have yet to hear) and talks about emulating that.

Opinions please.

Haven't heard the second one, but I am happy to hear the earlier one is better.