BaL 6.07.13 - Beethoven's Piano Sonata no. 32 in C minor Op. 111

[Bryn]

I've been listening to the ADV John Lill, the Claves Tom Beghin, the Linn Artur Pizarro and the Pentatone Mari Kodama this evening. The Lill and Beghin I thought a bit 'hit and miss', but the Pizarro really compelling. Not yet finished spinning the Kodama, however. I'll give a good few others a spin over the next couple of days.

Would that John Tilbury, whose 1968 'The sound of music' concert at Wigmore Hall effectively kindled my love for the work, had recorded Opus 111.

[richardfinegold]

It's disc 22 of this 24 CD set to be released in early August, rfg

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gary-Graffma...=gary+graffman

Thank you. The amazon site here lists that collection but shows a cover of an Opera CD. I also prefer the UK Price, less than 2 pounds/disc.

[clive heath]

You'll find my attempt at Op.111 on my site, where surface noise has been reduced but not, obviously, to total inaudiblity and the results may not be to everyone's taste. There are moments in the Aria and Variations where the music almost disappears but I haven't altered the dynamic levels so this is how quietly Schnabel played. Toward the end of the exposition in the first movement there is a passage where the rhythmic impetus is irregular but this gives the music a headlong feeling which in its way is exciting.

http://www.cliveheathmusic.co.uk/transcriptions_07.php

Item 26 contains Op. 111

[richardfinegold]

You'll find my attempt at Op.111 on my site, where surface noise has been reduced but not, obviously, to total inaudiblity and the results may not be to everyone's taste. There are moments in the Aria and Variations where the music almost disappears but I haven't altered the dynamic levels so this is how quietly Schnabel played. Toward the end of the exposition in the first movement there is a passage where the rhythmic impetus is irregular but this gives the music a headlong feeling which in its way is exciting.

http://www.cliveheathmusic.co.uk/transcriptions_07.php

Item 26 contains Op. 111

I just listened and I am impressed with the quality of your transfer. I have the Schnabel set on my phone as an mp3 download and just listened to the second movements of your transfer and the set that I purchased through Amazon. Yours is much quieter, without seeming to sacrifice any of the music or ambience.

[amateur51]

As anticipated, a completely individual approach by DON and thoroughly enlightening and worthwhile it was too. His running musicological commentary was a delight and he was not afraid to have a pop at one or two sacred cows. His enthusiasm for Brautigam was delightful as was his advocacy of Cherkassky's recording and for me the revelation was Jeremy Denk, of whom I had never heard before - my loss.

Bravo DON!

[Richard Tarleton]

As anticipated, a completely individual approach by DON and thoroughly enlightening and worthwhile it was too. His running musicological commentary was a delight and he was not afraid to have a pop at one or two sacred cows. His enthusiasm for Brautigam was delightful as was his advocacy of Cherkassky's recording and for me the revelation was Jeremy Denk, of whom I had never heard before - my loss.

Bravo DON!

My sentiments entirely, ams. I'm even tempted to give Brautigam a try!

[BBMmk2]

I mighht stick eith what i9 know hereor shall be tempted.

[Bryn]

Hmm, no new purchases for me. I got the Brautigam the day before its official UK release date (from hmv.com) and the Denk last November. Must admit I have only spun it once and was mainly paying attention to the Ligeti. Must dig it out.

A very fine Building a Library, I thought. Just a little sorry he did not find time to play a little of Elly Ney's recording on a Graf.

[amateur51]

My sentiments entirely, ams. I'm even tempted to give Brautigam a try!

Brautigam is nothing short of miraculous - I just hope they issue the full set at mid-price in my lifetime

[Bryn]

Brautigam is nothing short of miraculous - I just hope they issue the full set at mid-price in my lifetime

I have no regrets whatever at having purchased each of the Brautigam discs as they were released. Life's too short to wait for some things. I must dig out my DVD-R of the BBC broadcast, during 'The Beethoven Experience' of Brautigam, Harmonieband and Hazlewood in the 4th concerto. You can hear extracts form it at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00fk86l

[vinteuil]

I have no regrets whatever at having purchased each of the Brautigam discs as they were released. Life's too short to wait for some things.

... them was my sentiments too!

Enjoyed this BAL a lot. I wd have liked to have heard his views on some of the other 'early piano' lot, and also Rosen and Pollini - but he very reasonably pointed out that there were so many he cdn't cover them all. The Cherkassky was lovely; Denk was a new name for me.

He clearly didn't like the Brendel at all...

[amateur51]

... them was my sentiments too!

Enjoyed this BAL a lot. I wd have liked to have heard his views on some of the other 'early piano' lot, and also Rosen and Pollini - but he very reasonably pointed out that there were so many he cdn't cover them all. The Cherkassky was lovely; Denk was a new name for me.

He clearly didn't like the Brendel at all...

He was very funny about Brendel

[ardcarp]

I'm tempted to add to the above, blow the Beethoven! This BAL was a DON tour de force and not to be missed!

But seriously, can't wait to hear the whole sonata on the Graf on Monday.

[BBMmk2]

I would have loved to have heard a snippet from Andras Shiff.

[amateur51]

I would have loved to have heard a snippet from Andras Shiff.

Here's a link to a series of lectures that Andras Schiff gives about Beethoven's piano sonatas, ad his approach to playing them, Bbm

http://music.guardian.co.uk/classical/page/0,,1943867,00.html