Sviatoslav Richter

[Mandryka]

Is there a particularly special Richter recording of Beethoven Piano sonata  No. 12 Op.26?

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Don...I have two early Vox Turnabouts with Richter in concert (not counting the licensed concertos from Melodiya). Wasn't the Spoleto the recital with the crashing piano lid? The one that Richter essentially played right on through? If so, you're right. Very good live sound...lots of presence and dimension...assuming you have a decent vinyl pressing (not always a sure thing with Vox Turnabout of that era). And assuming you've cranked the volume a bit to maximize the aural illusion, the crashing lid thingie always brings uninitiated listeners to full alert.


Dirk

Oh, is THAT what that sound is?? I'd never heard the story behind the boom. I had just assumed it was someone carelessly slamming a door or some such. You're right, though, it's jarring. It occurs in the middle of the first Debussy piece. Thankfully nothing seems to change sonically because of it but what concentration by Richter to just keep on truckin' in spite of this!   

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Is there a particularly special Richter recording of Beethoven Piano sonata  No. 12 Op.26?

I have both the live Praga and studio RCA.

Distortion is a major factor in the Praga, especially the louder things get, but otherwise the sound is okay. No complaints about the performance.

The RCA is blessed with rich, colorful sound (I have the earlier RCA/Papillon edition) and I've always found the performance superb.

I'd be hard pressed to recommend one over the other which says a lot about the RCA.

[George]

I'd be hard pressed to recommend one over the other which says a lot about the RCA.

I have that RCA. Must spin it later. 

[Holden]

The RCA definitely!

[Mandryka]

The RCA is blessed with rich, colorful sound (I have the earlier RCA/Papillon edition) and I've always found the performance superb.

The RCA definitely!

Yes, I bought that RCA/Papillons CD and the Op 26  is a very good example of Richter's art. Thanks for pointing it out.

[ririiii]

As my first post here, and being in a Richter mood, I wanted to mention that this sonata existed also in this french box relased in 2001 that I have and enjoy.  It included Richter's remaining RCA recs [Beethoven 1/Munch, Brahms 2/Leinsdorf, Beethoven 22 and this trmendous Appassionata.

[George]

Welcome to GMG, ririiii! 

[Dancing Divertimentian]

^Took the plunge and I must say it was worth the meager outlay. Wasted no time diving right into Debussy's Book 2 Preludes (haven't heard the rest of the disc and the following reflects that).

The sound is a definite improvement over the Vox/Turnabout LPs though still a pale shadow of Richter's commercial Debussy (on DG). His Vanguard Debussy is also much better recorded.

Not that anything is terribly amiss, it's just that the bass is a bit shy. Fortunately the highs and mids are cleanly captured which perfectly transmits to the listener all the knuckle-twisting runs and tiny pirouettes laced throughout music. And Richter does an amazing job of fleshing everything out.

A/B comparisons with another recording of Debussy's Book 2 Preludes - that on a BBC Legends disc - left me feeling that neither recording came out aces in the sound department, with a bass-shy Musical Concepts and a BBC Legends disc sporting sound that's overall too tubby and diffuse for my taste. Sort of muddy....

So the world still awaits the "perfect" Book 2 from Richter but as it stands the Musical Concepts disc is a fine stop-gap, with the BBC Legends recording a worthy supplement.

[George]

A/B comparisons with another recording of Debussy's Book 2 Preludes - that on a BBC Legends disc - left me feeling that neither recording came out aces in the sound department, with a bass-shy Musical Concepts and a BBC Legends disc sporting sound that's overall too tubby and diffuse for my taste. Sort of muddy....

So the world still awaits the "perfect" Book 2 from Richter but as it stands the Musical Concepts disc is a fine stop-gap, with the BBC Legends recording a worthy supplement.

Thanks for your review, Don.

Performance-wise, which is better? The BBC or the Musical Concepts?

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Thanks for your review, Don.

You're welcome, George.

Performance-wise, which is better? The BBC or the Musical Concepts?

Probably the Musical Concepts performance but undoubtedly the clearer sound factors into this. One of Richter's endearing qualities is his ability to cleanly and imaginatively articulate the tiniest of musical details - with startling virtuosity! - and hearing this applied to Debussy's extremely subtle music is an intense pleasure. Spoleto's cleaner sonic picture is a definite aid in transmitting this.

Setting aside sonic issues for a moment, in an attempt to get at the actual music, I will say that in Spoleto I hear perhaps more concentration from Richter, which usually from Richter translates into more liberated and freer playing - i.e., greater spontaneity. Everything just sounds wonderfully fresh and alive, here.

BUT...again, how much do sonic factors weigh in on this? Don't really know but I can say with certainty that I enjoy this Spoleto recording!

[George]

Thanks, Don.

Of course, I shall be buying this CD anyway. the question is how fast will I be running to the store? 

[Mandryka]

To make matters more complicated there's a sublime Livre 2 in the Hungary box – 1967 --  good sound considering it's live and more than 40 years old.

That Hungary box is a major event – stuffed with goodies.

[Clever Hans]

To make matters more complicated there's a sublime Livre 2 in the Hungary box – 1967 --  good sound considering it's live and more than 40 years old.

That Hungary box is a major event – stuffed with goodies.

Also 1967 Moscow Conservatory:

http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/product/CD/MELCD1001622.htm

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Thanks, Don.

Of course, I shall be buying this CD anyway. the question is how fast will I be running to the store? 

[Coopmv]

Thanks, Don.

Of course, I shall be buying this CD anyway. the question is how fast will I be running to the store? 

Or how fast you will click for that one click checkout ...   

[George]

Or how fast you will click for that one click checkout ...   

Nah, it'll be cheaper at JandR, where I plan to pick it up tomorrow.

[Coopmv]

Nah, it'll be cheaper at JandR, where I plan to pick it up tomorrow.

JandR is now open 7 days a week?

[George]

JandR is now open 7 days a week?

It always was.

[Coopmv]

It always was.

Not so.  It was always closed on Sunday until 10-15 years ago.