'HIPP' Diabellis

[Bryn]

Since getting the Demus recording on LP in an HMV sale back in the late '70s (more recently replaced by its CD manifestation on Aussie Eloquence), I have accumulated six other 'HIPP' 'digital' issues of this masterpiece:

Jörg Demus (after Graf, 1839)
Edmund Battersby (after Graf, 1825)
Paul Komen (Graf, 1824 in Beethovenhaus, Bonn)
Gary Cooper (Anton Walter und Sohn, 1822)
Andreas Staier (after Graf undated)
András Schiff (Franz Brodmann, c. 1820)
Ronald Brautigam (Paul McNulty, after a 4-stringed fortepiano by Conrad Graf, c. 1822, Op. 423).

The range of approaches is considerable, from Staier's perhaps somewhat over-egging of the slapstick, to Battersby's rather straight-laced. All have their attractions though.

Does anyone here know of other 'HIPP' Diabellis available, and any comments on preferences?

[Oh, I also have the Uri Caine. ]

[[If searching for the Demus on amazon.co.uk you need to forget about Beethoven and just look for "Diabelli Demus" ]]

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Schiff - Hammerflügel ?

Edoardo Torbianelli

The Graf used by Battersby is a modern replica of an 1825 instrument.

[Richard Barrett]

over-egging of the slapstick

I only know Staier and Brautigam (and I don't know any that aren't on your list). I agree that Staier has a tendency to interpret the music he plays to within an inch of its life, which I wasn't expecting to go as well in Beethoven as I think it does in Schubert, but I find Brautigam a little colourless in comparison. On the other hand it isn't a piece I feel the need to hear very often.

[Bryn]

Schiff - Hammerflügel ?

Indeed, after years of deprecating the use of such instruments he came round and made recordings on both the Brodmann and a 1921 Bechstein.

[Bryn]

... Edoardo Torbianelli

The Graf used by Battersby is a modern replica of an 1825 instrument.

Thanks for both pieces of information. I will update re, the Battersby and am glad to find the Torbianelli is available from QOBUZ.

[MickyD]

Bryn, thanks so much for letting me know that Eloquence reissued that Demus set. I would love to think that at some point we could have his wonderful vintage HIPP DHM Schumann recordings on CD - Kindeszenen etc. I have waited in vain for years for them to reappear. Do let us know if you hear anything!

[richardfinegold]

I had just received the Sony Vivarte Box#2 which has Demus playing the Beethoven PCs with Wil and Tafelmusik. I've listened to them once and want to rehear them. Would like to hear Demus and Brautigan. How do those two compare, Bryn?

[Richard Barrett]

the Sony Vivarte Box#2 which has Demus playing the Beethoven PCs

That would be Jos van Immerseel I think.

[richardfinegold]

That would be Jos van Immerseel I think.

Oops, right you are. Hard to keep track of the players in these big boxes

[NickWraight]

Then there is the orchestrated version on the Winter & Winter label by, and with, Uri Caine and Concerto Koln. Different and probably somewhat annoying for most but... Improbably 'straight' compared to Uri Caine's Goldberg's double album!

[Bryn]

Then there is the orchestrated version on the Winter & Winter label by, and with, Uri Caine and Concerto Koln. Different and probably somewhat annoying for most but... Improbably 'straight' compared to Uri Caine's Goldberg's double album!

See the bottom of the opening post.