Beethoven's Piano Sonatas

[George]

If you have additional information about recording dates, availability, cover art -- or corrections and additions -- your input is much appreciated.

I notice that the part 4 links don't appear yet on the bottom of the page.

[Holden]

I would add

Michael Houston recorded between 1991? and 1995

Morrison Trust records

http://www.trustcds.com/pages/catalogue1.html    (see bottom of page).

[jlaurson]

I would add

Michael Houston recorded between 1991? and 1995

Morrison Trust records

http://www.trustcds.com/pages/catalogue1.html    (see bottom of page).

Thanks for the info. I have Houston down for the following dates:

1995      -   1997

But I'll check if that's wrong. He'll be included in the next tranche one way or the other.

I notice that the part 4 links don't appear yet on the bottom of the page.

The link is (in) the title.

[George]

The link is (in) the title.

I should have been clearer. I mean at the bottom of each page (part 1, 2 and 3) there are links to the other three pages, but not to part 4.

[jlaurson]

I should have been clearer. I mean at the bottom of each page (part 1, 2 and 3) there are links to the other three pages, but not to part 4.

Oh, yeah... I've not gotten around to that. Lazy, I am. :-)

[Coopmv]

Just read your excellent writeup of Gulda's second set, Jens. I very much agree with what you write about his second traversal of the 32 sonatas. Like you, I find his set to be remarkably enjoyable, brisk and consistent. I also admire Backhaus's second set but consider Gulda's set to be my go-to set these days. This is something that changed recently, but Gulda's set has always impressed me from the very first listen. His technical finish and clear vision of each work is impressive.    

I look forward to reading about more cycles as you add info.

I zipped through Gulda' s set a bit fast and should really find time for a more in-depth listen ...

[Coopmv]

Love the emoticon, Bill!  Got one making the sign of the cross to ward off vampires, too?

Amen ...     

[George]

I zipped through Gulda' s set a bit fast  ...

That's the only way one can listen to his set. 

[Coopmv]

That's the only way one can listen to his set. 

How is the set by Kovacevich?  I only have a few of the Sonatas on this Philips set ...

[FideLeo]

How is the set by Kovacevich?  I only have a few of the Sonatas on this Philips set ...

This set is not complete in sonatas (complete concertos, I think, plus the Diabelli) but what there is, is very good indeed - incisive, powerful, and level-headed.  It was my last major purchase of Beethoven on modern piano.

[Holden]

Thanks for the info. I have Houston down for the following dates:

1995      -   1997

But I'll check if that's wrong. He'll be included in the next tranche one way or the other.

The link is (in) the title.

...and please include Gerard Willems cycle for ABC in the next tranche.

The information on the internet is sketchy regarding Houston's cycle so I am relying on memory. You are probably correct. It's a very good cycle and the only thing that prevented me purchasing it was the price.

[jlaurson]

...and please include Gerard Willems cycle for ABC in the next tranche.

The information on the internet is sketchy regarding Houston's cycle so I am relying on memory. You are probably correct. It's a very good cycle and the only thing that prevented me purchasing it was the price.

You must be from down under. 

Willems won't be in the next tranche (he finished his cycle in 2000 and there are 11 cycles (!) I'm aware of that squeeze between 1996 and 2000). But he'll be included in the 6th.

You don't have Houston's cycle, but know it? Library? Or patriotism? 

[DavidRoss]

This set is not complete in sonatas (complete concertos, I think, plus the Diabelli) but what there is, is very good indeed - incisive, powerful, and level-headed.  It was my last major purchase of Beethoven on modern piano.

I think he was asking about Kovacevich's complete set on EMI, which is also very good, indeed--incisive, powerful, and level-headed--appropriately playful, passionate, and profound where need be.  It is one of my favorites, purchased piecemeal before the boxset was released, and to which I return often.  Many others regard it likewise.  Some do not--GMG's LvB sonata "gurus," Todd and George, among them.

[prémont]

Many others regard it likewise. 

I do.

[prémont]

This set is not complete in sonatas (complete concertos, I think, plus the Diabelli) but what there is, is very good indeed - incisive, powerful, and level-headed.  It was my last major purchase of Beethoven on modern piano.

Thanks, -  reminds me, that I intended to acqiure this set.

[FideLeo]

Thanks, -  reminds me, that I intended to acqiure this set.

Do you already have his complete EMI set?   The Philips offers only a very partial set of sonatas.

[FideLeo]

I think he was asking about Kovacevich's complete set on EMI  

Was he?  I gather that images of the EMI set are not that difficult to find.  I prefer the sound (and performance) quality of the Philips set, but of course the EMI is quite a bit more complete.  

[DavidRoss]

Was he?  I gather that images of the EMI set are not that difficult to find.  I prefer the sound (and performance) quality of the Philips set, but of course the EMI is quite a bit more complete.  

The pic completed the statement, "I only have a few of the sonatas on this Philips set...."  At least that's what he expressed.  Whether that's what he intended to express is another matter, eh?   

[FideLeo]

The pic completed the statement, "I only have a few of the sonatas on this Philips set...."  At least that's what he expressed.  Whether that's what he intended to express is another matter, eh?    

I agree coopmv's statement could have been a bit more precise: it is still NOT quite clear whether he does or does not own ALL the sonatas on the Philips set.    

[prémont]

Do you already have his complete EMI set? 

Yes, and I share DavidR´s opinion of it. This is my reason for acquiring the Philips set.