BaL 11.02.23 - Beethoven: Piano Sonata no. 23 in F minor "Appassionata"

[Bryn]

I have had the Brautigam cycle on my shopping list for a long time, really must get round to acquiring it. I already have his Mozart and Haydn cycles - he always sounds just 'right' to me in whatever he plays.

By buying the boxed set you will be saving very considerably compared to what I paid as each SACD was released.

[Parry1912]

I've tended to be in the "fp sounds like a jingly/jangly pub piano..."

I’m the same but Brautigam’s set really is excellent (especially on SACD).

[Pianoman]

Yes no way that Brautigam's instrument sounds like a 'pub piano' - expertly designed and built by Paul McNulty, the whole cycle was an absolute ear-opener for me and I got the entire series. Actually, I've liked virtually everything Brautigam does, and he seems to always pick a McNulty copy, so he really has faith in them.

[Wolfram]

I like Kovacevich in this one.

So do I. Pity the reviewer doesn't; he didn't even get a mention amongst the honourable rejects.

[MickyD]

By buying the boxed set you will be saving very considerably compared to what I paid as each SACD was released.

Yes, but I'll miss out on those fun original covers!

[Lordgeous]

As usual, a thankless task with such a huge choice of recordings. So many 'greats' ignored. Nevertheless an interesting and informative BAL. I think I only have Solomon & Schnabel. Just one observation: in the Brendel excerpts the piano sounded rather small to me, compared with many other excellent recordings. I've always had a soft spot for Gulda (I assume no other pianists have performed stark naked?!).

[Bryn]

As usual, a thankless task with such a huge choice of recordings. So many 'greats' ignored. Nevertheless an interesting and informative BAL. I think I only have Solomon & Schnabel. Just one observation: in the Brendel excerpts the piano sounded rather small to me, compared with many other excellent recordings. I've always had a soft spot for Gulda (I assume no other pianists have performed stark naked?!).

Couldn't resist it:

[Steerpike]

At the moment Qobuz have the Brautigam sonatas complete at little more than half price, digital booklet included. Piano concerti also going cheap. Sorry if anyone has mentioned this up-thread, I haven't read it all.

[Bryn]

At the moment Qobuz have the Brautigam sonatas complete at little more than half price, digital booklet included. Piano concerti also going cheap. Sorry if anyone has mentioned this up-thread, I haven't read it all.

For a similar price, you also get the 5.0 surround mix if you go direct to classical: https://www.eclassical.com/labels/bi...o-sonatas.html

[edashtav]

As usual, a thankless task with such a huge choice of recordings. So many 'greats' ignored. Nevertheless an interesting and informative BAL. I think I only have Solomon & Schnabel. Just one observation: in the Brendel excerpts the piano sounded rather small to me, compared with many other excellent recordings. I've always had a soft spot for Gulda (I assume no other pianists have performed stark naked?!).

I agree with your observations. I rely solely on Nikolai Medtner but Iain Burnside made a good case for investing in Brautigam and his peerless fortepiano. An enjoyable and thought provoking BaL.

[mikealdren]

So do I. Pity the reviewer doesn't; he didn't even get a mention amongst the honourable rejects.

Nor did Richter, probably just an oversight in such a crowded field. A Supraphon Richter version was chosen as one of the CD Reviewer's 'Essential Great Recordings' just before Christmas.

[Mal]

I’m the same but Brautigam’s set really is excellent (especially on SACD).

I just listened to the winner in full and it is rather special - that final movement! Hounds of hell indeed in pursuit, Brautigam/Beethoven keeping well ahead of them, ducking & dodging in their double bob down the Matterhorn.

[Mal]

Yes no way that Brautigam's instrument sounds like a 'pub piano'...

I agree, especially after listening to the winner in full; the sound is great. My comment was directed at other fps...

[Wolfram]

As usual, a thankless task with such a huge choice of recordings. So many 'greats' ignored. Nevertheless an interesting and informative BAL. I think I only have Solomon & Schnabel. Just one observation: in the Brendel excerpts the piano sounded rather small to me, compared with many other excellent recordings. I've always had a soft spot for Gulda (I assume no other pianists have performed stark naked?!).

And very helpfully they didn’t tell us which Brendel recording it was that they played.

[Nick Armstrong]

Iain Burnside made a good case for investing in Brautigam and his peerless fortepiano. An enjoyable and thought provoking BaL.

Completely agree. At last a BAL where one learnt a lot and wasn’t permanently on the verge of switching it off!

Looking forward to hearing the complete Brautigam performance on Sunday evening’s companion programme…


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