BaL 3.02.18 - Beethoven: Piano Sonata no. 30 in E major, Op.109

[Bryn]

If it's for the booklet notes you particularly want the CD option, I would advise that the notes by Harry Halbreich which accompany the CDs are identical to those he contributed to PB-S's Bösendorfer Imperial set on Gramola. The latter set also has analytical notes by PB-S on each sonata, many with musical examples.

I would add that the Gramola survey has been updated since I got it as a 9 CD set. It now has a bonus CD with 2 extra recordings of Op. 106, a live one using a Bösendorfer Imperial, recorded in 1976, and another, using an 1824 Conrad Graf, recorded in 1980 (possibly that previously issued on the Astrée label). Best price I can find is here. I think my 9 CD set might just be finding its way into the Amazon marketplace.

[vinteuil]

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Hi Bryn - yes I have the updated gramola - but o how I envy you his period-piano survey!


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[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Only a few hours to this broadcast.

[BBMmk2]

I'll be catching up this afternoon. Jamming session this morning.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Richard GOOD?

[pastoralguy]

Looks like Richard Goode has 'won' it!

[Thropplenoggin]

I really thought Fischer had got it. Shame - I've had her account on repeat all week. It would have been a worthy BaL choice. I found Goode a bit oafish in this lyrical sonata. That said, a thoughtful conspectus from Smith.

[HighlandDougie]

I really thought Fischer had got it. Shame - I've had her account on repeat all week. It would have been a worthy BaL choice. I found Goode a bit oafish in this lyrical sonata. That said, a thoughtful conspectus from Smith.

Hmm, having seen/heard him recently, the word "oafish" is not one which comes to mind in relation to Richard Goode. Difficult to judge a whole performance on the basis of extracts but, hey, à chacun son goût. I also found this to be a thoughtful and articulate traversal from Schnabel to Bavouzet. I've just ordered the Fischer but seem already to have most of the other recordings in the frame.

[Bryn]

I tuned in late. Was there any consideration given to recording of the work played on instruments the composer would have been familiar with, and composed it to be played on?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I tuned in late. Was there any consideration given to recording of the work played on instruments the composer would have been familiar with, and composed it to be played on?

Just a (favourable) clip from Brautigam - all other such recordings passed over, rather casually: the only failing in an otherwise excellent BaL, I thought.

[DoctorT]

I tuned in late. Was there any consideration given to recording of the work played on instruments the composer would have been familiar with, and composed it to be played on?

Yes, Brautigam got an enthusiastic mention as the best option, and a short extract was played from the third movement. Tempted to add his recording(s) to my modest collection.

[richardfinegold]

Hmm, having seen/heard him recently, the word "oafish" is not one which comes to mind in relation to Richard Goode. Difficult to judge a whole performance on the basis of extracts but, hey, à chacun son goût. I also found this to be a thoughtful and articulate traversal from Schnabel to Bavouzet. I've just ordered the Fischer but seem already to have most of the other recordings in the frame.

Interesting winner. Goode and Fischer are the two recordings that I usually turn to in this piece as well.

[Thropplenoggin]

Hmm, having seen/heard him recently, the word "oafish" is not one which comes to mind in relation to Richard Goode. Difficult to judge a whole performance on the basis of extracts but, hey, à chacun son goût. I also found this to be a thoughtful and articulate traversal from Schnabel to Bavouzet. I've just ordered the Fischer but seem already to have most of the other recordings in the frame.

Surely we've all heard pianists who have excelled in a single live performance but sounded different on disc, and vice versa?

[HighlandDougie]

Surely we've all heard pianists who have excelled in a single live performance but sounded different on disc, and vice versa?

I've seen/heard Richard Goode several times (twice including this sonata) and, well, as I said, each to his own but I'm struggling to associate a word which I might use to describe Boris Johnson with what I heard this morning. We'll just have to agree to differ on RG - we clearly agree on Annie Fischer, though:)

[Bryn]

I already have the Goode (which I too find a tough 'oafish' (perhaps off-hand would be more apposite). Just ordered a "Very Good" condition used copy of the Fischer boxed set of 4 CDs for £1.06 including p&p (admittedly that includes a £10 'gift card' discount). Not even considering the likes of Lubimov looks like carelessness to me. Even Cementine gave it 5 stars in his Grouniad review.