Beethoven's Piano Sonatas

[Lilas Pastia]

For those interested, the Paul Lewis set on HM is available at BRO for 49.90$

[Wanderer]

I have to say I wasn't at all impressed by Barenboim's DVD cycle. To my ears it's mostly generic with haphazard good moments. Unless found very cheaply (for the included masterclass documentaries), not recommended.

[mc ukrneal]

I have to say I wasn't at all impressed by Barenboim's DVD cycle. To my ears it's mostly generic with haphazard good moments. Unless found very cheaply (for the included masterclass documentaries), not recommended.

Quite surprised to see a comment like this. I could undertand if someone complained about the mistakes he sometimes made or some of his choices in some of the sontatas. But the whole time I was watching, I always felt I was listening to someone who had really gotten underneath and into the pieces, someone with long experience playing them. I found myself often thinking about them long after I had heard them.  So while I would not choose this as a first choice or the choice if I could only have one, I thought this would make a great supplement (especially if one wanted to watch). Then again, I saw it for free on TV (well, pay cable, so not exactly free either), so maybe my reaction would be different if I shelled out $100 or whatever it costs.

Putting the money aside, I felt there was a lot to be learned and gained here.

[George]

Those who are curious about the Barenboim EMI set (as I am) can sample the Appassionata first movement here.

[George]

Those who are curious about the Barenboim EMI set (as I am) can sample the Appassionata first movement here.

Also, here's the first movement of  Op. 111 by Barenboim.

And the same by Richter, from his 1963 Leipzig concert

[Wanderer]

...the mistakes he sometimes made or some of his choices in some of the sontatas.

Mistakes I don't mind so much, after all these are live performances. It's the interpretations that mostly don't click. Thankfully, I got the set really cheap; it's good to have around as a visual document and for some occasional good insights he brings to the music; in general, though, this is nowhere near a top cycle in my book.

[Scarpia]

Oh dear, do I really need another one, but how to resist this for just over 35 bucks.

[George]

Oh dear, do I really need another one, but how to resist this for just over 35 bucks.

A splendid choice. It was something like my 10th set (albeit incomplete), but I did not regret it. My only complaint is that the outer movements tend to be slower than I like. But the slow movements are to die for!

[Scarpia]

Looking forward to it.

What are the best choices for Beethoven Sonatas on Forte-Piano?

[SonicMan46]

What are the best choices for Beethoven Sonatas on Forte-Piano?

Good question - Ronald Brautigam on BIS is up to Vol. 7 (I believe) - not sure how many more volumes are planned, and of course BIS will eventually put out a 'cheaper' box - could be years?

Not sure if there are other complete sets existing or ongoing on the fortepiano, so will look forward to additional comments - 

[Clever Hans]

Brautigam isn't just doing the sonatas, but the complete music for solo piano. There is most probably one more disc left for the sonatas, i.e. vol 8.

I highly recommend these recordings. I'd start with volume 6.

There is also Paul Komen, whom I haven't heard but many people seem to enjoy.

[George]

Looking forward to it.

What are the best choices for Beethoven Sonatas on Forte-Piano?

I can't say, as they are not my forte. 

[Todd]

What are the best choices for Beethoven Sonatas on Forte-Piano?

There are limited choices if you want to go complete.  Brautigam is almost done and is mixed (at least for me); Paul Badura-Skoda recorded a period cycle, but it's hard to find complete (though single volumes pop up); Malcolm Binns on L'Oiseau Lyre is out there; and Hiroaki Ooi is a newcomer.  For incomplete cycles, Paul Komen's is almost universally lauded.  That's what I will most likely try next in the period arena. 

Alexei Lubimov, Melvyn Tan, Jos van Immerseel, and John Khouri have apparently recorded some as well.  (There are no doubt others.)  I also read that Andrea Lucchesini has perfomed some LvB on period instruments.  I'd like to hear that, on disc or in person.

[mc ukrneal]

I can't say, as they are not my forte. 

Ok - that was funny 

[prémont]

Malcolm Binns on L'Oiseau Lyre is out there;

I have never seen but the late sonatas on Explore.

[Mandryka]

Has anyone here heard this CD -- which contains a recording of Cortot in Op 109 -- a late recording I guess?


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cortot-Plays-Chopin-Liszt-Beethoven/dp/B0000064B5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1265467317&sr=1-1

[George]

Has anyone here heard this CD -- which contains a recording of Cortot in Op 109 -- a late recording I guess?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cortot-Plays-Chopin-Liszt-Beethoven/dp/B0000064B5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1265467317&sr=1-1

Haven't heard it until today, just listened to the samples of that sonata and it sounds great! I hope that we one day see that rumored set of the 32 Beethoven sonatas by the pianist get released on CD.   

[Mandryka]

Haven't heard it until today, just listened to the samples of that sonata and it sounds great! I hope that we one day see that rumored set of the 32 Beethoven sonatas by the pianist get released on CD.   

Just found out that the 109 is from a piano roll.

Sorry.

[prémont]

Just found out that the 109 is from a piano roll.

Roll over Beethoven??

[George]

Just found out that the 109 is from a piano roll.

Sorry.

Thanks for the warning. I almost bought the CD this morning.