Recordings That You Are Considering

[springrite]

For the Beethoven quartets, the complete sets I have are Amadeus and Talich. Would the Italiano be similar to either one or would it be sufficiently different and interesting as a compliment?

[George]

The only complete set I have is Fischer. I have many recordings of the various sonatas by different pianist, but am considering getting another complete set. So, based on economic considerations and availability here, I am considering between the Arrau and Nat.

I would sample the Arrau, as he has a very specific style that may not appeal to you.

The Nat would make a great contrast with the Fischer IMO. His style is more refined and less explosive.

[prémont]

For the Beethoven quartets, the complete sets I have are Amadeus and Talich. Would the Italiano be similar to either one or would it be sufficiently different and interesting as a compliment?

It is closest to the Amadeus, but not half as good.
I would call it a bit woolen as opposed to the Amadeus` classical style.
Do not get the Italians - there are 20 sets you ought to hear before the Italians.

[springrite]

I would sample the Arrau, as he has a very specific style that may not appeal to you.

The Nat would make a great contrast with the Fischer IMO. His style is more refined and less explosive.

I am beginning to consider the possibility of getting both...

[George]

I am beginning to consider the possibility of getting both...

Atta boy! 

[Harry]

It is closest to the Amadeus, but not half as good.
I would call it a bit woolen as opposed to the Amadeus` classical style.
Do not get the Italians - there are 20 sets you ought to hear before the Italians.

I beg to disagree, it can stand well next to the Amadeus.
Do get the Italians, you don't have to listen to 20 other sets, you reached your destination.

[prémont]

I would sample the Arrau, as he has a very specific style that may not appeal to you.

Yes, that is what I call authority.

The Nat would make a great contrast with the Fischer IMO. His style is more refined and less explosive.

If I were asked which Beethoven set´s I consider the most passionate I would of course mention A Ficher´s set as number one. But I would put Nat somewhere beteen number two and number five. Arrau would be a much greater contrast to Fischer.

[prémont]

I am beginning to consider the possibility of getting both...

Good idea - instead of the Italian´s Qt. set

[MN Dave]

Good idea - instead of the Italian´s Qt. set

[prémont]

I beg to disagree, it can stand well next to the Amadeus.

Well Harry, we usually agreee about much, and I have acquired many CD´s because of your recommendation, and I have had many musically rewarding experiences in this way, but in this case I disagree. I find the Amadeus widely superior to the Italians. But of course I find quite a lot of others superior to both the Amadeus and the Italians. Let me mention the Alban Berg Qt, Vegh Qt, Suske Qt, Hungarian Qt to name a few.

[springrite]

But of course I find quite a lot of others superior to both the Amadeus and the Italians. Let me mention the Alban Berg Qt, Vegh Qt, Suske Qt, Hungarian Qt to name a few.

I had the Alban Berg which I liked very much. But Vanessa lost one of the 22 boxes shipped back from the States, and the Alban Berg was in it. So I lost it. But I did find a DVD set of the Alban Berg.

[George]

Well Harry, we usually agreee about much, and I have acquired many CD´s because of your recommendation, and I have had many musically rewarding experiences in this way, but in this case I disagree. I find the Amadeus widely superior to the Italians. But of course I find quite a lot of others superior to both the Amadeus and the Italians. Let me mention the Alban Berg Qt, Vegh Qt, Suske Qt, Hungarian Qt to name a few.

The Italianos are a consensus pick, just as the Arrau is. In fact, those two sets were recommended more than almost any others when I first started collecting classical CDs. The problem with consensus picks, as I am sure you know, is that it leads people to believe that everyone will like them. Your response to the Italiano (and mine to Arrau's Beethoven sonatas) set proves this theory wrong. On the other hand, to me, the Italiano has more of a Universal appeal than the Arrau does, as his way with Beethoven is very individual. And it's this unique approach to Beethoven that would lead me to suggest that folks sample his style before taking the plunge.

[MN Dave]

Oh, good lord, Paul. Just go listen to some samples. 

[springrite]

Oh, good lord, Paul. Just go listen to some samples. 

Well, this is Paul Y, NOT Paulb. 

[prémont]

The Italianos are a consensus pick, just as the Arrau is. In fact, those two sets were recommended more than almost any others when I first started collecting classical CDs. The problem with consensus picks, as I am sure you know, is that it leads people to believe that everyone will like them. Your response to the Italiano (and mine to Arrau's Beethoven sonatas) set proves this theory wrong. On the other hand, to me, the Italiano has more of a Universal appeal than the Arrau does, as his way with Beethoven is very individual. And it's this unique approach to Beethoven that would lead me to suggest that folks sample his style before taking the plunge.

Yes, the suggestion of sampling Arrau is of course sensible, and I agree, that Arrau has got an individual style, which may not appeal to everyone. But so has every other Beethoven pianist, even Jando. For the same reason Springrite should also sample Nat, who´s style IMO is very individual too, and even  is - as I wrote above - much closer to A Fischers style than Arrau´s. But the point of departure was, that Springrite has got the possibility to acquire Arrau and Nat. He asks if he shall grab them in time. And I say Yes, grab them if you have the chance, they are both very good, and you can get some others later on.

[prémont]

Well, this is Paul Y, NOT Paulb. 

Of course. PaulB would not pose questions about Beethoven CDs.

[George]

Yes, the suggestion of sampling Arrau is of course sensible, and I agree, that Arrau has got an individual style, which may not appeal to everyone. But so has every other Beethoven pianist, even Jando. For the same reason Springrite should also sample Nat, who´s style IMO is very individual too, and even  is - as I wrote above - much closer to A Fischers style than Arrau´s. But the point of departure was, that Springrite has got the possibility to acquire Arrau and Nat. He asks if he shall grab them in time. And I say Yes, grab them if you have the chance, they are both very good, and you can get some others later on.

True. I would suggest Kempff next for contrast. His style seems to be quite the opposite of Annie's.

[springrite]

Of course. PaulB would not pose questions about Beethoven CDs.

Just wait. I will ask about Pettersson after the New Year. 

[prémont]

Just wait. I will ask about Pettersson after the New Year. 

Gosh

[George]

Yes, the suggestion of sampling Arrau is of course sensible, and I agree, that Arrau has got an individual style, which may not appeal to everyone. But so has every other Beethoven pianist, even Jando. For the same reason Springrite should also sample Nat, who´s style IMO is very individual too, and even  is - as I wrote above - much closer to A Fischers style than Arrau´s. But the point of departure was, that Springrite has got the possibility to acquire Arrau and Nat. He asks if he shall grab them in time. And I say Yes, grab them if you have the chance, they are both very good, and you can get some others later on.

While I agree that all pianists have their own style, with some the difference is much more subtle than others. I include Jando in that list and Nat as well, but I am going from memory with Nat, so I certainly could be wrong. Conversely, one could not mistake Arrau's (or Schnabel's or Kempff's) Beethoven for anyone else. Their style is instantly recognizable. Pianists like this tend to be loved or hated, that's why I suggested Paul to listen to some samples, to see which camp he is in.