Beethoven Piano Sonatas

[Ron S]

For anyone looking to pick up one of the truly classic complete sets of Beethoven's piano sonatas, Amazon.UK has the 1950's Kempff set on Deutsche Grammophon for the ridiculously low price of 17 pounds (about $32.50) exluding VAT, which those outside the UK don't pay (the 2.97 pounds VAT is automatically deducted during checkout). (...)

Actually, that bit about VAT is not quite correct; VAT is not deducted for EU residents, only for those outside the EU.

I figured that out after I submitted that post.

[king ubu]

For anyone looking to pick up one of the truly classic complete sets of Beethoven's piano sonatas, Amazon.UK has the 1950's Kempff set on Deutsche Grammophon for the ridiculously low price of 17 pounds (about $32.50) exluding VAT, which those outside the UK don't pay (the 2.97 pounds VAT is automatically deducted during checkout). (...)

Actually, that bit about VAT is not quite correct; VAT is not deducted for EU residents, only for those outside the EU.

[Ron S]

ANOTHER BEETHOVEN PIANO SONATA DEAL ALERT:

Amazon.co.uk has the Philips 14-CD Claudio Arrau set for 30.97 pounds including VAT, and 26.36 pounds excluding VAT for those outside the EU (or about $50). In addition to all 32 sonatas, this set includes the Diabelli Variations, the Eroica Variations, all 5 Piano Concertos, and the Triple Concerto. And with a shipping cost of only about 3 pounds ($5.70) to the US, it's another amazing deal from the British Amazonians. See more here.

And while we're on the subject of Beethoven Sonata deals, another one can be had on the newly reissued Deutsche Grammophon 9-CD Gilels set. This set includes 27 of the numbered Sonatas (he died before he could record the remaining 5), the Eroica Variations, and some other pieces. Buy.com has it for $54.21, but if you use Google Checkout (quick and easy sign-up if you haven't already), you get an immediate $10 discount when you check out. (This applies to everything else in stock at Buy.com, including the 19 Mosaic Selects they carry--just order each one separately to get the $10 discount applied to each order). See more about this set on Amazon's page here, and order it from Buy.com here. Just remember to use Google Checkout to get the $44.21 price.

[Chuck Nessa]

Not a fan of the Arrau / Philips / Beethoven recordings. There are multiple recordings and the later the worst (IMHO).

The DG Gilels Beethoven never caught my attention but I welcome other viewpoints.

[Ron S]

Not a fan of the Arrau / Philips / Beethoven recordings. There are multiple recordings and the later the worst (IMHO).

These are the ones from the '60s (see here). Any thoughts on those? (FWIW, the sound in this set is said to be excellent, belying it's vintage, which you can sort of tell in the AMG samples.)

[Chuck Nessa]

Not a fan of the Arrau / Philips / Beethoven recordings. There are multiple recordings and the later the worst (IMHO).

These are the ones from the '60s (see here). Any thoughts on those? (FWIW, the sound in this set is said to be excellent, belying it's vintage, which you can sort of tell in the AMG samples.)

The sound was very good on the '60s recordings and these are the better versions. Just not my cup of tea.

[Chuck Nessa]

FWIW, my taste in Beethoven leans toward the "severe" - hence my taste for Schnabel and Rosen. Next comes an interest in the "mercurial" with '50s Kempff and early Brendel. After that my interest falls off quickly. I can imagine a "romantic" cycle by Fischer but it doesn't seem to exist.

Edited November 22, 2006 by Chuck Nessa

[gnhrtg]

DIABELLI

* Mustonen

Although after you have at least one other version ('cause his is idiosyncratic but it also actually helps appreciate Mustonen better, I think).

Edited November 22, 2006 by gnhrtg

[Ron S]

I can imagine a "romantic" cycle by Fischer but it doesn't seem to exist.

You're not talking about this, are you? Or do you mean Edwin Fischer?

BTW, what do you think of Solomon?

As always, your (Chuck's and clem's) personal views are interesting and appreciated, especially since both the Arrau set and Gilels generally get positive reviews from the "pros" (Penguin, Gramophone, Third Ear, Rough Guide, etc.).

Edited November 22, 2006 by Ron S

[Ron S]

DIABELLI

* Bishop (pre-Kovacevich)

For yourmusic.com groupies, that just showed up (for $5.99 w/free shipping, of course), here.

[Joe G]

Ernst Levy!!!

Wow. Interesting cat!

[J.A.W.]

I can imagine a "romantic" cycle by Fischer but it doesn't seem to exist.

You're not talking about this, are you? Or do you mean Edwin Fischer?

BTW, what do you think of Solomon?

As always, your (Chuck's and clem's) personal views are interesting and appreciated, especially since both the Arrau set and Gilels generally get positive reviews from the "pros" (Penguin, Gramophone, Third Ear, Rough Guide, etc.).

I wonder what is wrong with the Arrau set according to the "specialists" here. OK, you don't like it, fine, but why not?

[Ron S]

ANOTHER BEETHOVEN PIANO SONATA DEAL ALERT:

And while we're on the subject of Beethoven Sonata deals, another one can be had on the newly reissued Deutsche Grammophon 9-CD Gilels set. This set includes 27 of the numbered Sonatas (he died before he could record the remaining 5), the Eroica Variations, and some other pieces. Buy.com has it for $54.21, but if you use Google Checkout (quick and easy sign-up if you haven't already), you get an immediate $10 discount when you check out. (This applies to everything else in stock at Buy.com, including the 19 Mosaic Selects they carry--just order each one separately to get the $10 discount applied to each order). See more about this set on Amazon's page here, and order it from Buy.com here. Just remember to use Google Checkout to get the $44.21 price.

This deal has become even better: using Google Checkout at Buy.com now gets you $20 off any order over $50, so the cost of this set at Buy.com's current price of $55.01 becomes $35.01 including delivery (for a 9-disc DG set!). Obviously, opinions will vary, but Gilels' Beethoven sonatas do get glowing reviews in some of the "mainstream" guides, and at this price it might be worth checking him out.

[gnhrtg]

I can't emphasize enough, also, everyone trying to hear, say, Andreas Staier's Schubert & Brautigam's Beethoven. (Haydn too for the dozen or so pieces that oughta interest everyone.)

I should say that I'm no fan of the fortepiano but you make it sound like Brautigam's Beethoven is better than his Mozart (which I hope it is). His Mozart is interesting and worth a listen, and perhaps more if you enjoy the fortepiano sound, but nothing to rave about. Though I have seen enough reviews heaping praise upon praise on his Mozart so it might be just me. Staier, too, did not make much of an impression on me with his Mozart, mostly earlier recordings but again, I have not heard his Schubert. I will give it a shot.

Edited November 23, 2006 by gnhrtg

[J.A.W.]

I can't emphasize enough, also, everyone trying to hear, say, Andreas Staier's Schubert & Brautigam's Beethoven. (Haydn too for the dozen or so pieces that oughta interest everyone.)

I should say that I'm no fan of the fortepiano but you make it sound like Brautigam's Beethoven is better than his Mozart (which I hope it is). His Mozart is interesting and worth a listen, and perhaps more if you enjoy the fortepiano sound, but nothing to rave about. Though I have seen enough reviews heaping praise upon praise on his Mozart so it might be just me. Staier, too, did not make much of an impression on me with his Mozart, mostly earlier recordings but again, I have not heard his Schubert. I will give it a shot.

Gökhan,

I'm interested in your Beethoven piano sonatas preferences, if any.

[porcy62]

I have the Kempff stereo cycle on vinyl, plus a couple of records of Gilels, I inherited from my father. I prefer Kempff, BUT I am not a CLEM-XPERT, or NESS-EXPERT, nor a musicianz. I just love that hiss and pops and clicks the needle produces on my DG records. I didn't listen to Brendel cycle, but I like the guy, maybe because his photos on the covers of some Mozart records remind me of my dad, I am not joking, they look like twins, in picture.

Sorry for the useless post, but this stuff moved some nostalgia for my old father.

Edited November 23, 2006 by porcy62

[gnhrtg]

I can't emphasize enough, also, everyone trying to hear, say, Andreas Staier's Schubert & Brautigam's Beethoven. (Haydn too for the dozen or so pieces that oughta interest everyone.)

I should say that I'm no fan of the fortepiano but you make it sound like Brautigam's Beethoven is better than his Mozart (which I hope it is). His Mozart is interesting and worth a listen, and perhaps more if you enjoy the fortepiano sound, but nothing to rave about. Though I have seen enough reviews heaping praise upon praise on his Mozart so it might be just me. Staier, too, did not make much of an impression on me with his Mozart, mostly earlier recordings but again, I have not heard his Schubert. I will give it a shot.

Gökhan,

I'm interested in your Beethoven piano sonatas preferences, if any.

If you are not asking this in jest, I am flattered. I am sure I own (and have heard) significantly, if not far, fewer versions than Chuck, clem, or yourself, Hans but still I'll listen to some I find notable today and tomorrow and get back to you.

[J.A.W.]

Gökhan,

I'm interested in your Beethoven piano sonatas preferences, if any.

If you are not asking this in jest (...)

I'm not, why should I. I'm interested. I have a few sets, but I find none of them totally convincing and I'd like to explore some others.

Edited November 24, 2006 by J.A.W.

[Ron S]

KEMPFF SET DEFECT ALERT

Leaving aside for the moment the relative merits of these sets and musicians, I wanted to bring a potential manufacturing defect to the attention of those who ordered the Kempff '50's set from Amazon.co.uk. When I first received my set, I sampled a disc or two and discovered that at 0:50 of track 8 on disc 6, there was a defect causing the disc to skip. I contacted Amazon.co.uk, and they sent me a second set. Well, the second set arrived today and, lo and behold, the new disc 6 skips even worse at the exact same location. Obviously, there is a manufacturing defect in this particular run of discs. In lieu of going back to Amazon UK again, I visited the DG web site where, fortunately, they have the following FAQ:

11. There appears to be a fault on my copy of a recently purchased Deutsche Grammophon -CD/DVD/Booklet, how do I get a replacement?

In such a case, please send your faulty disc or booklet with a brief explanation to the following address, where it will be examined and should we find ourselves responsible for the fault, we will send you a replacement free of charge:

Universal Manufacturing & Logistics, Quality Control, Joachim Bock, Emil-Berliner Str. 13, D-30851 Langenhagen, Germany

[J.A.W.]

KEMPFF SET DEFECT ALERT

Leaving aside for the moment the relative merits of these sets and musicians, I wanted to bring a potential manufacturing defect to the attention of those who ordered the Kempff '50's set from Amazon.co.uk. When I first received my set, I sampled a disc or two and discovered that at 0:50 of track 8 on disc 6, there was a defect causing the disc to skip. I contacted Amazon.co.uk, and they sent me a second set. Well, the second set arrived today and, lo and behold, the new disc 6 skips even worse at the exact same location. Obviously, there is a manufacturing defect in this particular run of discs. In lieu of going back to Amazon UK again, I visited the DG web site where, fortunately, they have the following FAQ:

11. There appears to be a fault on my copy of a recently purchased Deutsche Grammophon -CD/DVD/Booklet, how do I get a replacement?

In such a case, please send your faulty disc or booklet with a brief explanation to the following address, where it will be examined and should we find ourselves responsible for the fault, we will send you a replacement free of charge:

Universal Manufacturing & Logistics, Quality Control, Joachim Bock, Emil-Berliner Str. 13, D-30851 Langenhagen, Germany

Track 8 on disc 6 of my set, which I bought several years ago, doesn't skip. The total timing of my disc 6 is 71:59.

Edited November 25, 2006 by J.A.W.

[Guest youmustbe]

No single pianist can 'nail' all the sonatas by Beethoven, or Schubert for example. That's why I stay away from 'Complete' sets by any pianist. Kempff to me is Nazi style Beethoven and Schubert , stolid. Arrau 'swings' as much as Wynton.

For late Beethoven, I prefer at different times, Francois Frederic Guy, Christoph Eschenbach, Charles Rosen, Artie ("So I miss most of the notes') Schnabel, the Opus 111 by Pogorelich and Serkin's Hammerklavier is very good.

The music is so deep, there I've said it, both Beethoven's and Schubert's piano sonatas, that one just keeps finding newer (or older versions) that reveal musical delights, like Evelyn Crochet's Schubert's A Minor Opus 143 or Beneditti-Michelangeli's perverse, but delicious D573.

Like with Coltrane or Miles, , one never 'tires' of the above piano sonatas.

And don't get me started on Schumann's Symphonic Etudes! What a hip piece!!

[Ron S]

KEMPFF SET DEFECT ALERT

Leaving aside for the moment the relative merits of these sets and musicians, I wanted to bring a potential manufacturing defect to the attention of those who ordered the Kempff '50's set from Amazon.co.uk. When I first received my set, I sampled a disc or two and discovered that at 0:50 of track 8 on disc 6, there was a defect causing the disc to skip. I contacted Amazon.co.uk, and they sent me a second set. Well, the second set arrived today and, lo and behold, the new disc 6 skips even worse at the exact same location. Obviously, there is a manufacturing defect in this particular run of discs. In lieu of going back to Amazon UK again, I visited the DG web site where, fortunately, they have the following FAQ:

11. There appears to be a fault on my copy of a recently purchased Deutsche Grammophon -CD/DVD/Booklet, how do I get a replacement?

In such a case, please send your faulty disc or booklet with a brief explanation to the following address, where it will be examined and should we find ourselves responsible for the fault, we will send you a replacement free of charge:

Universal Manufacturing & Logistics, Quality Control, Joachim Bock, Emil-Berliner Str. 13, D-30851 Langenhagen, Germany

Track 8 on disc 6 of my set, which I bought several years ago, doesn't skip. The total timing of my disc 6 is 71:59.

Same timing on mine, but there's a definite problem at the same location on both copies of the disc I received--the second copy actually gets stuck at that location for a few seconds before moving on. As I said before, it must be a problem with this particular pressing. And fortunately, DG has a department to deal with just this kind of thing.

[Chalupa]

KEMPFF SET DEFECT ALERT

Leaving aside for the moment the relative merits of these sets and musicians, I wanted to bring a potential manufacturing defect to the attention of those who ordered the Kempff '50's set from Amazon.co.uk. When I first received my set, I sampled a disc or two and discovered that at 0:50 of track 8 on disc 6, there was a defect causing the disc to skip. I contacted Amazon.co.uk, and they sent me a second set. Well, the second set arrived today and, lo and behold, the new disc 6 skips even worse at the exact same location. Obviously, there is a manufacturing defect in this particular run of discs. In lieu of going back to Amazon UK again, I visited the DG web site where, fortunately, they have the following FAQ:

11. There appears to be a fault on my copy of a recently purchased Deutsche Grammophon -CD/DVD/Booklet, how do I get a replacement?

In such a case, please send your faulty disc or booklet with a brief explanation to the following address, where it will be examined and should we find ourselves responsible for the fault, we will send you a replacement free of charge:

Universal Manufacturing & Logistics, Quality Control, Joachim Bock, Emil-Berliner Str. 13, D-30851 Langenhagen, Germany

Track 8 on disc 6 of my set, which I bought several years ago, doesn't skip. The total timing of my disc 6 is 71:59.

Same timing on mine, but there's a definite problem at the same location on both copies of the disc I received--the second copy actually gets stuck at that location for a few seconds before moving on. As I said before, it must be a problem with this particular pressing. And fortunately, DG has a department to deal with just this kind of thing.

Hey Ron I just checked my copy that I got from Amazon and I didn't notice anything. I played it on two diferent players. Have you tried playing the disc in question on another cd player??

Edited November 25, 2006 by Chalupa

[Ron S]

Hey Ron I just checked my copy that I got from Amazon and I didn't notice anything. I played it on two diferent players. Have you tried playing the disc in question on another cd player??

Yep--tried both copies several times on three different players. Once or twice they didn't skip, but most of the time they both skipped at the exact same spot on all 3 players.

[Chalupa]

Hey Ron I just checked my copy that I got from Amazon and I didn't notice anything. I played it on two diferent players. Have you tried playing the disc in question on another cd player??

Yep--tried both copies several times on three different players. Once or twice they didn't skip, but most of the time they both skipped at the exact same spot on all 3 players.

That's weird. Have you tried extracting and burning a new copy???